Mental Health for Leaders

S07 | E12 Trauma-Informed Management at Work with Dan Jolivet

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

A large majority of adults have experienced trauma in their lives that they carry with themselves daily. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only increased the number of adults in the workforce who now suffer from mental health issues such as PTSD. As leaders, how do we respond when these mental health issues show symptoms or limitations at work?

Today I’m joined by Dan Jolivet, who you may remember from the SHRM Round-up I did earlier this year. In our conversation today, Dan and I discuss trauma-informed management, and how it can open up a world of possibilities for your people when you can adapt to their needs.

Trauma-informed management is all about understanding how to react to trauma responses while keeping healthy, appropriate boundaries in the workplace. You don’t need to know everything about every mental health issue out there, and Dan shares easy-to-implement strategies you can use to help people who have been traumatized feel like they can bring their whole selves to work. When people feel like they are psychologically safe and belong, they will unlock their full potential.

Listen in!

About Dan Jolivet:

Dan is the Workplace Possibilities Practice Consultant at The Standard, where he provides leadership, analysis, and consultative insights into the Workplace Possibilities service line. He is a designated subject matter expert on Stay at Work and Return to Work services, ADA, and behavioral health. He is a clinical psychologist licensed in Georgia and Oregon, and he has worked in behavioral health since 1980. Prior to joining The Standard, Dan worked in managed behavioral health care organizations for 20 years in a variety of management roles, and he was in clinical practice as a child psychologist until 2003.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

The Standard
Connect with Dan on LinkedIn
SHRM 2022 Round-up
What Happened to You? By Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Join the monthly digital subscription

S07 | E11 Want ROI? Invest in People with Martin Hunter

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Many entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses to sell. They have an idea, find out how to implement it, hire the team to do the work, then they’re off to their next big idea.

But the missing piece is the health of the organization. And since people make up 95% of the work in most companies, the health of those employees is of utmost importance.

Team productivity and wellness is so much more than hiring the right talent for the right positions. I think we’ve all come to understand that mental health plays a pivotal role in team wellness. Organizations have been coming around and finding ways to support employees in all areas of their lives, but are they doing enough?

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with podcast host and business consultant Martin Hunter about what questions organizations need to ask before thinking about selling. He shares his thoughts on changing the negative connotation that “mental health” has historically had, what leadership actually looks like, what generation is doing a better job at caring for the people in their organizations, what skills leaders are lacking, and so much more.

About Martin Hunter:

Martin Hunter is an energetic, authentic and engaging leader with the ability to inspire people of all ages and walks of life. Modelling the way, he aligns all stakeholders to common values and creates singularity of purpose.

Martin brings his military experience to the business world. This structure and precision translates directly into operational excellence of safe, on-time, on-budget and on-spec delivery. Managing risk and addressing every challenge systemically, this balance between effective decision making and efficient systems provides his client the organizations the ability to quickly adapt to changing needs and opportunities, while sustaining quality business operations and brand value.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S07 | E10 Avoiding Use it or Lose it with Rob Whalen

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

We know how important taking time off from work is. It allows us to disconnect from work, spend time with family, create new experiences, explore some creative interests. It’s good for our emotional and mental well being.

But for some people, taking time off is stressful. Maybe they’re buried under debt so the thought of taking a vacation is a distant dream. Or maybe they just have so much built up paid time off (PTO) from, say, working in healthcare nonstop due to COVID. It feels really stressful to think you built up a huge bank of PTO because you showed up as you should, only to potentially lose it because you don’t use it.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Rob Whalen, CEO of PTO Exchange, an organization that helps organizations create solutions for employees to self-direct the value of their unused paid time off for other needs and causes. There are so many options that can create a culture of support and meeting employees where they are right now.

In the episode, we talk about different types of PTO exchange, why supporting employees in this way can reduce turnover, the value of bringing different roles into the organization’s customer experience, and more. It’s such a practical and needed way to meet the customized needs of every team member.

About Rob Whalen:

Rob Whalen is the co-founder and CEO of PTO Exchange, the leading benefits platform that allows employees to self-direct the value of their unused paid time off for other needs and causes. He is a serial entrepreneur that has over 25 years selling and developing software and hardware products, and a BA in accounting from Seattle University.

While building the company, Rob and his co-founder, Todd Lucas, found their mission was to enable flexibility into those benefits that employees earned but could not utilize. They also discovered that by enabling this capability and accountability, PTO Exchange created equity and inclusion for workers to be compensated for their accrued productivity creating a better benefit.

PTO Exchange was selected as a “Cool Vendor of the year” by Gartner in 2017 and awarded “Awesome New Technologies" at the Health and Benefits Leadership Conference in 2018.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S07 | E09 Cultivate Compassionate Leadership with Laura Berland

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 8 Nov 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Who says compassion doesn’t belong at work? Not Laura Berland, founder and executive director of the non-profit Center for Compassionate Leadership. For Laura (and, frankly, me), compassion has a very central place in the workplace and leadership.

Though there are skeptics, there is scientific evidence that compassion in the workplace supports more productive teams and more profits for the organization. But the compassion gets to start from within and this is a skill that can be taught - you can cultivate compassion within yourself and it starts with taking care of yourself first.

On this episode, Laura and I talk about the difference between compassion and empathy, why there are skeptics out there, how to meet those skeptics where they’re at, why vulnerability is so important, what it means to be a compassionate leader, and so much more.

We need more conversations like this, rather than those where we’re trying to convince others to think our way. Everyone has their own path and their own timeline. Hopefully, with more conversations and evidence around the benefits of compassion, those skeptics will become believers. Until then, listen in and be a positive role model for change!

About Laura Berland:

Laura Berland is the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Center for Compassionate Leadership. Through community, education, and research, the Center supports leaders as catalysts to open hearts and minds to our shared common humanity, and to urgently develop solutions to global crises and suffering at scale. The Center’s groundbreaking approach brings evidence-based principles of modern leadership and the latest scientific research together with the wisdom of contemplative practices. Laura developed the research proven Compassionate Leadership Model, which has been the foundation for engaging thousands of leaders from over 60 countries to embrace the practice of compassion from the inside out.

For over 40 years, Laura has been a weaver of transformative organizations and experiences, as a serial tech entrepreneur, Fortune 500 executive, meditation educator, yoga therapist, master facilitator, non-profit board member, executive advisor, and digital media creator. Laura is an alumna of Cornell University and New York University.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Center for Compassionate Leadership
Connect with the Center for Compassionate Leadership on LinkedIn and Twitter
Follow the Center for Compassionate Leadership on Instagram and Facebook
Book your From Burnout to Hope talk
Join the monthly digital subscription

S07 | E08 People-Powered Change Management with Sara Sheehan

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 1 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

We know the importance of taking care of our team members in the day-to-day work. But we forget what that looks like in the big transitions that occur during systems overhauls, large acquisitions, and even leadership changes.

During these times, leadership, management, and employees are under a lot of stress, often for different reasons. Leadership and management is busy making sure that things roll out smoothly. And while some employees are strapped with making sure business as usual still happens, others are deep in the changes while also trying to keep up with their regular responsibilities.

Organizational norms are to put your head down and power through the work. But a lack of communication and added stress weighs on everyone’s mental health. What happened to the idea of people-powered change management?

A better option would be to bring on a consultant to support the transition and serve as a kick stand for leaders and employees alike. Sara Sheehan is one such consultant. And this week on the podcast, we’re talking about why big transformations in organizations fail, the value of coaching for executives, and why employee engagement is so important.

About Sara Sheehan:

Sara Sheehan, PCC, is a consultant and Executive Coach who works with C-Level executive leaders designing organizations, developing business strategies, managing change, optimizing talent and leadership development, and solving complex human performance problems. Through executive coaching, Sara helps leaders sprint their way up the corporate ladder and increase their performance.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S07 | E07 Skills Training with Lasting Impact with McKendree Hickory

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Offering leadership training and development is essential in the workplace, for organizations of all sizes. But it must be training grounded in small behaviors, rather than big and sweeping changes so the training has lasting impact.

You’ve been there: sitting in a training room, listening to a presentation that encompasses so much information--good information--but the next day you’re challenged to remember any of it. The training wasn’t set up for success.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking to McKendree Hickory of Life Labs Learning, an organization dedicated to ensuring that leadership training makes the biggest impact in the shortes time possible. In our conversation, McKendree and I talk about forming habits, giving and receiving feedback, why leaders need to learn to ask good questions, why we should do away with the term “inclusive leadership” and more.

As a leadership trainer myself, I appreciate McKendree’s take on why training needs to start long before the training actually starts, and how to accomplish this.

About McKendree Hickory, PhD:

McKendree supports the development and direction of the Life Labs Learning facilitation team. She has a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, with a research focus on conviction, women’s leadership development, and developmental experiences in the workplace. She has delivered leadership training at over 300 companies and led learning and development at the fully remote company, InVision.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S07 | E06 The Humanity of Mental Health with Cerys Cook

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

It’s time to start putting the humanity back in the workplace (if it was there in the first place), and that’s exactly what Cerys Cook and Swift Medical are doing. While mental health and wellness has always been on Swift’s radar, some new standard actions across the board are part of its new initiative to be people-centered and normalize mental health conversations at work.

Health and wellness benefits goes well beyond health insurance and time to attend doctor’s appointments. It’s about checking in on how you’re feeling and ensuring that your team leaders know you’re human. That sounds simple, but when many organizations are (rightfully) focused on the bottom line, it’s typical to leave conversations about feelings out of the conversation. But when we take a few moments to check in each week, we can support one another for the benefit of team members and the organization as a whole.

Imagine that!

In our conversation, Cerys and I talk about the evolution of this practice at Swift, why Swift has so few policies around this work, and what it feels like to be a human resources professional right now. And Cerys gives us a great example of how to get the buy-in from leadership when you’re bringing the idea of mental health conversations to them.

This is a must-listen and such a refreshing approach to mental health in the workplace.

About Cerys Cook:

Cerys is the Chief People Officer at Swift Medical leading people strategy, employer branding and team member experiences. Cerys has always held a profound passion for changing the face of “HR” from the principal’s office to being deeply embedded in core company strategy. She has spent over 20 years working in the start-up / scale-up space directly with CEO's, creating award winning inclusive workplaces and augmenting strong values-based cultures.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S07 | E05 Empathy in the Workplace with Karla McLaren

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Have you ever taken a moment to look at who is championing empathy in the workplace? Who’s demonstrating empathy and talking about feelings and who might be hiding behind their computer screens?

It probably comes as no surprise that it’s typically women and female-identifying team members who talk about and demonstrate empathy in the workplace. This is a societal issue that started long before sexism and misogyny were recognized.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with social science researcher and empathy pioneer Karla McLaren, M.Ed. about why this is and how we can shift some workplace dynamics to create safe environments where everyone has the emotional vocabulary to talk about their feelings and manage their emotions.

In the episode, Karla shares how to fix the conditioning of gender expectations around emotions and where we can find an emotional vocabulary list so we can get in tune with our own emotions.

About Karla McLaren:

Karla McLaren, M.Ed. is an award-winning author, social science researcher, and empathy pioneer. Her work focuses on her grand unified theory of emotions, which revalues even the most “negative” emotions and opens startling new pathways into self-awareness, effective communication, and healthy empathy. She is the founder and CEO of Emotion Dynamics Inc. and the developer of the Empathy Academy online learning site.

Karla is the author of The Power of Emotions at Work: Accessing the Vital Intelligence in Your Workplace (2021), Embracing Anxiety: How to Access the Genius of this Vital Emotion (2020), The Dynamic Emotional Integration® Workbook (2018), The Art of Empathy: A Complete Guide to Life’s Most Essential Skill (2013), The Language of Emotions: What Your Feelings are Trying to Tell You (2010), and many other books and audio learning programs.

She is online at KarlaMcLaren.com and EmpathyAcademy.org. You can connect with Karla on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Where to Listen

S07 | E04 Understanding the Other with Wes Thiessen

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 4 Oct 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Everyone wants to be understood and heard and it’s usually a lack of listening and understanding that breeds conflict. No matter where it happens, conflict creates stress and unhealthy situations--something none of us should have to endure.

The solution? If a conflict can’t be resolved, conflict resolution is the answer. But that doesn’t mean having the two people in conflict sitting down with a manager or in-house HR professional. Bias happens, and even if it’s perceived bias, it’s important for all parties involved to feel safe and that the mediator is neutral.

That’s where someone like Dr. Wes Thiessen of Understanding the Other comes in. And misunderstandings and conflict is exactly what we’re talking about on this week’s episode.

Wes shares why a third party is often best for conflict resolutions, how an HR professional can communicate when a third party is necessary, and why resolving conflict quickly is in everyone’s best interests.

About Dr. Wes Thiessen:

After many years of living in Muslim majority contexts, Wes is involved in intercultural, multi-faith dialogue with respect, dignity and honour for each participant. He is engaged in facilitating mutual understand and respect through a sincere understanding of the culture and beliefs of others. He has a high level of understanding of Islam, Christianity and Judaism through not only an academic perspective, but through also living in those contexts in a long-term setting. He is currently serving as part-time Pastor at Dalemead Church in Dalemead, AB, just outside of Calgary.

An experienced educator, he has been involved in and taught learning language and culture through in-depth relationship with others who live life with intention. Connect with Wes on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Where to Listen

S07 | E03 Making Work Meaningful with Tamara Myles and Wes Adams

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Studies show that when employees find meaning in their work, they’re happier, more productive, more creative, and have higher wellbeing. And while individual employees need to do their part in finding that meaning, there’s only so much they can do without the support of their leadership. Since we work in communities, wellbeing and meaning are shared responsibilities, and leaders need to be intentional about their part in it if they want to set up their businesses for higher success.

This week I’m joined by Tamara Myles and Wes Adams, who together have researched how leaders can make work more meaningful for their teams, and why it’s so imperative for success and workplace mental health that they do. They’re here to share tangible ideas and strategies leaders can use, and they break it down into simple objectives that can be implemented starting today.

Listen in to hear more as Wes and Tamara talk about meaningful work, intentional leadership, and individual wellbeing in the workplace.

About Tamara Myles:

Tamara helps leaders make work meaningful to engage employees and improve business performance.

Her approach blends the latest research in Positive and Organizational Psychology with evidence-based strategies to deliver solutions that yield tangible business results. She focuses on organizational transformation and leadership development and has worked with high-performing organizations like Black Rock, Microsoft, KPMG, Unilever, and Best Buy.

Tamara is the author of The Secret to Peak Productivity: A Simple Guide to Reaching Your Personal Best, which is published globally and has been translated to multiple languages. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, and USA Today, among others.

Tamara lives in New England with her husband, three teenage children, and two dogs. She loves to cook and is in awe of the power of food to bring people together for deep, meaningful connection.

About Wes Adams:

Wes works with high-performing companies on organizational transformation, leadership development, and employee engagement. He helps both experienced and emerging leaders alike develop the skills and practices that bring out the best from their teams by fostering cultures that enable employees to find meaning and purpose in their work.

He brings two decades of experience growing successful ventures and consulting for Fortune 500s, startups, and NGOs. Past clients include Microsoft, KPMG, Edelman, Harrah’s Entertainment, JP Morgan Chase, NetJets, Sony, Starwood Hotel Group, the United Nations Office of Human Rights, and Warner Brothers. Wes’s work has been covered by the New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, Fast Company, and others.

Wes is also a Master Facilitator for the Penn Resilience Program, and has been a featured speaker at South by Southwest Interactive and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Passionate about social impact, Wes produced a documentary for HBO, The Out List, and a book of interviews about the environmental crisis, I Am EcoWarrior.

A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Wes holds a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. He lives in Atlanta.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Where to Listen

S07 | E02 Permission to be Human at Work with Jane M. Chun, PhD

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Compassion and empathy are two words that are used interchangeably, and neither are necessarily accepted in the workplace. Sure, we all know the importance of taking personal experiences and challenges into consideration. But these are loaded words that aren’t always accepted.

