By Jordan (Head of Income, Communications and Engagement)
Jordan took a career break last year to travel and gain a fresh perspective on leadership, wellbeing and development.
His learnings were the importance of being present, protecting your energy, finding balance through routine and embracing change. He wrote a blog to share his reflections:
Travelling taught me that ‘being’, not just ‘doing’, is powerful. Leadership requires being fully present, listening actively, understanding what the team needs and supporting good decisions that create a healthy team environment.
But I also learned something uncomfortable, results rarely come from exhaustion. When I’m burnt out, I don’t lead well. The best outcomes happen when energy is protected. Breaks are important. A walk at lunch, a pause between meetings, planned holiday across the year. These moments aren’t lost time, they are time returned.
Travel also showed me that I adapt quickly when I step outside my comfort zone. But even while adapting, I still need to feel grounded. Routine keeps me balanced – hydrating, slow breathing, journalling, eating well, noticing nature. I’m at my best when I understand my ‘why’ and lean into the rhythms and environments that help me feel aligned and motivated. I’ve realised that alignment looks different for everyone, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing. Knowing what gives me energy keeps me aligned and connected to the work.
Stress will come and go and it doesn’t have to be detrimental. Even with planning, life shifts and some moments demand a quick response. Like bamboo bending in the wind, I feel strongest when I stay rooted in my values and flexible in how I move through change.
Travel taught me that I’m at my best when I’m surrounded by the right community. The same is true at work. I’ve learned that the strongest teams are those that collaborate well, o ver thoughtful challenge and stay committed to our shared goals.
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About Peer Power Youth
Peer Power Youth exists to make support services better for children and young people who’ve experienced trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, exclusion, injustice and violence.
Through empathy and trusted relationships, we support young people to see their strengths, build their confidence and leadership skills.
Peer Power Youth’s Empathy Led Model (ELM) provides training, coaching and action learning programmes designed to help organisations strengthen trauma-informed, relational and youth led practice.
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