
#13.1 | Viv Grant - Leading Through Crisis Without Losing Yourself
GET YOUR COPY OF 'EVERY TEACHER MATTERS': https://offers.kindmindacademy.com/etm-offer-rkm THE INTERVIEW When life demands everything at once, stepping into leadership can feel like carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Viv Grant knows that feeling all too well - from taking on a challenging school turnaround at 31 while pregnant to navigating a life-altering health diagnosis. In this episode, Viv Grant candidly reflects on how early words shaped her inner critic, what happens when the "be strong" persona finally breaks down, and how intuitive art and self-compassion opened a path toward true healing. This is an inviting exploration into pausing, honoring emotional needs, and learning to lead from a place of deep authenticity. Whether balancing family, career, or personal hurdles, this conversation provides a gentle reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a superpower. Key Takeaways Unconscious Labels: Systemic pressure and criticism often get internalised, turning external labels into an internal standard of self-judgment. The "Be Strong" Trap: Relying continuously on a protective, hardened persona leads to emotional suppression and eventual burnout. Power of the Pause: Stepping back to ask "What do I really need right now?" is an essential act of self-preservation, not selfishness. Vulnerability as Strength: Dropping the mask allows for genuine connection, better leadership, and healthier family relationships. Intuitive Expression: Creative outlets like art can bypass rational logic to process deep-seated emotions and support healing. Quotes "It would be, you're not good enough. You're going to have to work really hard to prove to others that you're capable." "I didn't know there was another way of actually being in relationship with myself." "I remember coming back from hospital... and thinking, thinking is not going to get me through this." "Self-care is not a selfish act. Asking ourselves what we need, it's an act of kindness." "Vulnerability can be a super strength, it can be a superpower, because we let people in when we let our guard down." Chapters 00:00 – Celebrating World Teachers Day 02:15 – Leading a School Turnaround at 31 05:51 – The Weight of Systemic Pressure 08:19 – Confronting the Childhood Inner Critic 14:08 – Standing in the Tragic Gap 23:44 – The Turning Point: Dismantling "Be Strong" 34:00 – Finding Healing Through Intuitive Art 48:08 – What Do You Really Need Right Now? TAKE THE KINDNESS QUIZ: kindmindacademy.com/kq-rkm HOW TO CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/integritycoaching/ HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HOSTS https://RaisingKindMindsPodcast.com https://KindMindAcademy.com https://TheBoosterWay.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathrynLovewell https://www.linkedin.com/in/LizWalker8 CONNECT WITH RKM ON SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.instagram.com/RaisingKindMindsPodcast https://www.youtube.com/@raisingkindmindspodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@RaisingKindMindsPodcast HOST BIOS Kathryn Lovewell is the founder of Kind Mind Academy, an award-winning international speaker and best-selling author specialising in Self-Compassion. A Senior Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and creator of The Booster Way®, she has spent over a decade helping adults, families, and educators transform self-criticism into confidence and self-trust. Kathryn blends science, storytelling, and humour to make personal growth relatable, and accessible. She’s real, she’s been there, and she’s passionate about helping people stop beating themselves up and start living happier, kinder lives. Grounded, heartfelt, and a little mischievous, Kathryn believes laughter and compassion are equally powerful medicine. Liz Walker is the co-founder of Kind Mind Academy and co-host of Raising Kind Minds. Known for her warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence, Liz brings genuine humanity to every conversation. With decades of experience in business, personal development and client care, she pairs practical wisdom with deep compassion. Liz doesn’t do hype; she believes real change begins with honesty, kindness, and a good laugh at ourselves now and then. She is passionate about helping people feel seen, safe, and supported as they learn to lead their lives with more self-belief and joy. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
