The thing is, compassion and empathy are two different things. Compassion is about recognizing someone else’s suffering while empathy is the response to that suffering. Compassion is inherent; humans naturally have this quality…until it’s trained out of us. And that is a tragedy.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Jane M. Chun, PhD about encouraging leaders and teams to be human at work by practicing compassion on the job. There’s a whole field of compassion science and a movement toward more compassion and it felt so good to talk to someone whose whole career is built on compassion.

In the episode, we talk about how leaders can be intentional about cultivating compassion, why changing your thinking about compassion might feel challenging, the difference between compassion and empathy, and why compassion is such a loaded word.

About Jane M. Chun, PhD:

Jane M. Chun is the Program Director overseeing Compassion Institute’s work in the health and systems transformation sectors. Jane’s expertise includes program development, change facilitation, partnership development, and research and learning.

Jane has worked with intergovernmental and nonprofit organizations including UNICEF, UNDP, IOM, and Search for Common Ground, and has conducted research for institutions such as The Brookings Institution, Oxford Refugee Studies Center, and Viet Nam Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Throughout the pandemic, Jane and her team have supported the mental health of healthcare and public health workers on the front lines of the pandemic. Through her experience in a range of settings, she has come to believe that deep social and systems transformation can only occur hand-in-hand with inner transformation. Focusing primarily on WHAT we do is not enough. We need to also inquire into HOW and WHY we do that work.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Where to Listen

S07 | E01 Speaking the Right Language with Russell Stratton and Ken Cameron

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Not all trainings and workshops are created equally, as I’m sure you can attest to. Meeting your audience where they’re at, using language that they can relate to, is key.

But leaders aren’t born with the language they need to lead, and they often aren’t taught it either. So we need to turn to tools and resources to help us out.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Ken Cameron and Russell Stratton about their new book, I Need to F**king Talk to You: The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations and the trainings they do in organizations.

Psychological safety isn’t a new conversation, but there’s definitely more attention being paid to it and organizations are finally starting to seek out solutions. But like we’ve said here before, “trainings” with someone talking from the stage isn’t going to crate change in leaders or team members. Instead, we need to create safe spaces where people can both practice having difficult conversations so the learnings transfer into the real workplace.

Ken, Russell, and I talk through what this looks like and why front line workers in the trades are so good at it.

About Russell Stratton:

As the "Leadership Champ" Russell helps leaders EXCITE© their teams about their work. He believes that every leader has the potential to improve individual and team performance in their workplace. However, during his work with a great many leaders over 30 years, across a range of businesses, he's found that there is one particular challenge that holds them back - being able to have difficult conversations with team members, co-workers or even their boss.

About Ken Cameron:

One of Ken’s clients gave him the title “Facilitator of Thinking Differently”, and he’s proudly hung onto it ever since. Thinking Differently began in Ken’s first career as one of Canada’s most successful playwrights, directors and festival programmers. The unique combination allows him to create interactive and engaging sessions that result in key insights and eureka moments for your team.

Ken comes to his creative approach as a consultant facilitator honestly. In addition to a Master of Fine Arts degree Ken is one of Canada's most successful playwrights, directors and arts administrators. Since 2012, Ken has used his creative background to design sessions that draw out all participants, especially the most introverted, who rarely have the opportunity to share their thoughts. He uses his administrative experience and endless curiosity, to fully understand the business so he can reframe your focus and increase your profitability. The unique combination leads to interactive and engaging sessions that result in key insights and eureka moments.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

I Need to F***ing Talk to You: The Art of Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations by Russell Stratton and Ken Cameron
Amy Edmonson on Psychological Safety
Join the monthly digital subscription

Where to Listen

S06 | E12 Clearing the Mental Mess with Rico Gomez

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 6 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0000

How leaders show up matters. Many are on board with performing at a higher level and encouraging their teams to do the same. Unfortunately, organizations feel that they need to “fix” employees quickly so they embrace one-and-done training programs that ultimately don’t work.

Clearing the mental mess and engaging in transformational change takes dedication and practice. The best wellness and mindset practices take time to become habits, especially when you want them to stick.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Rico Gomez, mental health coach to high performing athletes and corporate leaders. He shares more about the process of building habits that result in resilient leaders and trusting teams and how you too can clear your own mental mess!

There’s a lot of knowledge in this episode, including the value of accountability, leading teams to success, keeping senior leadership engaged, and the difference between between your brain and your mind.

It’s about the tools your leaders have and receive, and it’s within all of them to grow.

About Rico Gomez:

Certified in mental health with a background of psychology and counselling, Rico Gomez is a mental health coach.

His passion is to help working professionals become unstuck from the mental chaos in order experience life to the fullest. Rico’s drive for mental health and well-being stems from his own battle with mental illness and being able to overcome the barriers of anxiety and depression.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Where to Listen

S06 | E11 Supporting Parents at Work with Haleigh Tebben

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

It’s great that employers are starting to offer mental health care in their benefits packages for employees, but not enough are on board with supporting their families’ mental health. One thing parents want more than anything is to know their kids are okay and are getting the help they need.

Thankfully, the tide might be turning in this arena.

This week on the podcast, Haleigh Tebben of U.S.-based Brightline is sharing about how her organization is supporting children and how that’s making all the difference at work.

The stigma around getting mental health support is going away, especially after COVID, but parents spend more time and money finding resources to help their children than they do for themselves. It feels like a no-brainer to take this off of parents’ plates so they can focus on themselves, which ultimately benefits their organization too.

About Haleigh Tebben:

Haleigh Tebben is the Chief Commercial Officer of Brightline, the leader in technology-enabled pediatric behavioral health care. In her role, she oversees all revenue-generating areas of the company, including sales, implementation, client success, marketing and health plan partnerships.

Haleigh has over 20 years of experience in the health benefits and consulting industries. She previously served as the Chief Revenue Officer of Collective Health, a technology platform which enables employers to better manage their self-funded healthcare benefits. Prior to that, she led the Mercer Health & Benefits Practice in CA. She holds an MBA from UNO and received her undergraduate degree from Creighton University. Connect with Haleigh on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Brightline
Follow Brightline on Facebook and Instagram
Connect with Brightline on LinkedIn and Twitter
Join the monthly digital subscription

Where to Listen

S06 | E10 Compounding Performance and Wellness with Deepak Saini

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Leaders get to where they are because of their resiliency and drive. Their no-nonsense attitudes and their tireless approach to growth and development. Right?

Maybe.

But that kind of drive can also lead to burnout if leaders aren’t careful about taking care of their whole selves. High stress jobs can lead to sleepless nights, missed meals, putting off exercise, poor nutrition, dehydration, myriad health problems, and more. Too much of that and leaders will find themselves just barely getting by.

If this sounds all too familiar, you’ll want to tune into this week’s podcast episode with performance coach Deepak Saini. Staying healthy while performing at the peak of your professional career isn’t as difficult as it might feel. It takes some habit stacking, paying attention to your energy, and trying out things that help you decompress so you can get the most important thing to your health…a good night’s sleep.

About Deepak Saini:

Deepak Saini is a performance coach who knows what it is like to have a stressful corporate job, raising a family and trying to do the right things for his health.

Eventually suffering from an autoimmune condition and injured back, these two health challenges ultimately became a turning point for him.

He overcame those issues as well as his lifelong battle with obesity and brings a unique perspective to working with his clients.

When this father of two is not spending time with his wife and little girls, he is researching and staying at the forefront of emerging and cutting-edge performance research.

Deepak is also a speaker, course instructor, published writer and actively working on becoming a Centenarian.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E09 Using Tech to Put People First with Kristie Dierig

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Technology can acquire a bad reputation in circles where the culture is all about people first. (Side note: All cultures should put people first.) But what people don’t always consider is that technology can help us ensure our people are well taken care of and that our human resources team members aren’t burdened with work that could actually be automated.

After all, our HR staff members are people too.

This week on the podcast, Kristie Dierig and I are talking about all the ways that technology can support the people in organizations, how to empower our HR leaders, and how psychological safety might look and feel different for remote teams.

And all of this comes back to accountability. Who is responsible for the psychological safety of talent and how can managers, who may not be trained communicators, be more supportive of team members without looking and sounding performative?

So many great insights into leading in the 21st century.

About Kristie Dierig:

Kristie is an experienced corporate HR director turned entrepreneur and consultant, on a mission to elevate HR’s impact by putting people first and bringing HR trends to life. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E08 The Workplace Lab with Dr. Tiffany Jana

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Tue, 9 Aug 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Your workplace is a giant learning laboratory, where we can study human behavior and changes over time. And that’s exactly what this week’s guest, Dr. Tiffany Jana, Doc Jana, has been doing over the last 25 years.

Doc Jana does JEDI work with organizations, though not the kind you might be thinking of. JEDI is justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and according to Doc Jana, most people didn’t know what this work even was a handful of years ago.

Today, it seems like everyone is talking about diversity work, and they should. But too many leaders and organizations are confused about what it should look like. Performative diversity hiring isn’t fair for anyone, and leaders who don’t recognize their own biases (which we all have) are part of the problem.

What’s the solution? Doing the work. And this is just part of my conversation with Doc Jana. We can’t keep “checking the boxes;” we need to be clear about who we’re serving and how we can best do that by creating benchmarks that make sense, then following through with them.

There’s always something to learn when it comes to diversity and the evolution of business. And this episode is no exception.

About Dr. Tiffany Jana:

Dr. Tiffany Jana (they/them/hers) is the founder and CEO of TMI’s Portfolio companies, now celebrating 19 years championing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). Doc Jana spearheaded the TMI Consulting Inc.’s transition into the world’s first Certified Benefit Corporation (B Corp) with a diversity accountability focus. Doc Jana was awarded the B Corp community’s highest honor, the Tal Haussig Award, for blazing a path towards JEDI values in action.

As the Founder of TMI’s Portfolio of companies, Doc Jana helps position the enterprise and our teams to best serve our myriad, complex client engagements. Doc Jana's vision is to redefine the future of inclusion; to manifest equity by creating an accountable, loving embrace of people and culture that includes an emphasis on liberation through joy. The workplace can and should be a welcoming, safe, and healthy environment where employees can thrive and grow.

Doc Jana has been featured in numerous publications and media including Fast Company, NY Times, and Forbes for their work on diversity, equity, empowerment, and inclusion.

They’ve done a TEDx on privilege and were named one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc.com.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E07 Answering “What is Wellbeing?” with Sarah McGuinness & Chris Hewitt

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

How do you define wellbeing? It has a lot of different meanings, and it really depends on what lens you’re looking through. That brings a challenge to organizations or teams that are trying to do the work.

Many organizations have taken roles in human resources and tacked on “wellbeing” supervisor responsibilities. They know they need someone in that role but aren’t really willing to dedicate the necessary resources. And depending on what experience that new wellbeing professional has, this looks wildly different, even within different teams in the same organization.

What can be done about this? Actually defining what wellbeing and wellness mean and creating space and time for the person in the role to perform effectively in this role.

But to get to that point, the organization and its leaders need to be on board with the investment of time, talent, and resources. This week on the podcast, we’re talking to Sarah McGuinness and Chris Hewitt of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing about changes in corporate wellness programs, why being proactive benefits everyone, and how to look at wellness through a different lens.

About Sarah McGuinness:

Sarah McGuinness is a wellbeing disruptor, burnout awareness advocate and Founder/CEO of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing (ROW). ROW helps wellbeing leaders to be change makers and to create better workplaces, together. With a community of wellbeing champions from organisations around the globe, ROW is dedicated to helping leaders to develop professional expertise, access practical tools and resources, and network with peers and experts to meaningfully improve wellbeing.

Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in corporate wellbeing and behaviour change and has supported well-known organisations to improve the wellbeing of their people, including Sealord, the NHS, nib and Weta.

She draws on her honours degree in psychology and degree in communication, training in health behaviour, coaching, fitness and facilitation, plus a 15+ year career in the corporate sector specialising in leadership and organisational development in Australia and New Zealand.

She is a passionate mental health and wellbeing champion and is determined to reduce stigma and improve conversations around mental health, particularly with having lived experience of burnout, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. She has been featured in the media including on Stuff, NBR, Newshub/TV3, MiNDFOOD, Newstalk ZB and RNZ. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.

About Chris Hewitt:

Chris is ROW's Commercial Partnerships Manager and brings 15 years of experience in the professional development and events fields, with his most recent previous role managing a commercial portfolio of publications and events in the health, safety and wellbeing industry. He brings a wealth of programme management and commercial partnership experience, and has strong networks across the health, safety and wellbeing sectors both in New Zealand and overseas.

He cares deeply about workplace wellbeing and is passionate about helping businesses lift their wellbeing performance. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E06 Removing Psychological Aggression from the Workplace with Dave Sewell

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

We talk about psychological safety a lot, but what does it even mean? That was the question Dave Sewell asked himself as he struggled in his former consulting gig. He watched teams leave toxic environments and it triggered something in him. Psychological aggression, the opposite of feeling safe at work, was running rampant among his clients. So he made a change.

Before he truly defined psychological safety, he wrote the book on it.

This week on the podcast, Dave and I talk about the science behind psychological aggression and why even subtle behaviors and responses can create an environment that doesn’t feel safe. And he shares how to flip that narrative by recognizing the inherent good in others.

This all starts at the leadership level, where leaders recognize the power of their own body language so they can take more ownership of their team behavior and performance.

It’s such an interesting conversation with real-world examples of what happens when we set out to work with humans, not grizzly bears!

About Dave Sewell:

Coming from a family of alcoholism and violence and being subjected in his early career to shame and ridicule, Dave has been fascinated why some leaders rule with the stick whilst other don’t and why do companies have both types of leaders within their organisation at the same time?

His research around high performing teams, in particular what causes dysfunctional teams, bullying and office politics is at the leading edge of our understanding. Dave demonstrates how to overcome these by embracing psychological safety, something that should be at the core of all leadership training.

When he’s not talking about leadership and helping teams, Dave spends his free time with his family; his wife Kirsty and his two sons Lachlan and Jamie. His other interests are meditating and energetic healing, hiking, mountain biking and Xbox gaming. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn and follow him on Facebook.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Join the monthly digital subscription
Safe Leadership: Beating Stress to Drive Performance by Dave Sewell
The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy Edmonson
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni

S06 | E05 Eliminating Toxic Leadership with Dr. Kevin Sansberry II

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Toxic workplaces persist, even in the face of organizations working in DEIB and trying to create cultures of organizational safety. The challenge is that there’s a knowledge gap. It’s difficult to hold individual leaders accountable for their behaviors when it’s normalized for them.

The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge and doesn’t require a training of our leaders; it’s an unlearning that needs to happen, a gaining of wisdom that only happens through talking to others about how you and your behavior impacts them.

On this week’s podcast, Dr. Kevin Sansberry II and I are talking about how to eliminate toxic workplaces, why they persevere, and what lived experiences and privilege has to do with it.

One of the big messages to take away from this episode is that if it matters to one person, it matters. So if one person recognizes there’s a disconnect in behavior or communication, leaders need to own that and do something about it.

This is a powerful conversation, and when we own our behaviors and shift our mindsets, we can make Mondays a whole lot less stressful.

About Dr. Kevin Sansberry II:

Dr. Kevin Sansberry II is a behavioral scientist and executive coach whose inspiring work is driven by the need for evidence-based, inclusive, and equitable approaches to urgently and proactively transform and coach leaders, eradicating toxic behaviors that threaten profitability, innovation, and the overall wellbeing.

Kevin is regularly sought after to speak, consult, and coach organizations around the world related to his expertise in toxic leadership and toxic organizational culture.

Kevin has experience in various settings such as professional sports, higher education, nonprofits, sales, and other large complex organizations. Kevin has written extensively on topics in various areas such as CEO narcissism, abusive supervision, workplace authenticity and is the creator and host of the top podcast focused on toxic leadership, The Toxic Leadership Podcast which reached as high as the number four nonprofit podcast in the United States in 2021.

Kevin earned his doctorate in business administration from The University of Missouri-St. Louis where he focused on the impact of abusive supervision on organizational culture/climate, and employee coping behaviors. Kevin received his MBA from The University of Missouri-Kansas City with an emphasis in leadership & change in human systems and general management and his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Central Missouri.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E04 Better Leaders = Better Organizations with Zach Smith and Rod McDermott

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 8 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

What if your employees and future leaders didn’t struggle with challenges at home or with their finances? Do you think they’d perform better at work?

