The conversation around mental health and wellbeing in the IP profession has come a long way. We talk more openly now about stress, burnout and resilience – particularly for those early in their careers.
But there is one group whose wellbeing is still too often overlooked, unintentionally.
Senior leaders.
In our latest self-help video, Jane Wainwright – former patent attorney and IP firm partner, now an executive and leadership coach – speaks candidly about the unique wellbeing challenges faced by senior leaders in IP.
From the outside, leadership can look like confidence, capability and control. But behind the scenes, the reality can be far more complex.
Jane explores some of the common pressures senior leaders carry, including:
- Responsibility for high-value, high-stakes work
- Accountability for people, performance and firm finances
- The weight of decision-making
- Financial pressures and commercial risk
- The isolation that can come with being “the one in charge”
These challenges are rarely talked about – yet they have a very real impact on wellbeing.
What makes this video particularly powerful is Jane’s focus on practical, human approaches to tackling these pressures. She shares a wide range of ideas designed to resonate with leaders at different stages and in different environments, including:
- Normalising boundaries, such as not working outside contracted hours
- Creating space for reflection and thinking time
- Encouraging people to work in line with their strengths
- Building peer support and trusted leadership networks
- Recognising that leaders, too, need support – not just responsibility
This is not about lowering standards or expectations. It’s about recognising that sustainable leadership depends on wellbeing – and that when senior leaders are supported, the positive impact ripples across teams, firms and the profession as a whole.
Please share with colleagues, peers and leaders who may find this helpful.
As always, we welcome your feedback and reflections. If this video resonates – or if there are topics you would like us to explore – please get in touch at feedback@jonathansvoice.org.uk.
If you are interested in supporting this work, we would also love to hear from potential sponsors who share our commitment to improving mental wellbeing across the IP profession.
