Meet Katie Martin, a hostage negotiator with the Metropolitan Police. Katie shares her unique journey into policing, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the importance of listening and self-disclosure in her role. We delve into the emotional toll of dealing with trauma, the power of storytelling in training, and the significance of acknowledging the inner stories we tell ourselves.

Katie's experiences highlight the rewarding yet challenging nature of her work, and she reflects on her career milestones, including a moment she'll never forget, featuring Nelson Mandela, King Charles and a boa constrictor. She also talks about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her demanding career. She emphasises the importance of understanding personal values and how they shape behavior, as well as the need for empathy and active listening in communication.

Takeaways:

• Listening is a crucial skill that is often overlooked.
• Self-disclosure can enhance empathy in negotiations.
• Being a woman in policing can be both challenging and empowering.
• The inner stories we tell ourselves can impact our self-perception.
• Storytelling is a powerful tool in training and learning.
• Policing involves dealing with trauma and emotional challenges.
• The importance of teamwork in high-stress situations.
• Gratitude plays a significant role in coping with challenges.
• Physicality can be a barrier for women in policing roles.
• Katie's journey reflects resilience and determination in her career. Nelson Mandela's visit to Brixton was a chaotic yet iconic moment.
• Different perspectives can provide deeper insights into shared experiences.
• Meeting her husband in a crack house was an unexpected twist in her life.
• Understanding personal values is crucial for self-awareness and behavior.
• Balancing motherhood with a demanding career can lead to feelings of guilt.
• Empathy and curiosity are essential in negotiations and communication.
• The iceberg analogy helps illustrate the depth of personal values.
• Mental health discussions should be normalized in society.
• Active listening can transform communication and relationships.
• Connecting with others outside of one's profession can be enriching.

Story Slurp is hosted, produced and edited by Victoria Brown.

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