According to this week’s guests, they sure would! And they have the data to back it up.

Everyone brings stress and anxiety to work. It’s a normal part of being human. But when leaders and aspiring leaders spend too much time in stressful situations they’re not as effective in their roles. Coaching can help, and organizations that offer coaching to employees help to improve the humans in their charge which creates better results for the company. It’s a win-win and we don’t do it enough.

This week on the podcast, Rod McDermott and Zach Smith of Activate 180 share why it’s so important to provide coaching for employees, no matter where they are in the organization. Especially now, with so many leaders leaving and younger employees moving up quickly to fill their roles.

This conversation is so hopeful for the potential of organizations overall and the teams and individuals the organizations support. Coaching isn’t designed to improve performance that might be lacking; it’s for helping team members show up as their best selves to help maximize their impact in the company.

About Rod McDermott:

Rod McDermott is the CEO + Co-Founder of Activate 180, which helps companies elevate employee performance, productivity, and happiness through affordable coaching for all; the CEO + Co-Founder of McDermott + Bull, one of the fastest-growing executive search firms in North America with offices domestically and internationally; the President + CEO of M+B Interim Leaders, which he founded along with Angela Anderson in 2011 to address an increased client need for time-sensitive solutions to important leadership challenges; and the Founder of the M+B Executive Network, a community of in-transition senior-level executives seeking guidance to land their next role, serving over 10,000 members since inception.

Rod has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years, growing companies from the ground up and challenging industry norms. His ultimate goal is to meaningfully contribute to the greater good, which is showcased through his passion for hard work, fostering relationships, and conceptualizing solutions for professional development. Connect with Rod on LinkedIn.

About Zach Smith:

Zach Smith is the Chief Activation Officer + Co-Founder of Activate 180. He has been a trusted voice in mindset, career optimization, and leadership coaching for over 10 years. Zach has coached thousands of employees across mid-market and enterprise-level organizations, aligning their careers with true calling and passion to create total life fulfillment.

Before becoming an award-winning coach, Zach spent more than 10 years in senior marketing and client relationship management roles for well-known, international consumer beverage brands. Zach trained with the Ascension Leadership Academy’s coaching program, graduating from their highest level course. He is a sought-after keynote speaker who regularly appears before audiences at industry conferences and events. Connect with Zach on LinkedIn.

Connect with Activate 180 on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E03 Support Your Human Capital with Jim Link

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 1 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0000

The humans in your organization are the most important asset you have. It’s essential that you take care of them, especially as we come out of the pandemic. There’s an overwhelming feeling of isolation that employees felt in the last few years and the confusion of today is causing the isolation to linger.

What’s a leader to do? Go back to foundations. Empathy is the single most important skill that leaders can and should use to ensure that employees feel safe and heard. Unfortunately, empathy is also a skill that we’ve been trained out of using in the workplace.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Jim Link, chief human resources officer at the Society for Human Resource Management. This is the conversation that will change your mind about having mental health conversations at work, if I haven’t already convinced you.

We talk about why mental health support will save your organization money, how to engage leaders in conversations around supporting employees in this way, and how tech can free up the HR managers’ time so they can be the empathetic people person they want to be.

So many ah-ha moments to be had here!

About Jim Link:

Jim Link is the Chief Human Resources Officer for SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management. Jim’s experience includes roles of increasing responsibility in human resources, mergers and acquisitions, and operational effectiveness. His personal interests include talent acquisition management, employee and leadership development, equality and equity, employee engagement, internal innovation, and driving rapid business scalability through both organic and inorganic, often complex, growth opportunities.

Born and raised on a working family farm, Link brings an agile, transparent, can-do approach to his client’s needs. Equally effective from manufacturing floor to board room, his natural curiosity and resourcefulness generates long lasting relationships that drive value creation and sustainable business results.

As a recognized thought leader in human capability and the future of work, Jim is a sought-after commentator with the national and international press, features widely on the lecture and speaker circuit, and consults with leaders, companies and boards of directors around the world on matters related to the workplace.

Additionally, he is in his tenth year as an adjunct professor teaching Human Resources Strategy in the MBA program at the Poznan School of Economics in Poznan, Poland and entering his second year teaching the same topic to graduate students in Yangon, Myanmar.

While serving on boards of advisors for several early-stage companies, Jim is a board member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Foundation and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Human Capital Advisory Council. He is active with a number of charitable organizations in his community and is certified as a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S06 | E02 Unlocking Your Leadership Potential with Alex Alonso

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

When we take care of our leaders and their mental health, we’re all able to show up as our best selves--at work and at home. As leaders in human resources, we can do this by unlocking potential by supporting them to growth their mental health skills - in empathy, leadership, and coping with challenges.

This is important because organizations that are viewed as highly empathetic have employees that are more likely to positively talk about their company to friends, peers, and families. And organizations that truly focus on culture are twice as likely to retain their employees.

We’re in a world of change, with the great resignation and the lesser-talked about great retirement. Both are impacting the workplace in ways we couldn’t have predicted.

This week on the podcast, I’m happy to share this and more with you from Dr. Alexander Alonso, the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) Chief Knowledge Cfficer. We’re talking about unlocking leadership potential, the benefits of having taboo conversations, why we need to hold onto our talent, and so much more. Alex also shares more about the conversations he had at the recent SHRM conference and his newest book about making the most of polarizing conversations.

About Alexander Alonso:

Alexander Alonso, PhD, SHRM-SCP is the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) Chief Knowledge Officer leading operations for SHRM's Certified Professional and Senior Certified Professional certifications, research functions, and the SHRM Knowledge Advisor service. He is responsible for all research activities, including the development of the SHRM Competency Model and SHRM credentials.

During his career, he has worked with numerous subject matter experts worldwide with the aim of identifying performance standards, developing competency models, designing organizational assessments, and conducting job analyses. He was also responsible for working on contract task orders involving the development of measurement tools for content areas such as job knowledge (like teacher knowledge of instructional processes) and organizational climates (like organizational climate forecasting in military health care).

Throughout his career, he has published works in peer-reviewed journals such as Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice, Journal of Applied Psychology, International Journal of Selection and Assessment, People and Strategy, Personality and Individual Differences, Quality and Safety in Health Care, and Human Resources Management Review. He has also authored several chapters on community-based change initiatives in workforce readiness, as well as co-authoring Defining HR Success: A Guide to the SHRM Competency Model in Practice.

Dr. Alonso also served as a columnist analyzing major trends in the workforce for The Industrial Psychologist and HR Magazine. In addition, he has served on several professional society boards including the SIOP and the Personnel Testing Council of Metropolitan Washington.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

Talking Taboo: Making the Most of Polarizing Discussions at Work by Alexander Alonso
Think Again by Adam Grant
Wendi Safstrom: The Need to Prioritize Mental Health at Work
Mental Health Skills Training
Join the monthly digital subscription

S06 | E01 SHRM Round-up: Close the Skills Gap

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

I recently attended the Society of Human Resources Management conference (SHRM) in New Orleans, Louisiana and had the pleasure of attending many sessions and connecting with a handful of speakers talking about mental health in the workplace. Of course you know this is my happy place!

If you listened to Season 5 of the podcast, you can listen in to those conversations. Nicole Butts and I talked about organizational justice, Wendi Safstrom shared about the need to prioritize mental health at work, and Daryll Bryant talked about how to flourish at work. Of course, there were many other episodes in Season 5, all equally important.

The theme of the conference was Cause the Effect You Want to See, and Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman, chief marketing and experience officer for SHRM talked about this on the first episode of the season.

I talk about some of my own biggest takeaways from the conference on this week’s episode, and they include connection, culture, and employee experience. And I wanted to hear from some of the attendees about their takeaways too.

Listen in as I get feedback from five attendees and they share their answers to the questions:

What is the top mental health skill HR leaders need to know?
What is greatest opportunity for employers in the future of work?
Where would you start if you were asked to elevate employee experience with greatest impact?

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E13 Laughing at Work is Totally Okay with Greg Schwem

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Countless studies have shown that laughing is a good way to relieve stress. And even if we love our job and our teammates, there’s always an element of stress in the workplace.

So why not find ways to spice it up with some humor?

According to Greg Schwem, comedian and corporate speaker, humor is disappearing from the corporate world just when we need it the most. Organizations are shying away from using humor of any kind for fear of offending someone. But the reality is that the positive benefits of humor far outweigh the negative ramifications.

Human resource departments are charged with fostering a fun and healthy work envioronment. Employee experience is a huge part of that. On this episode, Greg shares how organizations can improve the employee experience through humor without risking offensive jokes. We talk about the best kind of humor to use, why humor and laughing is so good for us, how to navigate the fine line between good humor and bad humor, and what role communication plays in humor at work.

Greg’s presentation at the SHRM conference is Is it Okay to Laugh, and after listening you’re certain to say a resounding yes.

About Greg Schwem:

HuffPost calls Greg Schwem "Your boss's favorite comedian." He has spent 25 years making the business world laugh at itself, with clients ranging from Microsoft to the CIA. He will be addressing the SHRM 2022 conference with his latest keynote, "You Can't Cancel Laughter." Greg has appeared on Comedy Central, Drybar Comedy, opened for musical superstars such as Celine Dion and Keith Urban and can be heard regularly on SIRIUS/XM Radio's Laugh USA. Follow Greg on Instagram and Facebook and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E12 Compassion in Leadership with Marissa Afton

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

The reality of the pandemic has impacted the workplace in many ways the past couple years, some more expected than others. One thing that leaders are finding is that after so much time working from home and being more vulnerable, employees are looking to have a more genuine connection with their coworkers. Gone are the days of putting on your work persona before clocking in. People are expecting authenticity, openness, and organizations that value them for who they are.

Along with this cultural shift, it’s important for leadership to learn how to be compassionate. What does being a compassionate leader mean? Why is it beneficial to your, your people, and your organization? Can you just learn how to be a compassionate leader?

Today I’m joined by Marissa Afton, compassionate leader expert, and she answers these questions and more. Marissa explains the difference between compassion and empathy (and why we need both) and the different types of compassionate leaders she’s found in her work. Tune in to learn how having a human-focused approach will lead to more success for your team and less burnout for yourself

About Marissa Afton:

Marissa Afton is a driving force behind leadership development and change initiatives at multinational companies. She helps leaders and organizations unlock their potential to create cultural excellence and superior performance, resilience, and innovation.

A mindfulness practitioner for over 25 years, Marissa is recognized for her breadth of knowledge and deep experience in transforming organizations by transforming the mind. She is a sought-after speaker at leading HR and leadership conferences about the impact of mind training on high-performance cultures, as well as the mental qualities of excellent leaders. She has worked with leading companies, including Accenture, Bloomberg, Cisco, Eli Lilly, and others.

Marissa is co-author of Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way (HBR Press 2022). She also has written articles for various publications, including Harvard Business Review and Fast Company.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E11 Leveraging Your Influence with Vivian Blade

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Mon, 6 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

With an increasing number of employees leaving their organizations as part of the Great Resignation, it’s more important than ever that we as people leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and want to be. A great way to do this is by developing your influence in the workplace, over your people, work culture, and organization.

Today I’m joined by Vivian Blade, leadership expert and thought leader, to discuss skills and tactics that leaders can use to have more influence in the workplace, including influencing up the ladder, and how to leverage that influence for your own mental health. By utilizing these tactics and developing these skills, we can create workplaces with higher trust, engagement, and psychological safety.

Listen in as Vivian details the Influence with SCALE framework and what being influential really means, so we can start leveraging our influence for positive change today.

About Vivian Blade:

Recognized as one of Engagedly’s Top 100 Global HR Influencers of 2021, Vivian Blade is a sought-after leadership expert and thought leader. She works with the world’s top brands to build better, more resilient workplaces, equipping leaders to solve the pressing burnout, turnover, and workplace culture challenges your company is struggling with right now.

Her impact is felt as a frequent keynote speaker, and in delivering transformative leadership development programs, executive and team coaching, and corporate consulting. She also works in academia as an Adjunct Professor of Leadership and Project Management for the University of Louisville College of Business.

Vivian is the author of four books, most recently the Amazon #1 best-seller Resilience Ready: The Leader’s Guide to Thriving Through Unrelenting Crises, and Influence in Talent Development.

To learn more you can visit Vivian’s website and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E10 Virtual Work & Respect with Lorie Reichel-Howe

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 3 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Communication feels very different when we’re working virtually. But even through we’re screen-to-screen, we still need to be respectful and have expectations and guidelines around what’s appropriate and what’s not.

We’ve learned from the last few years that it’s easy to feel isolated when we’re not in-person. So regular check-ins and conversations is essential. But what does that look like? And how do you communicate with others who don’t have their cameras on?

On this episode of the podcast, Lorie Reichel-Howe of Conversations in the Workplace is talking about just that. With so many different cultures in every workplace, we need to have these conversations so we can set norms that work for everyone.

Lorie shares scripts you can use to start difficult conversations, what it means to host a true training around conversations, and some examples of boundaries that get crossed in both virtual and in-person conversations.

What’s so interesting about this interview and Lorie’s presentation for SHRM is that this may not have been a conversation we had too often prior to the pandemic. It’s a critical one now!

About Lorie Reichel-Howe:

Lorie Reichel-Howe is founder of Conversations in the Workplace. She equips managers, teams, and business professionals to have “Safe Conversations” – transformative dialogue that uncovers hidden workplace issues. Whether addressing challenging team dynamics, mismanaged expectations, cultural insensitivity, or good old-fashioned bad behavior, “Safe Conversations” foster greater innovation, inclusion, and collaboration within organizations.

With over 20 years of experience in communications and relationship management, training and development, Lorie is passionate about supporting organizations in creating a culture where people love where they work and love the people they work with.

Lorie is a professional mediator and conflict coach. She has supported organizations such as Pinterest, SHRM, PIHRA, HR.com, Pinterest, Women in Technology International, Los Angeles Women’s Leadership Conference, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Santa Clara Superior Court, San Jose State University, Santa Clara County Office of Education and many more. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E09 Emotional Technology and Work with Javier Santos

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Wed, 1 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

There’s a common misconception about leadership, and that’s that we’re paid to be rational and not emotional. But in reality, our emotions are what make us human. And don’t we want human leaders who constantly push their feelings down. For one, it’s physically unhealthy. And for another, it doesn’t open up the space for others to feel included and like their emotions matter. Because they do.

On this episode of the podcast, Javier Santos is sharing about emotional technology, the evidence that shows us the value of neuropsychoanalysis and how our brains map memories to make life easier for us in the future.

This episode is fascinating because we haven’t always had the brain science behind what psychologists suspected all along. Now that we do, we can utilize that knowledge to understand how our emotions work and set ourselves up for success.

Javier and I discuss neuroplasticity and our changing brains, the implications on our health if we push back our emotions, how our brains are wired to save energy, and how emotions and inclusion are connected.

About Javier Santos:

Javier Santos is a Canadian diverse entrepreneur and international speaker on mental and emotional health at work. Javier redefines what is possible by using our emotional capital to become happier and more productive at work. He founded The House of Purpose to help companies improve the human and subjective side of work, affected today by burnout, unresolved conflicts, and prejudices.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S05 | E08 The Language of Receiving Feedback with Dr. Teresa Peterson

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Mon, 30 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

As leaders, we know the importance of giving feedback. Our teams need to know how they’re doing so everyone can work better…more efficiently and at a higher level of excellence.

But what about receiving feedback? It matters how our teams receive the feedback we give them, and how we, the leaders, receive feedback ourselves.

It could take a lot for a team member to come forward and give honest and open feedback to their manager, even if that leader asks for it so it’s essential that they feel safe to do so. Simply telling them it’s safe isn’t enough - leaders have an opportunity to grow a culture of psychological safety through open and proactive communication.

On this episode of Mental Health for Leaders, Dr. Teresa Peterson is sharing more about receiving feedback and building trust. She shares what trust-building really looks like, why language is so important, and why organizations are truly centers for relationships. She also gives listeners some of the language leaders can use to respond to the feedback they receive in a productive way.

