#23: The Unseen Struggles on Teams: Recognizing Small Traumas- Elizabeth Smith

What if the greatest threats to your team’s health aren’t the obvious ones?

In this episode with Elizabeth Smith, we talk about the often-overlooked impact of small traumas—the subtle, cumulative wounds that can quietly fracture trust and unity on a missions team.

✅ What “small traumas” are and why they matter in a missions context

✅ Real examples of how trauma can show up in leadership or daily team life without being recognized

✅ How unresolved pain shapes team dynamics, communication, and spiritual health

✅ Signs your team may be impacted by unspoken trauma

✅ The role of leaders in fostering psychological safety and building healing spaces

✅ Mistakes leaders often make that deepen trauma instead of addressing it

✅ Mindset shifts needed to lead with compassion and resilience

Whether you're leading a team or serving on one, this conversation will help you navigate the hidden emotional challenges of life in ministry with greater empathy and intentionality.

We’ve invited Elizabeth back because she recently wrote the book Trauma-Informed Leadership , which is a book that combines over a decade of leadership experience with her expertise as a certified Trauma-Informed Care Practitioner. She equips leaders to identify and address the subtle, everyday traumas that can quietly undermine team trust and effectiveness.

Her leadership background includes ministry and missions work, as well as her current role as COO of TCK Training, a company recognized for its commitment to emotional safety in the workplace. As an international speaker and full-time traveler, Elizabeth brings a globally-informed perspective to the practical strategies she offers to missions leaders and teams looking to strengthen their team dynamics.

Show notes and links:

https://www.kylefarran.com/missionslife/23-the-unseen-struggles-on-teams-recognizing-small-traumas-elizabeth-smith

We want to hear from you!

Have a question, story, or idea for a future episode?

Send us a message at kfarran@abwe.org with the subject “Podcast” or connect with us on Instagram: @kyle.farran

Whether it’s a challenge you’re facing, a topic you’re curious about, or just a quick note to say hi—we’d love to hear it.

Your feedback and ideas help shape the future of Missions Life!