About Teresa Peterson:

Dr. Teresa Peterson is the Director of Learning and Development for Sarah Noll Wilson, Inc. Teresa is passionate about applying best practices for learning to make development experiences meaningful, engaging, and accessible for all types of learners. In her role, Teresa co-creates powerful learning content and guides deep research. Teresa holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and brings over twenty years of experience teaching, facilitating, and leading. People love Teresa’s grounded energy, depth of thought, and ability to listen deeply. Teresa is trained in Immunity to Change coaching and is completing her certification in Appreciative Inquiry. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E07 Flourishing at Work with Daryll Bryant

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 27 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

On a human level, we know that we all have struggles. But the definition of a good leader is not someone who leaves everything at home because they need to be seen as strong and impactful. In fact, vulnerability is a much more important trait of leadership. It’s just one component of helping teams flourish at work.

Organizations and leaders need to be more aware than ever about the changing workforce. New technology and new workers are allowing teams to work more efficiently and more autonomously. But when old school politics and practices get in the way, workers don’t feel supported or appreciated. Add to that the growing awareness of mental health and psychological safety and team members at all levels are reevaluating life and work and making big changes.

On this episode of the Mental Health for Leaders podcast, coach Daryll Bryant is sharing what organizations and leaders can do to support the mental health and safety of teams so both the organization and employees can flourish. He shares a personal example that helped reframe his own view of mental health awareness and conversations.

Everyone deserves to flourish. Are you giving your employees the ability to do just that?

About Daryll Bryant:

Daryll Bryant is a transformational leader with a distinguished career in manufacturing, providing outstanding results for several Fortune 100 companies. He has a vast repository of high-level skill sets as a Lean manufacturing operations expert and change leader.

Daryll’s passion is in supporting operations efforts to increase productivity, reduce costs and grow profits using his ™ “The Winning With Excellence System’. As a Coach, his approach is to guide leaders to leverage team engagement to unlock the collective genius of their people. Connect with Daryll on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E06 Organizational Justice with Nicole Butts

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Wed, 25 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a hot topic right now and one that a lot of organizations have begun to address. But are they really doing the work? Not always, says podcast guest Nicole Yeldell Butts.

We know that diversity work is necessary but the challenge is getting leaders to do the work alongside the organization. It’s not a box to be checked or a meeting that needs to be held. DEI work needs to be part of an organization’s values and day-to-day operations.

In this episode, we talk about the fear of pushback when you start talking about diversity, why it’s okay to get it wrong (because you will), the role of organizational justice in your DEI work, and the future of diversity work. Nicole shares her framework around creating systemic, effective, and sustainable cultural change in your organization.

About Nicole L. Yeldell Butts:

Nicole Butts is an accomplished Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) executive, strategist, coach, facilitator, and public speaker who specializes in transforming executives into inclusive and equitable organizational leaders. As a facilitator of learning and challenging cultural dialogues, Nicole creates welcoming and safe spaces for people to engage, explore, and grow.

During her 20-year career, she has built multiple inaugural DEI offices while serving as a chief diversity officer, a director of employee diversity, inclusion, and climate and a director of equal employment.

Nicole is the founder of NLYB Solutions, a DEI consulting firm helping executives, executive teams, and organizations courageously and effectively navigate personal, professional, and organizational DEI journeys. She is the creator of SHIFT, a transformational five-step framework for creating systemic, effective, measurable and sustainable DEI cultures.

NLYB Solutions was recognized as a Top Ten Emerging Diversity & Inclusion Company of 2021 by HR Tech Outlook magazine. Connect with her on LinkedIn and find out more on her website.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E05 Forward-Thinking HR Leadership with Jennifer McClure

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Mon, 23 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

The world is different than it was 3 years ago, and it is different than it will be 3 years from now. Change is a constant in life and business alike, and as people leaders it's an opportunity that we get to intentionally adapt to these changes along the way.

Today on the podcast, Jennifer McClure joins me to answer questions about what changes HR leadership has faced over the years and how it will continue to change into the future. With an emphasis on skills like problem solving, integrity, and relationship building, it’s clear that the way forward is by prioritizing our people and their mental health.

Tune in as Jennifer shares what mental health skills forward-thinking HR professionals need, how they can learn these skills even when it’s not in the budget, and how we can help them navigate their way forward without them burning out.

About Jennifer McClure:

Jennifer McClure is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and high-performance coach who works with leaders to leverage their influence, increase their impact, and accelerate results.

Frequently recognized as a global influencer and expert on the future of work, strategic leadership and innovative people strategies, Jennifer has decades of in-the-trenches leadership and executive experience working in and with startups, privately held companies, and Fortune 500 organizations in a variety of industries.

Jennifer is also the Chief Excitement Officer of DisruptHR, a global community designed to move the collective thinking forward when it comes to talent in the workplace, and the host of the Impact Makers Podcast with Jennifer McClure.

You can connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn, and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E04 Winning Conversations with Respect, Empathy, and Maturity with Kenston Henderson

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 20 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

What if we all approached conversations with others with respect, empathy, and maturity? Just think of all we could accomplish together! We would all win!

Every one of us has a different lived experience and we all see things differently from one another. At the same time, we all have biases. We tend to gravitate toward people who look like us and who we were surrounded by as we were growing up.

In short, we’re all human. And we need to move outside our comfort zones if we want to see change in the world. When we get comfortable with change, we allow ourselves to grow and develop. As leaders, this is essential.

On this episode of the Mental Health for Leaders podcast, guest Kenston Hendersion is sharing about bias, approaching conversations with an open mind, why leaning into discomfort is a good thing, and how to do right by your employees. He also shares an amazing resource that can help you identify your own biases so you can start to do something about them.

About Kenston Henderson:

This week’s guest is Kenston Henderson Sr. aka "The Bias Disrupter" and " The Winning Conversations Enthusiast". He is the founder and CEO of Live With Lyfe, LLC, is a TEDx Signature Speaker, a certified John Maxwell Leadership Speaker and Trainer, Culture Transformation Champion, and certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid USA. He is also a speaker at the upcoming SHRM conference being held in New Orleans in June of 2022.

Kenston has over 18 years of experience in Human Resources coaching and training leaders and teams to communicate and play well together. Kenston delivers impactful, on-time, and action-packed speaking and training messages.

Kenston is one of the most sought after Corporate and Youth motivational speakers and trainers around the world. He is enthusiastic, dynamic, and engaging. Since the pandemic, his impact has extended virtually to international areas in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. His most recent talk was given live in Nairobi Kenya. Kenston also received the ICN Dr. Astell Generation Leadership Award. I think you’ll really enjoy Kenston’s insights so on with the show.

Mentioned in this Episode of Mental Health for Leaders:

S05 | E03 The Need to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace with Wendi Safstrom

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Wed, 18 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Nobody is immune to mental health issues, and they affect all aspects of your life. Even your physical and economical vitality (or lack thereof) can be linked to your mental health. That’s why it is so important for organizations to make mental health in the workplace a priority, especially as we work together to try and establish a “new normal” in the wake of the pandemic.

Earlier this year, the Society for Human Resource Management Foundation published a report detailing the current state of mental health in the workplace. Today, Wendi Safstrom, President of the SHRM Foundation, joins me to discuss the findings of this study and why mental health and wellness needs to be prioritized within organizations. Wendi also shares ways to get senior leadership engaged in the process, and how you can implement these conversations and programs into your business—even if you feel you lack the tools and resources to do so.

As you prioritize employee mental health, your people and organizations will thrive. Tune in to learn more and see what’s next for SHRM.

About Wendi Safstrom:

Wendi Safstrom is a senior non-profit leader committed to serving the public through philanthropic program management, cultivating strategic partnerships and managing and developing high performing teams. She has both association and nonprofit management experience including; national program development and administration, membership strategy, marketing and product development, grant management, development and donor stewardship, and leading cross functional teams. Safstrom currently serves as President for the Society for Human Resource Management Foundation (SHRM Foundation), where she leads the development and implementation of SHRM Foundation's programmatic, development, and marketing and communication strategies in support of SHRM Foundation's new mission and vision, creating growth plans and ensuring alignment with SHRM goals.

Prior to assuming the role at SHRM Foundation, Safstrom served as Vice President at the National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, where she led the development and implementation of their Foundation's most recent five-year strategic plan, and was responsible for all Foundation programming, including workforce development initiatives, scholarship and event management, community relations and engagement initiatives. In 2016, she served as lead project director for the development of a $10 million contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor to develop the hospitality industry's first apprenticeship program, and was instrumental in the Foundation's reorganization and relocation of operations from Chicago, Illinois to Washington, D.C., transforming the staff and culture.

Safstrom has also held human resource management roles with the Leo Burnett Company and Hyatt Hotels Corporation in Chicago, Illinois. She has a BS in Business Administration from the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University and was recognized as a member of the 2014 "Power 20" by Restaurant Business Magazine as a leader in philanthropy within the restaurant industry.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S05 | E02 Cause the Effect You Want to See in Business with Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Mon, 16 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Organizations can’t survive without people. And HR professionals have the privilege to and responsibility for starting conversations, creating influence, and leading the cause and effect that happens in our organizations.

When we empower employees and support them through challenges and adversity, encouraging them to grow and develop themselves personally and professionally, they get to make an impact on those around them--in the office and at home.

On this episode, chief marketing and experience officer of the Society for Human Resource Management Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman talks about the role of human resources in business today and why it’s so important that we create a ripple effect with our work.

Jeaneen also shares some more background about the SHRM conference in June: who’s on the schedule, what attendees will get out of it, and how SHRM is helping to spearhead hope and mental health conversations at work.

About Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman:

As Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Andrews-Feldman is responsible for all activities related to conceptualizing and implementing market strategy and achieving marketing targets. She is responsible for providing executive leadership and management of SHRM’s marketing activities worldwide.

Andrews-Feldman is a marketing executive and business strategist with 30 years of experience in both B2B and B2C organizations.

Prior to joining SHRM, she was Senior Vice President, Marketing at Merkle Inc., leading the marketing strategy and execution for the performance marketing agency, where over the course of 5 years, she transformed the marketing organization into a strategic asset to the business while gaining recognition with multiple Stevie Awards for marketing and customer experience programs.

Previously, Andrews-Feldman was the Head of Global Product and Channel Marketing at the Corporate Executive Board (CEB). While there, she architected the marketing organization to support 7 practice areas and 54 programs for both acquisition and retention marketing. She also cofounded two marketing-related entrepreneurial ventures in suburban Washington, D.C., one of which was acquired by AES, Inc.

Earlier in her career, Andrews-Feldman spent more than 10 years in the telecommunications industry at both Sprint and AT&T.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the University of Scranton and attended Cornell University’s Executive Management Program while at AT&T.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S05 | E01 Mental Health Skills You Need to Know

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 13 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Focusing on mental health in the workplace is becoming more and more of a priority for organizations and our people and our company bottom lines are benefiting greatly from this focus. As People Leaders and HR professionals, I think there’s been a gap in our skills training to really know how to best navigate this new world of work and that’s where this episode of the podcast comes in to help fill that gap.

In this first episode of the season, I’m going to share with you the top mental health skills we could all use to be our best selves at work and encourage brilliance in those around us as well.

This is also a special episode for another reason – it will kick off this extra-special season of the podcast with a focus on SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, and SHRM’s upcoming conference in June of 2022 in New Orleans, LA. The rest of the season will introduce you to conference organizers, leading researchers and ten of the conference speakers, all sharing their brilliant and action-inducing thoughts around the mental health skills we all need to be successful.

This is season five of the podcast and with this season, I’ve changed the focus – from only focusing on helping you find the words, space and opportunity to have mental health conversations at work, to also focusing on you as the fabulous leader you are. This episode, and all the ones following, will give you the mental health skills you need to be successful in your role in your workplace but more importantly, to be successful in your other roles too – as family members, friends, community members and all the other roles you play in your life. We’re going to focus on your mental health so you can learn and live these new skills out loud, encouraging others to also take care of their mental health.

S04 | E12 Burn Bright, Don't Burn Out with Jess Stuart

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 6 May 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Society has set us up for failure. With the glorification of busyness and the pressure to check things off the list, we don’t have time to do the most important work: the strategy and innovation organizations need to be successful.

But there’s a small shift starting to happen, one that allows for slowing down to speed up. Because individuals and organizations are starting to see that busy mode isn’t sustainable. It’s a recipe for burnout and resignations.

We feel the need to constantly be busy because we feel like we don’t deserve the success that we have or strive for. But we do, and this week’s guest is here to tell us why.

Listen in to Jess share how to start getting past imposter syndrome and what organizations can do to support team members at all levels. (Spoiler alert: having conversations is top on that list.)

It’s time we stop glorifying working through lunch, taking work home, and skipping vacations and start balancing life with some work…not the other way around.

About Jess Stuart:

Jess Stuart, International speaker, coach and author of five personal development books specialising in mindset, performance and women in leadership. A well known Imposter Syndrome expert with a background in Senior Human Resources roles and a decade working in leadership development.

A brush with burnout in her corporate career lead Jess across the world to train with Buddhist monks and Nuns. A decade later, after coming out, writing five books and running her own successful business she shares what she knows about mind-set, resilience and self-belief to empower people to unlock their potential.

Highly acclaimed event speaker featured on TV3, BBC, RNZ, Dominion Post, Stuff and NZ Business Magazine. Described as inspiring, articulate and relatable by audiences. Jess has a passion for sharing her knowledge and motivating others with her words. Follow her on Instagram, connect with her on LinkedIn, and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

Jess’s Website
Burnout to Brilliance by Jess Stuart
What is imposter syndrome and how can you compat it? - TED-Ed
Join the monthly digital subscription

S04 | E11 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Chris Turner

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

You remember being taught that each person is unique and different and special in their own way. That’s still true. And organizations are finally catching up.

We know that we all react differently to different situations and we need different tools to succeed. Opening the door to those conversations not only supports neurodiverse employees, but entire teams benefit. And are more successful as a result.

This week on the pdocast, Chris Turner of Neuro Advantage is sharing what those conversations might look like and how to get them started. And he normalizes the differences we can’t see among team members.

There are so many misconceptions around why one person might react differently to adversity than another. Let’s start the conversation or, better yet, let’s just assume that we all need support in some way.

About Chris Turner:

Chris is the Founder of Neuro Advantage - an inclusion training practice supporting organisations to learn how to be inclusive of Neurodivergent job seekers and employees.

As a parent of an autistic child and with a career of more than 18 years across commercial disciplines Chris understands the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals along with the organisational need for innovation and productivity.

Neuro Advantage’s mission is to break down the barriers of uncertainty and confusion for employers when it comes to neurodiversity inclusion. By making the complexity of neurodiversity more relatable and presenting ideas through personal stories and experiences, Chris’ goal is to help more people feel confident to support neurodivergent colleagues and to help neurodivergent employees with a range of strategies to find workplace success. Through increased inclusion, organisations and team stand to gain from the advantages that neurodiversity inclusion brings.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E10 Addiction in the Workplace with Joe Gardzina

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 19.7 million American adults (anyone over the age of 12) was battling a substance use disorder in 2017. Imagine how that statistic has changed in the years since, especially as we've navigated our lives through massive transformation and change.

If your organization has any number of people working within it, there's a high likelihood someone is struggling with addiction. Some may be highly functioning, some may be getting the help they need and others may be staying silent in shame, unsure of the steps to take next. Addiction doesn't discriminate and as humans, we need all the compassion and support we can offer each other, especially in our greatest times of need.

This week on the podcast, Joe Gardzina of Brazos Place and Adapt Programs in Texas is sharing how to avoid stigmatizing language when talking about addiction, how to be a supportive organization, and why we should lean on treatment and support rather than rigid consequences for those struggling with substance use.

Conversations are important, as is appropriate treatment and trauma-informed care.

This episode is as real as it gets and is an important one for anyone who leads people, whether you suspect substance use or not. The conversation is compassionate, intelligent and practical - love to hear what you think.

About Joe Gardzina:

Joe began his career in 1993 as a psychiatric technician at a Houston aftercare facility. Mr. Gardzina became an LCDC in 1996. Joe is Board Certified by the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals. In addition, he is certified as both an Anger Resolution Counselor and US DOT Substance Abuse Professional. He has served as the program director for substance abuse treatment facilities in Houston, TX, and San Diego, CA.

Before founding ADAPT Programs in 2007, Joe worked for the Right Step in Houston as the Program Coordinator of their inpatient adolescent treatment program. He also was the Director of Programs for Phoenix House in San Diego, CA. In addition, he worked for the United Way for five years, serving as the Associate Executive Director. Joe and his beautiful wife Victoria are the proud parents of one child, William.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E09 DEI in a Silo with Andrea G. Tatum

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Organizations know that DEI work is important work, and it is. But not just because of the racial reckoning in these last two years. One of the biggest challenges diversity, equity and inclusion professionals face is helping organizations to see how far the DEI work actually stretches.

This is especially true right now, as some employees are back in the office while others are still working remotely--maybe with no plans to return to the office at all. Workplaces are remote and yet everyone wants to feel like they belong.

At the same time, DEI work doesn’t happen in a silo and one human resources professional can’t be expected to do all the work. It requires buy-in from the executive level, as well as a full time person who has the power to make decisions and make things happen.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Andrea Tatum, a DEI disruptor and consultant who supports organizations in doing the work and trains other DEI professionals to do the same. We talk about the importance of the DEI role being a top-level role and how to show other executives what work actually needs to be done. Andrea also shares how DEI pros can take care of themselves during this important work and some of the pitfalls that organizations may face if they don’t have the right people in these roles.

I hope you’ll tune in!

About Andrea Tatum:

Andrea spent her early career as a marketer in non-profit arts organizations including theaters, ballets, & symphonies. She was named one of the most influential women in Atlanta by Rolling Out Magazine for her focus on diversifying audiences.

Shortly after moving to the Bay Area, she pivoted into Tech as a product marketing and events manager. And while her entire career has been about creating more diverse and inclusive spaces, she pivoted into a full-time DEI Career after running several of Tableau’s DEI programs. Connect with her on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E08 Investing in Your Human Capital with Laura Bechard

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 8 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Does your organization scoff at the price of investing in the mental health and wellness of your employees? It happens often but yet when you look at the numbers, there’s a big advantage to making the investment.

Just ask Laura Bechard, founder of ProVision Business Advisors, an organizaiton that works with business owners who want to create more work-life balance--for themselves and their teams. On this week’s episode, we talk about the valuable resource of human capital and why investing in them can increase the valuation of your organization.

And there are so many ways to do this in a way that’s flexible for employees and reduces risk for the company, on top of creating some really great perks for scouting new team members!

Listen in and learn more!

About Laura Bechard:

Laura Bechard, CPA, MBA, M Ed is an experienced business, learning and certified change management professional with a unique background that combines finances and people. ProVision Business Advisors is committed to helping leaders align their human resource initiatives with the organization’s strategic goals. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Laura specializes in building valuable businesses, helping leaders effectively examine human performance constraints, identify performance improvement initiatives and more effectively communicate the ROI on investment in people. The impact on financial performance and in accelerating the value of the organization provides the business case to support human resource initiatives. Laura's career has provided her with experience in public and private sectors; large global companies and small businesses. Laura enjoys taking in adventures with friends and family and loves to bake. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E07 Creating the Standard of Psychological Health and Safety with Mary Ann Baynton

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 1 Apr 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Psychological health and safety is a hot topic but one that many leaders struggle with addressing. Thankfully we have leaders like Mary Ann Baynton to help create standards and frameworks that leaders and organizations can use to ensure their workplace is one where everyone can thrive.

Mary Ann has done so much work in workplace wellness and has helped countless organizations and government agencies in Canada develop standards to support employees, leaders, and organizations in this area.

On this episode of the Mental Health in Minutes podcast, we talk about creating a dialogue around coping with work stress, approaching a standard of wellness, what happens when leaders are overwhelmed and frustrated, and more. And Mary Ann shares three big things that can help during times of overwhelm and why we can’t blame a single event for our burnout.

About Mary Ann Baynton:

Mary Ann is a consultant in the field of workplace mental health and psychological health and safety. She helped develop the National Standard of Canada on Psychological Health and Safety in Canada and serves as the Director of Collaboration and Strategy for Workplace Strategies for Mental Health which provides free resources compliments of Canada Life. Mary Ann is the author of several books including Mindful Manager, Keeping Well at Work and The Evolution of Workplace Mental Health in Canada. She strives to reduce unnecessary suffering by helping people get unstuck and improve working lives. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E06 Navigating Cash and Compromise to Build Teams with Taylor Roa

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Some organizations just rise above others when it comes to supporting their people. This week on the podcast, we’re talking to Taylor Roa, talent acquisition leader at one such organization.

What’s so amazing about this company, Wistia, is that they’ve made very few changes to their people policies and benefits during the pandemic. Other organizations have sprinted to try to catch up to what their people needed during the last two years; Wistia has essentially gone on with business as usual. That’s how robust their culture and focus on wellness has been.

As Taylor shares, Wistia doesn’t have much of a wellness journey because it’s been baked into the company’s DNA.

On this episode, we talk about employee experience, how Wistia stands out, the different phases of the talent market over the last two years, why cash for team members isn’t the answer, and so much more.

It’s such a great conversation and you’ll be amazed at how simple it can be to put people first

About Taylor Roa:

Taylor Roa is a talent acquisition leader in the tech industry who puts a heavy focus on leveraging a hyper-human experience in hiring to achieve better outcomes, as well as keeping DEI at the core of recruitment strategy. He has specialized in growing startups and building hiring functions and DEI initiatives from the ground level.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04| E05 Finding Mindfulness in the Small Moments at Work with Amy McCae

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

There hasn’t always been a lot of mindfulness in the workplace; you’d go to work, do your job, then go home. With the pandemic, people have recognized that there’s an incredibly deep connection between home and work. Partly because we’ve literally been working from home, but also because we’re not one-dimensional creatures. We bring our whole selves to work. As it should be.

As a result, it’s important for leaders to be empathetic. Team members aren’t going to check themselves at the door when they walk into work, and we can’t expect them too. Instead, leaders can show more compassion and empathy by encouraging their team members to talk about feelings and emotions when they arise. And they will arise.

These days, people are reevaluating what’s important to them and what their priorities are because what was working before isn’t going to work in the future. And how you show up as a leader matters. A workplace that doesn’t feel psychologically safe for you or your teams isn’t going to support the work or the humans involved the way it should.

This week on the podcast, Amy McCae, a mindfulness leadership coach, shares this and more in an effort to help you to demonstrate more mindfulness at work. Because if you’re practicing it, your employees are more likely to follow suit.

About Amy McCae:

Amy helps leaders find more time for fun, family, and even themselves without costing productivity. She spent nearly a decade ill with chronic diseases until she found healing through fitness, nutrition, and meditation. Through that experience Amy rediscovered a passion for healing and now holds over 16 certifications related to mind-body wellness. She offers coaching and training to reduce stress and overwhelm. Amy focuses on mindfulness, leadership, and wellbeing

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E04 Values as Action with Lindsay Harle-Kadatz

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Your values aren’t just what you believe in; they’re the actions you take toward those beliefs. And sometimes those values change because of new experiences, transitions, life stages, and so on.

Values in business can change too, because of world events and new knowledge available. One only has to reflect on the last two years to understand the need for company and personal values to shift and change.

When thinking about your organization’s current values, did your team members have buy-in in creating them? Do their personal values align with your organization’s values? What about the leaders in your organization?

It’s incredibly important for there to be alignment in values because those values inform the actions we take. And if leaders don’t showcase their values consistently, everyone suffers.

This week on the podcast, I’m talking with Lindsay Harle-Kadatz about how to talk to team members about values so everyone is on the same page. Because when organizations care about values, it has a big (positive) impact on the bottom line. And surely that’s something that you care about!

About Lindsay Harle-Kadatz:

Lindsay Harle-Kadatz is known as the Values Vixen (that…and a quirky human). As a team brand and mindset consultant with Quirky Lindsay Harle, she supports leaders who want to have an immediate and lasting impact on their people - and it starts with values. Values are the tasty mental prune juice that teams need to create a culture of flow, enthusiasm and joy to produce better quality bottom-line results. A Neuro Change Method™️ Master Certified Practitioner, branding specialist, and listening student, she uses a different lens for connecting values to actions that matter to gain real traction in business and life. For Lindsay, breathing life into a team goes beyond a pretty branding document. It goes to the core of engaging individual beliefs and accountability. Follow Lindsay on Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E03 Making Friends at Work, Not Just “Work” Friends with Daniel O’Shea

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 4 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

We spend most of our time at work, even today when so many of us are working remotely. It makes sense that we want to feel connected to our teammates and coworkers.

But often, we don’t know how to do that. We’re not sure what to say when we see a coworker struggling so we remain quiet. That’s not helping them, and it’s not helping us to create real connections. Connections that go beyond work friends to true friendships.

This week on the podcast, guest Daniel O’Shea and I discuss the stigma around mental health conversations at work and how we can create a language of support so that everyone feels safe.

In the age of mental health tools, there’s support out there. But unfortunately many organizations don’t allow for vulnerability. Daniel has a tool to help with that!

About Daniel O’Shea:

Daniel is a consultant working in the social innovation space - developing unique solutions to social issues. He combines the threads of an ecclectic education and career, and in exploring the benefits and challenges of a digital-nomad lifestyle, has found a passion for the purposeful work he undertakes. Predominanty working with the increadible minds and souls that make up The Social Impact Lab and The United Way of Calgary and Area over the last few years, Daniel is grateful to have been given the opportunity to deep dive the larger questions about who we are and how we organize ourselves on his quest to find a more human human. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E02 Overcoming Fear Surrounding Mental Health with Alex da Silva

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

How we approach mental health in the workplace matters, especially in the beginning. Do you find that your people roll their eyes when you introduce wellness programs? Or are you struggling to get upper leadership on board with making employee mental health a priority?

You’re not alone. Alex da Silva joins me today to talk about why obstacles like this occur, and I don’t think you’ll be surprised to hear that a big factor is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of being vulnerable, and fear that you’re doing it wrong. But, he also brings some actionable tips to the table that you can use and implement in both your daily life and your organization.

We also discuss the responsibility leadership has when it comes to mental health, and the importance of leadership buy-in in the success of any wellness programs. Tune in and learn how you can successfully put practices into place that are going to be effective for your organization.

About Alex da Silva:

Alex da Silva, co-founder of Happy As Larry Group and TEDx Speaker, is helping individuals solve the problems caused by mental illness. He brings a wealth of personal and professional experience in emotional intelligence, mental health and addiction. Alex is an established Breathwork & Wellbeing Facilitator with a passion and unconditional love for people.

To learn more you can find Alex on YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S04 | E01 Coming Back from the Edge of Burnout

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Do you feel like you’re being pulled in all directions, without enough time, energy, or motivation to get it all done? Not only are you missing deadlines and meetings, but you are feeling physically ill and emotionally detached from those around you.

That, my friends, is burnout. And it’s the biggest issue I see leaders and employees facing today.

I get it. I’ve been there, and it’s why I love having these conversations. So, today I want to talk about the warning signs of burnout so that you can recognize it before it hits you (or your team) full force, as well as tactics you can use to come back from the edge once you find yourself there. The warning signs are more prevalent than you probably realize, but the secrets to closing the stress cycle may be easier than you think.

Tune in and let’s talk about it. Don’t let burnout linger where it’s not welcome.

Mentioned in This Episode of Mental Health in Minutes:

S03 | E12 The Intersection of Physical and Psychological Health and Safety with Dave Ferro

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 4 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In the past, Occupational Health and Safety has mostly been focused on physical aspects, such as harassment, preventing accidents, and violence. But in more recent years, there’s been a push to include psychological safety in their responsibilities as well.

And according to OH&S consultant, Dave Ferro, there’s good reason for this. When organizations create an environment where people feel both mentally and physically safe to come to work, they see improved profitability, better employee retention, and improved productivity. Dave explains the benefits of proactively supporting employee wellbeing, as well as how to start enacting change in your organization even if you don’t have support from your upper management.

It’s time to start normalizing conversations about mental health the same way we do with conversations about physical health. Tune in!

About Dave Ferro:

Dave Ferro is your support system. Dave is an OH&S consultant that provides his clients the tools they need to be assured in their procedures and confident in business. He believes in building collaborative relationships and fully understanding his client’s needs.

Dave is a strong believer in looking after the best interests of his clients. Having an OH&S Management System in place protects employers and their livelihood, as well as employees who have their boots on the ground.

To learn more, you can visit his website and connect with Dave on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Mentioned In This Episode:

S03 | E11 Collaboration Between Employees and Employers to Support Mental Health with Angelique Hamilton

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Mental health in the workplace is becoming less of a perk and more of a necessity, especially now as organizations continue to explore Return to Work strategies in the face of the pandemic. It’s tough to know where to start when there are so many variables to be conscious of.

Angelique Hamilton joins me today to share why mental wellbeing is becoming such a non-negotiable, it’s impact on productivity and your bottom line, and how employers and employees can work together to create more psychologically safe workplaces.

She also shares some key advice: Just start where you are. Listen to and advocate for your employees, and create a work culture within your organization that makes them want to be there. If you take care of your employees and ensure they feel valued and engaged, they will take care of your business.

Tune in for more!

About Angelique Hamilton:

Angelique Hamilton, MBA, is the Chief People Officer at Refresh Mental Health and CEO of the HR Chique Group Consultancy. Angelique has contributed to the development of world-class organizations for emerging small businesses, high-growth startups, and entrepreneurial ventures by incorporating innovative HR and diversity practices into their culture. Angelique has held key human resource positions in the health-care, nonprofit, and supply chain sectors, and she is a visionary committed to shaping the workplace of the future.

A graduate of Nova Southeastern University's Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Angelique holds a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in business management from Jacksonville University's Davis College of Business. Angelique is a native of Florida where she resides with her husband, Henry, and their three children, Arianna, Jared, and Jadyn.

Learn more about HR Chique Group Consultancy on LinkedIn and Facebook, and connect with Angelique on LinkedIn.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Refresh Mental Health
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S03 | E10 Tactics for Overcoming Overwhelm with Dr. Allessandria Polizzi

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

When it comes to stress, people leaders and HR professionals tend to face a higher propensity for burnout and overwhelm in the workplace, and they aren’t typically well equipped with how to handle it. Unfortunately, the pandemic has only exacerbated this problem.

Today’s guest has experienced these issues head on, and is here today to share tactics that leaders and HR professionals can use to get past that overwhelm and burnout in a healthy and productive way. Dr. Allessandria Polizzi teaches us her unique resiliency model and gives greater insight into what leadership can do to better support their employees in the face of adversity, build wellbeing, and prevent burnout.

We also discuss why these tactics are so important to psychological safety, and the positive consequences that valuing skills like resiliency can have within an organization. Tune in!

About Allessandria Polizzi:

Dr. Allessandria Polizzi is a Top 100 HR professional of 2020 and a 20-year HR professional, with experience leading teams across multiple industries to unlock the potential in people and help organizations thrive. Following a recovery from burnout and a depression diagnosis since 2021, Dr. Polizzi rebooted her consulting practice, Verdant Consulting, with a renewed focus on implementing the latest scientific resiliency, burnout prevention, and psychological safety research to help people, teams, and organizations learn practical, simple skills that will help them flourish. She offers training programs and organizational consulting services designed around neuroscience, cognitive behavior therapy, and the ISO 45003.

She is also cofounder of the Kite HR Wellbeing app for HR professionals and shares of-the-moment discoveries on all of these topics via the Be Verdant podcast.

To learn more, visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

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S03 | E09 Increasing Workplace Accessibility and Inclusivity with Erin Perkins

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Inclusivity and accessibility often get overlooked in the workplace, but not always for a lack of trying. Guidelines and training can be inconsistent, and despite any good intentions, leaders may find themselves wondering what the best practices are for creating accessible workplaces.

Today Erin Perkins, disabled rights activist and accessibility educator, joins me to share how organizations can build a more inclusive foundation within their organizations and how accessibility can really benefit everyone. She answers many common questions leaders may ask in regards to workplace accessibility, and teaches some tactics that organizations can use to better support employees needs—from recruitment to hiring, all the way through the employment journey.

Tune in to our conversation and learn simple ways to become a more accommodating and psychologically safe environment for all of your employees.

About Erin Perkins:

Erin Perkins is a deafblind entrepreneur, disabled rights activist, and accessibility educator dedicated to making the business world more inclusive. Her fierce advocacy comes from her life experiences as a deaf woman and owner of a small online business, Mabely Q.

Though she founded Mabely Q in 2018 as a graphic designer and online business manager, Erin’s true gift is working with CEOs who want to lead by example. Whether she’s teaching via a keynote speech, private workshop, or one-on-one consulting, Erin freely shares her experiences as a deaf woman with others to help make the world a more inclusive place for others with disabilities.

To learn more, check out Erin’s website or connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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S03 | E08 Having Constructive Mental Health Conversations at Work with Melissa Doman

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 7 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

As the climate around mental health at work continues to evolve, one thing is clear: These conversations are becoming non-negotiable in workplaces around the globe.And while simply having these conversations is a step in the right direction, it’s important to ensure that the conversation are constructive and impactful in a positive way.

Today, Melissa Doman joins me to share her expertise on this topic and discuss some of the major themes in her book that really resonated with me. We hit several different points on having constructive mental health conversations at work, including how we can develop the skill set to have these conversations, the science behind why we should, counterproductive mental health at work trends, what not to do, and more.

Improving mental health at work is a shared responsibility for the benefit of our collective wellness. Whether you are in a leadership position or not, tune in and get practical tips on taking action within your organization.

About Melissa Doman:

Melissa Doman is an Organizational Psychologist, Former Clinical Mental Health Therapist, and author who specializes in mental health at work. Melissa works with international, national, and local organizations and Fortune 500 companies across industries and across the globe – including clients like Salesforce, Siemens, Estée Lauder, and Janssen. She has also been featured in the BBC and CNBC about the mental health aspects of the Great Resignation. She also has an international perspective on her work as she’s lived abroad in South Korea, Australia, and England and traveled to 45+ countries. Mel has one core goal: to equip companies, individuals, and leaders to have constructive conversations about mental health in the workplace. Her book just came out in October, with the specific goal of doing just that.

To learn more, you can visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work by Melissa Doman
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S03 | E07 Building Resilience in HR Professionals with Kris Tierney

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

HR professionals have had a unique experience through the pandemic, and for the most part it has gone unrecognized. They’ve been stuck in the middle, pulled in opposing directions by the organizations they serve and the people they work with. It has taken its toll on their mental and emotional health as they try to navigate their way through the changes.

But it shouldn’t rest all on their shoulders. Kris Tierney joins me today to discuss how organizations can better support the mental and emotional health of HR professionals, and how HR professionals can effectively communicate with and support their teams during the pandemic. We talk about the shared responsibility we all have to participate in our organizations, and Kris gives us advice on how we can do that with compassion and empathy for each other as humans.

It’s important to remember that our HR professionals are just like us—human. Let’s do what we can to better support them and build up their resilience as we continue to face the effects of the pandemic. Tune in.

About Kris Tierney:

Kris Tierney is the Vice-President of Human Resources and Learning at the Human Resources Professionals Association where she provides strategic leadership to the Association’s internal human resources practices, as well as leading professional development and learning programming for the HRPA’s more than 24,000 students and members.

Kris is a passionate HR and business executive who believes that outstanding businesses run on outstanding workplaces where people and culture are strategic priorities. Kris spent more than 15 years’ leading HR and strategic talent programs in high growth, hi-tech companies in automotive and financial services where she served as a trusted people and culture strategist, advisor and business partner to the C-Suite.

Known for her easy and approachable style, she thrives when helping others live their lives with purpose, belonging and value. Kris holds the CHRP and CHRL designations awarded by the Human Resources Professionals Association.

To learn more about Kris, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.

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S03 | E06 Facing Challenges in the Social Impact Sector with Maryann Kerr

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

When you think of the social impact sector, you probably imagine that it is a kinder, gentler place than the traditional corporate world. But surprisingly, it might actually face more systemic issues and challenges, causing people to leave that sector in high rates.

Maryann Kerr has spent many years working in the social impact sector, and during this time she has seen and experienced her fair share of bullying, unsafe workplaces, toxic work environments, and fatigue. She joins me on the podcast today to share more about these challenges, and gives solutions that leadership can use to engage senior leadership and create a more psychologically safe workplace culture within the sector.

Whether you are a leader in the social impact sector or the traditional corporate world, the way you treat your employees is a reflection of your values. It’s time to acknowledge and take ownership of the issues our employees are experiencing.

Tune in.

About Maryann Kerr:

Maryann Kerr is Chief Happiness Officer, and CEO with the Medalist Group. Maryann has worked in the social profit sector for 34 years and helped raise over $110M for small to mid-sized organizations. She has led at the local, provincial, national and international level and is passionate about her family, feminism, and continuous learning.

As a governance, leadership and culture specialist, Maryann knows successful organizations create and nurture a climate where everyone understands their role; politics are minimal; engagement is high and turnover low. Environments where employees co-create the roadmap to mission delivery. Compassion, kindness, and a deep commitment to collaborative and productive workplaces are core to her work.

Maryann has participated on many social profit boards and committees and her first book Tarnished: Let’s rethink, reimagine and co-create a new social impact sector was published by Civil Sector Press in 2021. Maryann earned her master’s in organizational leadership.

To learn more, you can visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Tarnished by Maryann Kerr
The Leadership Challenge by Barry Posner and James Kouzes
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S03 | E05 Creating Sustainable Practices for Employee Wellness with Jennifer Moss

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Do you understand what burnout really is?

Burnout is a symptom of chronic stress, and it’s a growing problem globally. As organizations, employers, and leaders, we have a responsibility and an obligation to our employees to prioritize their wellbeing. And not only is it a responsibility to our employees and ourselves, but to the overall success and wellbeing of our organizations.

As employees globally continue to increase their expectations surrounding mental health in the workplace, it’s important for organizations and people leaders to work together to create sustainable practices that can support that. Jennifer Moss joins the podcast today to talk about how we can make this happen in really actionable ways, and sheds some light on why burnout is so prevalent in the world right now.

Listen in and help stop the slide into burnout.

About Jennifer Moss:

Jennifer Moss is an award-winning journalist, author and international public speaker. She is a nationally syndicated radio columnist and writes for Harvard Business Review.

Her first book, Unlocking Happiness at Work, received the distinguished UK Business Book of the Year Award. Jennifer was named a Canadian Innovator of the Year, an International Female Entrepreneur of the Year, and recipient of the Public Service Award from the Office of President Obama.

Her new book, The Burnout Epidemic, published by Harvard Business Press, is now available.

To learn more, visit Jennifer’s website, or connect with her on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mentioned In This Episode:

The Burnout Epidemic by Jennifer Moss
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S03 | E04 Reducing Stress and Increasing Motivation with Dr. Nicole Tschierske

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We know that stress has negative physical effects on the body and eventually leads to burnout, so typically we try to find ways to help our teams manage their stress. But these stress management techniques are only part of the solution.

In order to effectively reduce stress, prevent burnout, and actually increase motivation in the workplace, we need to get to the root cause of the energy drain.

Dr. Nicole Tschierske joins me today to talk about how we can find the root cause of stress for our people, and minor changes that leaders can make in the workplace in order to better support our teams. She gives actionable advice on how to get started, and how to start conversations in order to get senior leadership support and alignment on these changes.

By reducing stress and increasing motivation in our organizations, we can better protect both ourselves and our employees 𑁋 physically, mentally, and emotionally. Tune in to get started.

About Dr. Nicole Tschierske:

Dr. Nicole Tschierske is a scientist and positive psychology coach who helps individuals and teams in STEM do their best work. She works with her clients to build remarkable partnerships in their organisation so their work gets the momentum and recognition it deserves. Nicole also helps construct ways of working that reduce stress and increase motivation and engagement.

Nicole lives in Hamburg, Germany, holds a PhD in chemistry and is trained in coaching, positive psychology, change management, and advanced problem-solving. When she’s not buried in research papers and books you can find her taking long hikes in the German countryside or mesmerised by Mary Poppins on the screen.

To learn more, you can visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

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S03 | E03 Finding Joy and Optimism in Leadership with Brett Elmgren

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 3 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Let’s face it, leadership is hard.

Leadership roles typically come with a heightened sense of fear of failure and lowered senses of optimism and empowerment. And while most leadership development courses and strategies do a great job at increasing effective leadership skills, they don’t really teach what you need to feel happy and hopeful about your role as a people leader.

Today, Brett Elmgren is here to encourage you to seek the support you need to find joy and optimism in your work again. In our conversation, Brett identifies several common challenges leaders face that conflict with a sense of joy in their roles, and some strategies they can use to regain a sense of empowerment and optimism in their careers.

Listen in to learn how you can actually enjoy your work again while simultaneously creating a remarkable work culture for those you lead.

About Brett Elmgren:

Brett Elmgren is the President and Founder of Axom Leadership Inc. His work focuses on supporting leaders to find personal empowerment to drive transformational change. Brett is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources with nearly two decades of professional HR experience working for large publicly traded organizations.

Most recently Brett Elmgren held the position of Director of Talent Development for Nutrien, and was responsible for leading the global leadership development strategy for over 25,000 employees. He played a senior HR leadership role in bringing together the merger between PotashCorp and Agrium resulting in the creation of Nutrien. Brett holds a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University and an undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

To learn more, you can visit his website and connect with him on Linkedin and Instagram.

Mentioned In This Episode:

The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Shawn Achor: The Happy Secret to Better Work
Brené Brown
Dr. Tasha Eurich
Axom Leadership
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S03 | E02 Strengthening Team Relationships Through Vulnerability with Michael Vargas

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Have you ever taken an improv class and played the game “Yes, and”? If you haven’t, the basis is that you build off of each other’s stories and energies to tell fantastic tales and create crazy scenes.

Michael Vargas joins me on the podcast today to discuss how the basis of this fun, and sometimes silly, improv game can help create connections and strengthen your team relationships in the workplace. By sharing your experiences, flaws, and personal stories, you can engage with your people in an easy, comfortable way.

During our conversation, Michael shares simple examples and tactical advice on how you can use storytelling to build a safe space for your employees, and emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in your communications. And, if you're afraid to jump into the deep end, he also gives practical tips on getting started that won’t overwhelm you.

Tune in to our conversation to learn from his expertise!

About Michael Vargas:

Michael is an international facilitator with nearly 10 years of experience. Utilizing his Master in Clinical Psychology, improv, and design thinking background, Michael facilitates workshops and speaks to organizations on developing collaborative and productive team cultures. He supports teams to solve big problems in a way that is psychological safe, builds trust, and uses open communication.

He has worked with a variety of organizations like Dropbox, Salesforce, Kaiser Permanente, ACLU of San Diego, Evergreen Middle School, the County of San Diego, and many more.

To learn more, visit his website and connect with Michael on LinkedIn.

Mentioned In This Episode:

S03 | E01 The Importance of Mindfulness at Work with Trish Tutton

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Stress is an unavoidable part of life, especially when it comes to work. But the impact of that stress in our lives is manageable.

Research and data shows that when employees feel less stressed, organizations thrive. That’s why Trish Tutton is here to discuss why and how mindfulness practices can be implemented in the workplace to reduce stress and increase ROI. From what mindful leadership really is to how organizations and employees can each benefit from more mindfulness in the workplace, Trish gives actionable advice on how changes can be made.

But that change won’t happen unless we as leaders fully commit and model that behavior for our teams.

Tune in to learn from Trish’s expertise on how you can guide your teams to a more positive work environment through practicing mindfulness.

About Trish Tutton:

After years working in cultures where stress and burnout were seemingly the only way to success, Trish suffered a shocking loss and things became clear: stress is unavoidable, but it doesn’t have to dictate our lives. As a speaker and mindfulness teacher, Trish has taught the skills to live and work happier to thousands of professionals, and has created positive change for her clients to become happier, more productive, effective and successful without the busy badge of honour.

You can find her as a teacher on the #1 free meditation app in the world, Insight Timer, and she is the author of the Mindful Mornings Journal.

To learn more, visit her website or connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Mentioned In This Episode:

S02 | E12 Compassion and Mindfulness at Work with Scott Shute

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Compassion and mindfulness aren’t two words that are typically associated with the corporate world. But as we break into an era where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, compassion and success go hand in hand.

Scott Shute joins me on the podcast today to discuss how compassion and mindfulness programs can fit into the corporate landscape, and why they’re so necessary for long term success. From changing the stigma around the language to operationalizing compassion in your organizations, Scott breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand and implement. Not only will this change benefit your employees, but it will benefit your customers, your business, and your leadership journey.

As people leaders, it starts with us. Tune in.

About Scott Shute:

Scott Shute is at the intersection of the workplace and ancient wisdom traditions. He blends his experience as a Silicon Valley executive with his lifelong practice and passion as a wisdom seeker and teacher. In his most recent role at LinkedIn, Scott was the Head of Mindfulness and Compassion programs. He has been a pioneer in creating workplace mindfulness programs and advancing the discussion around compassion in the work context. He is the author of the highly acclaimed book The Full Body Yes.

To learn more, you can find Scott on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Visit Scott’s website
Firms of Endearment by Raj Sisodia, David B. Wolfe, and Jag Sheth
Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Raj Sisodia
The Full Body Yes by Scott Shute
Lindsay Recknell - Expert In Hope
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S02 | E11 Supporting Teams Through Authenticity with Wendy Ryan

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 5 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Who are you being as a leader?

These past 18 months have been tough, full of uncertainty and constant change. As leaders, we are exhausted, and unsure of how we can cultivate trust with so much trepidation in the workplace.

Wendy Ryan joins me today to discuss how we can rebuild that trust and support our teams through being authentic and vulnerable. We don’t know what tomorrow will look like, and we don’t need to pretend that we do. Our people will benefit more from our vulnerability and transparency than from putting on a show of what we think they want to hear.

Ready to better support your teams? Listen in!

About Wendy Ryan:

Wendy Ryan (she/her/hers), MHROD, is the CEO of Kadabra, an interdisciplinary team of leadership and organizational change experts based in Silicon Valley, California. With over 25 years of combined experience in human resources, organizational development, non-profit leadership and executive coaching Wendy has partnered with hundreds of individuals and organizations throughout the U.S. helping front-line through C-suite leaders and board members achieve success as individuals and in teams.

In her consulting work, Wendy’s ability to build trust and rapport with her clients, and her agility in assessing and engaging individuals and teams from “where they are,” facilitates breakthroughs and business results. She is an expert in organizational and individual assessments, leadership development, strategic visioning and implementing change from start-ups through the Fortune 500. Wendy customizes research-based best practices to work with each client’s unique culture and business model. She understands the dynamics of entrepreneurship, venture capital and private equity funding and seamlessly integrates those dynamics into her work for the benefit of her clients.

In addition to her work with Kadabra, Wendy is an active mentor, strategic advisor and angel investor in early stage, BIPOC, LGBTQ++ and womxn-led companies and an advocate for expanding diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the investor and business ecosystem.

Wendy holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco and a post-graduate Certificate in Management and Innovation from Bentley College and dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Spanish from the University of California at Davis. Wendy was previously certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources.

Her first book, Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness was released in May 2021.

To learn more, visit Kadabra’s website and connect with them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also connect with Wendy on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mentioned In This Episode:

Learn Lead Lift: How to Think, Act, and Inspire Your Way to Greatness by Wendy Ryan
Creating Psychological Safety Through Personal Branding with Tracy Borreson
Resources for The Learn Lead Lift Framework
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S02 | E10 Supporting Collective Organizational Wellness with Andrew Soren

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Andrew Soren) — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Since the beginning of 2020, personal wellbeing has been a hot topic in the world, especially when it comes to work. With the Great Resignation, we see the effects of workplace cultures where people feel undervalued and overworked.

The antidote to this?

Creating a psychologically safe workplace. You need to design a workplace that allows people to harness the best of themselves in order to do something amazing and important. You could consider this a eudaimonic organization, which is what Andrew Soren has joined me to discuss today. By implementing components of positive psychology, leaders can design the conditions where individuals, teams, and organizations can be their best selves and do their best work.

Tune in and start supporting the collective wellness of your organization today.

About Andrew Soren

Andrew Soren is the founder and CEO of Eudaimonic by Design. For the past 20 years, Andrew has worked with some of the most recognized brands, nonprofits, and public sector teams to co-create values-based cultures, develop positive leadership, and design systems that empower people to be their best.

Since 2013, Andrew has been faculty with the University of Pennsylvania’s internationally renowned Masters of Applied Positive Psychology program. He founded Eudaimonic by Design to harness the collective strengths of the most talented alumni from this program working at the intersection of organizational effectiveness, design thinking, and positive practice.

Andrew is an ICF certified coach. He splits his time between Toronto, Canada, Philadelphia, USA, and Montevideo, Uruguay. To learn more you can visit his website and follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Mentioned In This Episode:

The Psychology of Hope by Charles Snyder
Making Hope Happen by Shane Lopez
Lindsay Recknell - Expert in Hope
Book a 30-minute call with Eudaimonic by Design
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About Mental Health in Minutes:

Make hard conversations easy and meet your team where they're at in their mental health maturity with our monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations. Designed to increase the well-being of your employees, let us focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams! Download your FREE Training Tryout all about stopping the slide into Burnout HERE.

S02 | E09 Leadership Skills That Build Resilient Teams with Charmaine Hammond

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Charmaine Hammond) — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

People leaders create the atmosphere for their teams, both consciously and subconsciously. That’s why it’s so important that leaders develop the skills necessary to improve and support workplace relationships.

Do you have the skills necessary to build a resilient team?

Charmaine Hammond joins me today to talk about the importance of leaders developing these skills and holding themselves accountable. It may not always be easy, and you definitely won’t always get it right, so giving yourself room to learn and grow will be transformational for both you and your team. And if you don’t know where to begin or what skills to even work on, Charmaine covers that as well so you can get started right away.

Tune in!

About Charmaine Hammond:

Charmaine Hammond, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) is a highly sought-after business keynote and workshop speaker, entrepreneur, author, and educator who teaches and advocates the importance of collaboration, mental health, and healthy relationships. She has helped clients in many industries build resilient and engaged workplaces, develop high trust/high accountability relationships, and solve workplace issues and conflict that gets in the way of success and profitability.

She is also Executive Producer of the Back Home Again movie. Responsible for heading up the collaborations, partnerships and sponsorship for the project, she is passionate about this film because Fort McMurray was her home for 15 years. She didn’t live there at the time of the fires however returned on contacts with the social profit organizations and school boards to work with the community on the recovery and resilience initiatives.

To learn more about Charmaine, you can find her on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also visit her website and find Back Home Again on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Mentioned In This Episode:

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Back Home Again
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S02 | E08 Raising Workplace Wellness and Connection with Cathy Lim

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Cathy Lim) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:34:14 +0000

This far into 2021, we’re definitely seeing a shift towards more human centered workplaces. People are encouraged to show up to work as their authentic selves. And while this is great for both employees and organizations, it can bring about a new set of challenges. How can a team truly connect in a virtual or hybrid setting? What can leadership offer employees to make them feel recognized and safe?

Cathay Lim joins me on the podcast today to share her professional insight on how leaders can effectively take care of their employees, whether by offering employees resources and stress management, or just being open and honest with their teams. By taking small, simple steps, organizations can support employee wellness and foster more authentic connections within teams.

Listen in to learn more.

About Cathy Lim:

Cathy Lim is the Director of Human Resources for PopReach Games and the volunteer Executive Director for the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. Her passion to engage with employees and provide a safe and inclusive workplace has resulted in multiple Great Place to Work accolades, most notably Canada's 50 Best Workplaces, and Canada's Best Workplaces for Inclusion, for Women, and for Mental Wellness. Cathy also teaches workshops for multiple non-profits and schools year-round, she loves to educate and empower everyone around her, especially those from underrepresented groups.

To learn more, you can connect with Cathy on LinkedIn.

Mentioned In This Episode:

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S02 | E07 Leading With Humanity with Ashley Cox

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell, Ashley Cox) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Creating a psychologically safe space for your team can seem overwhelming. So many team leaders think you have to suddenly know it all and have all the answers, which is, let’s face it, impossible.

You won’t know it all right away, and that’s okay. Ashley Cox joins me today to talk about authentic leadership and modeling the behavior that we want to see from our teams. She encourages us to have vulnerable conversations with employees and lead with humanity to help create open and honest relationships, where team members feel comfortable being human at work.

Listen in as Ashley not only shares how we can demonstrate the behavior we want to see from our teams, but why it’s so important that we support them in this way.

About Ashley Cox:

Ashley Cox is the Founder and CEO of SproutHR, a boutique firm that helps women-owned businesses hire and lead thriving teams with smart and simple strategies.

At SproutHR, Ashley and her team help you hire the right people for your team (in the right way), with a focus on values-based hiring, compassionate and intentional leadership, and amplifying your impact. Their work has been featured on the Society for Human Resource Management, ABC, NBC, and Brit+Co.

Ashley is also the author of Transform Your Stories, where she helps women overcome the stories that are holding them back so they can become confident and courageous leaders who impact the world.

For more information, visit her website, or find Ashley on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

Mentioned In This Episode:

At the Table Podcast with Patrick Lencioni
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S02 | E06 Creating Psychological Safety Through Personal Branding with Tracy Borreson

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 3 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Branding isn’t just about business marketing. Every single person has a personal brand, and after a year or more of working from home, employees are probably more in tune with their values and authentic selves than ever before. For business leadership, this brings in a new set of questions that need to be answered.

How are leaders supporting their employees in creating their personal brands? Is your personal branding true to the experience employees and clients have with you within the organization? How well aligned are your business values and personal values?

That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the conversation I had with brand identity coach Tracy Borreson today. Listen in as she digs deep into how leadership can use employees personal brands to create psychologically safe spaces, and how finding your own personal branding can help you find clarity and growth in your business.

About Tracy Borreson:

Tracy Borreson is a mompreneur and brand identity coach on a mission to help leaders who are invested in creating authentic human experiences create a culture that represents their personal brand. With 15 years of experience in corporate marketing, as an employee and leader, Tracy consistently witnessed an inability for corporations to even recognize the existence of personal brands. So now, she's helping leaders bring their authentic brand voices into their leadership strategies to create corporate cultures with the human experience at the core.

To learn more, you can visit her website and connect with her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S02 | E05 Creating a Workplace Wellness Program with Karen Pearce

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

We know that employee wellness is important, and that leaders need to be taking care of their people. But coming up with a wellness plan and actually integrating it into the workplace can be daunting, confusing, and leave leadership wondering if it’s worth it.

Today’s guest, however, has been able to successfully build and implement a workplace wellness plan for her organization, and she’s here to inspire you to create your own. Backed by numerous studies and personal experience, Karen Pearce is passionate about supporting the overall health and wellness of her people to improve employee satisfaction and productivity. Together we’ll discuss building resilience in teams and leaders, the importance of leadership buy-in when it comes to implementing these types of wellness programs, and different ideas you can use in your own workplace.

Listen in and discover the power a workplace wellness program can have at your own organization.

About Karen Pearce:

A Calgary native, Karen Pearce currently oversees business operations for all Western Canada, at McCann Worldgroup Canada, a global advertising network. She’s a leader who is not afraid to get her hands dirty, bringing an unbridled passion for ideas that move business forward.

Karen has always been drawn to companies that are building from the ground up; from opening the TAXI office in Calgary for their Westjet client, to building up the Vancouver office for the TELUS client, she knows what it takes to scale and that is to build from the inside out; start with your core purpose and align everyone to that vision.

Her personal purpose evolved as she brought together her interest in holistic, integrative health and seeing the gap in supporting advertising employees more holistically. This resulted in the launch of an unconventional resilience program at McCann called MFit, which supports wellness & work-life habits for the purpose of mental, physical, and emotional resilience.

To learn more, you can connect with McCann on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S02 | E04 Self-Aware Leadership with Susan Elford

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 6 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Are you aware of where you are along your personal leadership journey? Many people believe that those who are in leadership roles need to be doing all of the things all of the time. Today’s guest, however, strives to counter this point by teaching that we can all bring more value to our organizations by being self-aware human beings instead of overworked human doings.

This is a lot easier said than done, right? Fortunately, Susan Elford joins the podcast today to discuss how to actually do that so that you can live a more whole, satisfying life without sacrificing your impact in the workplace. Her biggest tip for self-aware leadership? Be a better leader by being better to yourself. Know what you need for workplace satisfaction and execute it!

Listen in for more on how you can improve work-life integration in your leadership role so that you can more fully support and enrich your organization.

About Susan Elford:

Susan Elford is a Leadership Coach and Business Mentor to ambitious women. The women Susan serves are often called to get involved with many things – their careers, their businesses, their communities, and their families. Susan particularly enjoys empowering women to design careers and businesses they love to work in, in the context of whole and busy lives.

With a 28 year career in Public Relations behind her, Susan launched her first business, Elford Communications, about 18 years ago where she primarily served not for profits, businesses, and the energy industry. In 2015, Susan launched her second business, Susan Elford Coaching & Consulting, so she could better support women building their businesses and careers through powerful leadership coaching, business mentorship, and PR strategy for small business. Always involved in her community, through her volunteer work, Susan brought Lean in to Calgary and launched Lean in Calgary in 2019 to further her mission to support women in leadership.

Susan is academically trained and holds two university degrees, one in English and the other in Public Relations. A life long learner, Susan is certified by the Canadian Public Relations Society, the International Association of Public Participation, the Coaches Training Institute, and the International Coach Federation.

On the personal side, Susan has lived in Calgary for over 20 years, is married and is the proud mother of two teenage daughters. As a family, they have enjoyed many global travel adventures together. Susan spends her free time outside as much as possible, running, hiking, skiing and walking her very friendly dog.

To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S02 | E03 Raising Collective Wellness with Dennis Shinski

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:34:17 +0000

What do you do when a coworker shares a mental health concern with you? Do they even feel comfortable doing so? We spend almost as much time with our coworkers as we do our families, so it’s important that we are able to act as a line of defense against these concerns. But, how can we accomplish this?

Today’s guest, Dennis Shinski, is all about raising our collective wellness, and he joins me today to share a plethora of ways we can achieve this. From simply acknowledging that things need to change to organization-wide training and education, he shares from experience how being proactive in the mental health space can create a culture of wellness that benefits everyone.

If you’re ready to take the steps to make it work in your organization, listen in!

About Dennis Shinski:

Dennis Shinski, a 4th year Social Work student at the University of Calgary. Dennis worked in the Trades & Industry for 14 years with many different roles from labourer to supervisor, before transitioning out of Oil and Gas Industry and into Grande Prairie Regional College to work towards getting accepted into the UofC’s Social Work program. He has worked and volunteered in the mental health field for over 7 years, and has been helping people in recovery from addiction for over 8 years. He was also in a documentary called “Digging in the Dirt” that aired on CBC. The documentary focuses on men’s mental health and the crisis in the Trades & Industry sector around suicide and addiction.

Currently, Dennis works at a high school as a Youth Advocate and a FNMI liaison where he shares his lived experience to make a difference in the lives of others, inspiring hope and the courage to change. Follow him on Instagram to learn more.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Centre for Suicide Prevention

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S02 | E02 Cultural Competency with Shahzia Noorally

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Mon, 5 Jul 2021 11:12:54 +0000

Your organization talks the talk. As leadership, it’s also your responsibility to walk the walk.

From the very beginning in recruitment and onboarding, company values should be apparent. On today’s episode of the podcast, we learn from Shahzia Noorally the best way to accomplish this through storytelling and building a culture surrounding vulnerability about personal experiences. Share your story, look for connection, and allow space for your people to be human in the workplace.

Listen in as we discuss cultural context and its place in workplace mental health, compassion and intentionality in engagement, and vulnerable connection in an isolating workforce. Shahzia’s insights into cultural competency provide practical and actionable steps your organization can take to elevate employee experience.

About Shahzia Noorally:

Shahzia Noorally is a senior HR professional based in Calgary, AB who is on a personal mission to change the HR industry by challenging the norms around how great cultures should be built and infused to make high performing, engaging, and authentically diverse workplaces. She is a proud introvert, published writer, speaker, and blogger, and holds both a Bachelor of Management degree from the University of Lethbridge as well as a Masters of Education degree from the University of British Columbia. She currently works as a HR Business Partner for FortisAlberta and prior to joining Fortis, she spent nearly 6 years at ATB Financial where she worked in a variety of progressive HR roles.

When she's not working, you can find her building her side hustle, the Colour Gap, a podcast focused on unconventional career strategy for women of colour.

To learn more, follow The Colour Gap on Instagram and Twitter, and connect with Shahzia on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S02 | E01 Leveling the Playing Field with Darby Young

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:23:45 +0000

Is your workplace accessible? If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that accessibility accommodations for persons with disabilities are not only highly feasible, but necessary for improving the overall mental health of employees. The one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work anymore.

Darby Young joins us on the podcast today to discuss why accessibility in the workspace is so important and how it can be implemented in the office. Different employees will require unique approaches, and the workforce needs more forward-thinking leaders making offices more accessible and inclusive for all. By being flexible and making the workplace accessible, organizations prove that persons with disabilities are valued workers and not simply there to check boxes.

If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your company.

Tune in!

About Darby Young:

Darby Lee Young is a former para-alpine ski racer who was born with mild cerebral palsy and a passion for removing barriers. She created Level Playing Field (LPF) in November 2015 to mitigate the barriers she faces every day. As the Principal Accessibility Strategist, Darby works with architects, designers, property owners, facilities management, and more to ensure spaces are Universally Accessible.

Darby is a well-known public speaker and has been very active in the community. She has been volunteering with Hockey Canada since 2010 and served as co-chair on the City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) from 2011-2015. She also represented the City of Calgary at the International Summit on Accessibility. She was recently named top 25 Women of Influence and has a shoe line named after her, called the "Darby" Fellowship by John Fluevog.

To learn more, visit Level Playing Field and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E12 Solve the Productivity Problem with Dawn O’Connor

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 13:00:00 +0000

When thinking about increasing productivity, what is your organization doing to support that? Many organizations fill employee’s time with meetings and throw task management systems at them that they don’t know how to use. And while the intentions may be good, the typical outcome is just added stress, wasted time, and less deep work done.

So what’s a real solution to the productivity problem?

Today’s guest, Dawn O’Connor, is a productivity expert and she has practical, actionable advice that can help improve productivity by reducing stress for employees across the board. With proper support, training, and boundaries, employees will naturally improve their efficiency and display higher job satisfaction.

Listen in to learn from Dawn’s expertise!

About Dawn O’Connor:

Driven by a need to connect people in the throes of pandemic life, Dawn O’Connor built a community for individuals to work ‘separately-together’ inside a Focus Bubble. Focus Bubbles launched in mid-January and has surpassed 170 Bubbles and over a thousand hours of productivity! Bubblers work on projects and tasks that run the gamut from taxes, cleaning up email, and other admin stuff to creative writing, podcast prep, client work and PhD studies. The growing Focus Bubble community is kind, supportive, and welcoming.

To learn more, visit the website and follow Focus Bubbles on Instagram and Facebook.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E11 Happier at Work with Aoife O’Brien

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 28 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Data analytics is used in so many different aspects of a business⎯ customer satisfaction, sales, web traffic, etc.. But are you tapping into all the data you can be gathering from your employees? It’s often overlooked, but employee data analytics can affect retention, employee mental health, resolving workplace issues effectively, and more.

But data analytics is just one of the elements in making employees feel happy and valued at work. Today’s guest, Aoife O’Brien, is a Happiness at Work expert, and she joins us to share her expertise in how keeping employees happy is beneficial for everyone. By using data, knowing and meeting the unique needs of employees, and aligning the values of your organization, the workplace can be a psychologically safe space that builds trust, loyalty, and authenticity throughout its ranks.

Listen in and dig deeper into how you can make your employees happier at work.

About Aoife O’Brien:

Aoife O’Brien is a Happiness at Work expert. Her mission is to help organizations to increase employee retention by using culture-fit in their hiring decisions. She is passionate about ‘fit’ and specifically how creating the right environment can help individuals to reach their full potential and support organizations to thrive. She helps HR and business leaders to make data-driven decisions, with a specific focus on values, needs, and strengths. Aoife has been featured on several media platforms and podcasts speaking about ‘fit’ as well as imposter syndrome. She has also delivered a number of keynote speeches on these topics.

Her podcast, Happier at Work, has 14,000 listens in more than 50 countries. Before launching her own business, Aoife had a successful 17 years in the corporate world working with global companies like Coca Cola, Unilever, and Heinz to solve marketing problems using data analytics. She has lived and worked in Dublin, London, Perth, and Sydney and has a MSc in Work and Organizational Behavior.

To learn more, visit her website and follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Making Mental Health a Focus with Adam Nebbs

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E10 - Understanding Workplace Bullying with Ruthann Weeks

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 14 May 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Did you know 45% of Canadians report being bullied at work? Or that workplace bullying can be in different forms? Ruthann Weeks, our guest this episode, has firsthand experience with toxic workplace environments and has dedicated her professional life to creating psychologically safe spaces for all. Join us this week as she shares some amazing insights into stress management, creating healthy workplaces, professional self-empowerment, and how to keep from becoming just another bystander in these situations. You won’t wanna miss this episode.

Key Takeaways:

Take the time to make an appointment with your emotions-- catharsis is a great form of intentional self-care.
Your emotional state influences that state of your body.
There are different forms of bullying that can take place in the workplace such as mobbing.
Looking at turnover rate is a good indicator of a workplace’s environment. Anything between 5% to 10% may be cause for caution.
SNAP method for being a good bystander-- See it, Name it, Ask about it, Provide support.
Leaders embracing the concepts will be the talent takers in the 21st century as Millennials and Gen Z take their place in the workforce.

About Ruthann Weeks

Ruthann Weeks is a Cultural Change Strategist and Principal Consultant at Harmony In The Workplace. She is a change agent whose efforts have helped to bring the importance of an abuse-free work environment to the forefront of public awareness. She is a best-selling author and gifted speaker who delivers a powerful message about today’s workplace challenges.

Working as a Certified Resource Specialist in the human service sector, Ruthann went on to graduate as a Human Resource Manager. She is a Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor and specializes in diversity and inclusion, workplace bullying, sexual harassment, domestic violence and mental health in the workplace.

Find her on her website.

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E09 Understanding Diversity in the Workplace with Kanchan Prinsloo

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 11:32:11 +0000

Our cultural experiences shape who we are and the color of our skin often shapes the culture we get to experience. To be good leaders, team members, and allies understanding how to approach the topic of race and ethnicity in the workplace is necessary to ensure equal opportunity and clear communication! Join Kanchan Prinsloo, an Executive Coach with a focus of diversity and equity in the workplace, and I as she educates me on race, leadership, and the often overlooked experiences of BIPOC in the workplace.

Key Takeaways:

The cultural experiences of BIPOC leaders and employees left unexplored may be leading to misconceptions about them.
Have coffee with your employees to appreciate their uniqueness.
How do we offer constructive criticism?
Do your own research on systemic racism and discrimination.
What does it mean when BIPOC “cover”?
Our biases can be implicit i.e. held subconsciously.

About Kanchan Prinsloo:

As a leader who worked in various senior positions for over twenty five years, Kanchan Prinsloo has experienced first-hand the unique pressures associated with being at the intersectionality of race and gender in a leadership role. It is these experiences along with ongoing work, that shape Kanchan’s approach to coaching and building her company to support culturally diverse leaders and organizations.

Kanchan holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Certification in Executive Coaching. Her commitment to women of color executives leading powerfully aligns with her extensive international diversity program training. You can learn more about her on LinkedIn and her consulting company, KaPri Consulting Inc.

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E08 Mindful Leadership with Sarah Jenner

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:54:57 +0000

When it comes to your leadership, are you walking the talk? Think about it. You’re probably saying all the right things to your team, like telling them to take their breaks and vacations and that they can always come talk to you. But are you actually modeling that behavior for them and providing the mechanisms to make sure these things are happening?

This is just one piece of what’s called “mindful leadership”, and it’s what today’s guest, Sarah Jenner, is here to talk about today. She understands the disconnect that is often found between organizational leadership and their employees. Sarah teaches that through having a true commitment to your team and their mental well-being, you will watch them flourish and grow along with your organization.

Listen in to learn how you can be a mindful leader and build a healthy connection of trust, respect, and safety with your team.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Mindful Leader Program

About Sarah Jenner:

Sarah Jenner, the Executive Director of Mindful Employer Canada believes dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to share their journey with you. Mindful Employer Canada, a non-profit, emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support organizations to create workplaces that are productive, inclusive, innovative, and ambitious.

Sarah and her team do this by creating programs that teach leaders how to resolve workplace challenges using strategies that focus on commitment rather than compliance and empowerment rather than criticism. This helps leaders meet goals like commitment-based management, having difficult conversations, fair process leadership, and setting personal goals. You can find Sarah and Mindful Employer on LinkedIn, Instagram and their website.

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E07 Looking to the Future with Jordan Friesen

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 2 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

It’s apparent that the “typical” workplace is changing, especially with such a huge shift to working from home during the pandemic. But what changes will we see in the next ten years, and how can we evolve our company culture to keep pace?

While there’s no crystal ball or silver bullet to answer all of our questions, Jordan Friesen hopped on the podcast today to discuss what we can probably expect. At the heart of it all is the fact that we are humans and we have needs and feelings. If a company’s culture and systems cannot evolve to accommodate the human side of the workforce, they will continue to face an increasing number of challenges.

From selecting the right people to adjusting how growth and development are viewed to simply asking your employees what they need, tune in to hear Jordan’s expertise and rethink the way your organization supports mental health and wellness.

About Jordan Friesen:

Jordan is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Mindset Mental Health Strategy.

He is a senior leader with many years experience in Canada’s non-profit sector, leading national initiatives focused on corporate mental health. Since leaving the non-profit world, Jordan uses his skills as a consultant to assist organizations who want to take progressive action to support the mental health of their workforce as a competitive advantage and business imperative for the future of work.

In addition to consulting, Jordan has experience in training, education, mentorship, public speaking, and research. He prides himself on being able to distill complex ideas into actionable insights for a wide range of audiences, from executives to students. He is a sought-after subject matter expert on workplace mental health.

Jordan is a registered occupational therapist who holds a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Manitoba.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

Make hard conversations easy and meet your team where they're at in their mental health maturity with my monthly digital download subscription of done-for-you presentations. Designed to increase the well-being of your employees, let me focus on research and content creation and you can focus on delivery and employee support, the value-added activity that really makes the most impact with your teams! Download your FREE Training Tryout all about stopping the slide into Burnout HERE.

S01 | E06 Creating Psychologically Safe Spaces with Heike Cantrup

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Whether virtual or in-person, employee or consultant, the importance of the workplace being a safe space can’t be overstated. It opens the door for needed conversations, regardless of what is going on in the world or in personal lives, and it helps build strong team relationships.

Today’s guest, Heike Cantrup, was eager to come on the podcast and share how a leader in her life has been able to accomplish creating a psychologically safe space at work. As a contractor, Heike found this especially valuable in making her feel welcome and part of the team. So, how was he able to accomplish this?

It really breaks down to keeping an open line of connection and showing vulnerability and compassion. He understands that his employees and contractors are human and need that element of freedom and trust in the workplace. Listen in for the details and the steps you can take to start creating safe spaces in your own teams.

About Heike Cantrup:

Heike Cantrup is a PMP accredited Project and Program Manager within the IT sector. With over 15 years of experience, she thrives in environments where projects need to be rescued and teams need to be organized. Infrastructure and software upgrade projects are her forte, and she enjoys speaking with business centric stakeholders as it enables her to practice speaking without using technical specific terms.

She is an active women of IT coach, and has recently taken on a Board position as VP of Relationship Management with WomenIN. They are a not-for-profit group uniting women 20+ transform the future through unique events, networking, leadership and providing a platform of resources.

Heike is a proud mother of two kids, loves fitness, enjoys movement activities outdoors, and has a passion for live music and streamed content of funk, jazz, hiphop, house, drum and bass, and more.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Brené Brown on SuperSoul Sessions: The Anatomy of Trust

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E05 Implementing People-Focused Strategies with Kolbi Kukurba

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 5 Mar 2021 11:00:00 +0000

Employees and employers alike have had to relearn and adjust how they manage expectations right now. While there have always been stressors outside of the workplace, the global pandemic has definitely compounded that stress tenfold. Now more than ever, employers need to create hopeful, supportive work environments if they want to see positive mental health and productivity in their organizations.

But, how do you do that when there is so much outside the workplace that you can’t control?

Kolbi Kukurba is here on the podcast this week with a simple, but powerful answer. Invest in your people. Implement people-focused strategies that understand where your employees are at with flexibility and compassion.

Listen in as Kolbi details simple ways that organizations can shift their strategies to be more people-centered and supportive both now and consistently into the future.

About Kolbi Kukurba:

Kolbi Kukurba is a proud Albertan living in a rural county outside of Edmonton with her two rescue dogs. She has spent her professional career in the not-for-profit sector, developing programs, managing projects, and connecting individuals to the important work of mental health in the workplace through strong communications and advocacy strategies.

As the Project & Public Relations Manager for Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Alberta Division, she identifies province-wide opportunities and initiatives which build the potential for the improved mental health of all Albertans. In this role, she manages the workplace mental health initiatives and hopes to enhance workplace mental health in organizations throughout our diverse province. Kolbi is a strong advocate for mental health as a human right.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E04 Making Mental Health a Focus with Adam Nebbs

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 19 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

What tools are available to promote good mental health in your workplace?

There is no silver bullet when it comes to creating a healthy work environment, and no organization will get it right 100% of the time. But by making it a continuous focus in your organization, you can create a work environment that promotes sustainable positive mental health for your employees.

Adam Nebbs joins the podcast today to discuss his perspective on workplace mental health and why it matters. From leadership support to addressing the stigma around mental health in the workplace, Adam dives into the importance of organizations making mental health a focus and the different tools and resources available so you can meet your people where they’re at.

About Adam Nebbs:

Adam Nebbs is a PhD student studying workplace mental health at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research in Tasmania. He has a lived experience of anxiety and spends his life learning how to be his best self. He is the co-host of a podcast called Settling's Not an Option where he uses those lessons to teach others. Adam has a 5 year old who he considers one of his mentors, as she teaches him some big lessons about life and fatherhood.

To learn more you can connect with Adam on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E03 Having Fun in the Workplace with Robert Manolson

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 5 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In physical and home workplaces alike, employees want to be in an environment where they can feel welcome, engaged, and thriving. What are you doing to increase employee wellness and engagement? It certainly has become more complicated as more of the workforce has moved to remote work.

Today’s guest has a solution for creating positive team mental health: fun at work. Robert Manolson teaches us that the key to building a fun and engaging workplace is creating an energetic, playful experience where people feel comfortable being open and creating connections. In his work, Robert has proven that fun at work is essential to positive team mental health.

Listen in to learn more about bringing fun into the workplace and how you can support your team _now_- because it’s not going to get better on its own.

About Robert Manolson:

Robert Manolson is a certified career development professional and the business owner of Powerful Play Experiences. For over 14 years, Robert has traveled throughout Alberta facilitating the most amazing team development workshop experiences with amazing levels of energy and fun. His message is simple. “Business leaders, embrace the value of fun at work and build a culture of highly engaged and happy teams. It’s the number one strategy to raise positive mental health levels at work, especially now as we all continue to adjust to our new way of working together and taking care of one another.”

As an avid mental health champion, Robert is comfortable sharing his own story of living with and managing depression and anxiety. His goal is to be a role model for men everywhere who really need to get comfortable with talking about their daily mental health and get the help and support they need.

To learn more, you can follow Powerful Play on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E02 Being Human in the Workplace with Christine Bandy

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 5 Feb 2021 01:05:00 +0000

Gone are the days where employees should be expected to leave their worries and issues at home. We need human connection on a personal level in every aspect of life, including in the workplace, and it has been shown that allowing employees to be authentic at work leads to more fulfilling careers and successful organizations.

Where can corporate leadership start to change the culture surrounding mental health in their organizations?

On this episode of the podcast, Christine Bandy jumps in the conversation to give us an answer. Just start simple. You know your people best. Listen intentionally and make the small changes your team needs to feel comfortable truly being themselves at work. Consistent, ongoing support and resources can create a culture shift toward an authentic, human workplace. Tune in now to hear more of Christine’s story and experiences surrounding human connection at work.

About Christine Bandy:

Christine Bandy is a Certified Human Resources Leader and a Psychological Health and Safety Advisor who knows the importance of talking about mental health in the workplace. While Christine has experience in many areas of human resources with businesses large and small, she is passionate about her current quest to ensure staff feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.

She is currently working in the role of Benefits Specialist at Libro Credit Union, a certified B Corp in Ontario, CA. In this role, she’s been able to capitalize on her passion for helping others by championing mental health and wellness initiatives, ensuring the psychological safety of her fellow employees is a part of every discussion. She lives just outside of Hamilton with her family and when she’s not working, she enjoys indoor cycling, going on dog walks, and tending to her COVID-inspired plant collection.

You can follow her on LinkedIn to learn more.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

S01 | E01 Building Resilient Teams with Brandy Payne

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Fri, 5 Feb 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Our mental health is the foundation for everything we do and everything we are. This is why supporting employee wellness in the workplace is so important. Burnout is a serious problem for employees across all industries, leading to declining mental wellness in workplaces across the board. What happens at work follows us home and vice versa, so how can we prevent burnout and harmful experiences at work? What impact can workplace leadership have in creating a supportive, healthy environment for their employees?

Brandy Payne joins the podcast today to share her expertise on creating an engaged and supported leadership, healthy workload balance, and opening communication on mental health in the workplace. By investing time in preventative measures, teams can become more resilient, productive, and avoid burnout. From setting limits to having conversations surrounding employee mental wellness, Brandy shares how leadership can support their team members to get through hard things in a healthy way.

Listen in to learn more.

About Brandy Payne:

Brandy Payne helps teams beat stress and burnout at work so they’re mentally healthier, happier, more resilient, and better able to do their jobs no matter what happens. As a CMA certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor, she gives team members the tools and skills they need to look after their own mental health, while addressing the underlying factors that harm mental health at work.

Brandy is also a former Associate Minister of Health in Alberta, CA. She was responsible for mental health and substance abuse and she brings her education, personal experience, and professional experience to her work.

To learn about building more resilient teams through mental health in the workplace, visit Brandy’s website and follow her on LinkedIn.

Mentioned in This Episode:

About Mental Health in Minutes:

Increasing Mental Health in the Workplace, a Minute at a Time

lindsay@mentalhealthinminutes.com (Lindsay Recknell) — Wed, 3 Feb 2021 21:52:05 +0000

We got into these leadership positions to help our employees and with so many demands on our time, I know it can feel like we’re not always spending our days on the activities that have the most impact. That is why I’ve created the Mental Health in Minutes podcast, launching with three episodes on Friday, February 5th, where we open the door to conversations about workplace mental health and help leaders and HR professionals create safe and innovative organizations where our employees and our companies thrive.

Each episode of this show has three objectives:

To discuss the future of mental health in the workplace
To identify the best, most successful strategies for opening the door to mental health conversations at work
And to share the top ways we can engage our leadership in the workplace mental health conversation and have them endorse (and pay for!) a positive culture shift within our organizations

I will be speaking to leaders who value their employees and either don’t know where to start or don’t have the time and have been trying to support their employees off the side of their desk. I will talk to professionals in workplace mental health and they will share what’s working and what isn’t working and where we can do better now that we know better. I’m excited to learn from these leaders and can’t wait for you to hear from them too.