I am joined by the amazing Susan Winchester, author of Healing at Work. She opened up about a topic that's seldom addressed but so incredibly vital—how our past traumas and dysfunctional patterns can unconsciously shape our careers. The discussion was rich with insights and actionable strategies to help us all step off the unconscious, wounded career path and onto a conscious healing one. Susan shared her deeply personal journey from being a high-achieving, perfectionist people pleaser driven by the need for external validation, to becoming someone who now focuses on healing and consciously making healthier career choices.
Transforming Recovery: Insights and Innovation with Chris Thompson of Sober Sidekick
Join Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas and Chris Thompson, CEO of Sober Sidekick, in this eye-opening episode of 'Headspace for the Workplace.' Discover Chris's inspiring recovery journey, the dark side of the rehab industry, and the importance of community support in addiction recovery. Learn about the world's largest peer support app, Sober Sidekick, and its impact on empowering millions. Don't miss this powerful discussion on creating psychologically safe workplaces and fostering well-being and resilience. Listen now for actionable insights and hope for lasting recovery.
Evan Whitehead Discusses Balance, Boundaries, and Breaks for Professional Well-being | Ep. 46
I have on Evan Whitehead, an education leader with 27+ years of experience. Join us as we explore the importance of 'selfishness' in maintaining well-being and effectiveness. Discover his three B's—Balance, Boundaries, Breaks—vital for cultivating a healthier work-life balance in high-stress professions.
Part 2: Work-Related Suicide: Health and Safety Regulators’ Perspectives
Welcome to Part 2 of the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group Episode. Hosts Jorgen Gullestrup and Dr. Sally Spencer Thomas continue their deep dive into workplace mental health and suicide prevention with Tim Irving from OSHA and Dr. John Fitzgerald from WorkSafe New Zealand. The episode uncovers critical insights into how occupational safety and health administrations are evolving to address mental health and psychosocial risks more comprehensively.
Part 1: Work-Related Suicide: Health and Safety Regulators’ Perspectives
Join Dr Sally Spencer-Thomas and Jorgen Gullestrup with guests, Dr John Fitzgerald, Registered Clinical Psychologist and Lead at “Mentally Healthy Work” alongside Timothy Irving, Deputy Director, Directorate of Construction, US DOL/Occupational Safety and Health Administration as they discuss work-related suicide. Hosted by the IASP Suicide and the Workplace Special Interest Group. Discussions of suicide can be overwhelming; if you are struggling and would like to seek further support, we encourage you to visit Find A Helpline, where you can connect to helpline support near you.
Leading the Way: Supporting Veterans' Mental Health & Harnessing their Leadership in the Workplace
Welcome to another episode of Headspace for the Workplace! Today we're diving deep into how workplaces can support veterans' mental health while leveraging their unique experiences to craft world-class mental health programs. Our guest today is Dr. Joseph Geraci, a psychologist with the VA and a veteran with over 20 years of military experience.
The Role of Leadership in Workplace Mental Health: Lessons from Dr. Joel Bennett
In this week’s episode of "Headspace for the Workplace," Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas sat down with Dr. Joel Bennett to explore the critical role of workplace culture and climate in fostering mental health and resilience. Their engaging conversation provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for leaders and organizations committed to creating psychologically safe and vibrant workplaces.
The High Cost of the Brilliant Jerk: Discussing Behavior in the Workplace with Kimberly Williams
In this episode of "Headspace for the Workplace," we welcome Kimberly Williams to delve into the high costs of tolerating a "brilliant jerk" in the workplace. Kimberly, a seasoned organizational behavior and HR management expert, will shed light on the real and often overlooked consequences of keeping toxic high-performers on the team.
Understanding Suicide Grief and Recovery at Work: Helping Staff Cope through Effective Postvention Efforts with Dr. Ruth Riley | Ep. 40
Join us as Dr. Ruth Riley delves into the sensitive topic of workplace suicide postvention. In this crucial discussion, we explore the support systems and guidance established to help staff cope after the suicide of a colleague. Discover vital insights and resources, including the NHS Suicide Postvention Guidance and the poignant film 'After Them,' which portrays the experiences of three NHS staff members during such difficult times. Read the NHS Postvention Guidance here and watch 'After Them'.
Alone Together: Unraveling the Ties between Isolation and Suicide with Dr. Kayla Follmer | Ep. 39
Have you ever felt alone in a group of people? Have you ever been shunned by work colleagues? Today we are going to explore what it’s like to be "Alone Together," and we are joined by Professor Kayla Follmer of West Virginia University, an expert in occupational health psychology. Our discussion will navigate the often-misunderstood paths of isolation at work —both intentional and unintentional—and their profound impact on suicide risk.
Cultivating a Restorative and Just Culture in the Workplace with Susan Murray | Ep. 38
Rethink the Drink -- Workplace Alcohol Culture and Substance Use Disorders with Max Margolis | Episode 37
Financial Well-being and Recovery with Reid Graham | Episode 36
Mental Health Advocacy in Leadership, Major General Gregg Martin | Episode 35
Bridging Ergonomics & Mental Health, Kevin Lombardo | 34
Cultivating Soul-Safe Workplaces with David Galvan | 33
Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas and David Galvan have a transformative conversation, exploring practical strategies for creating soul-safe workplaces. Gain insights into nurturing authenticity, compassion, and resilience in professional settings. Join us as we pave the way for a new paradigm of work rooted in holistic well-being and collective thriving.
Psychological Safety & Lived Experience, Christopher Wojnar | 32
HR Dilemma: Setting Boundaries, Christi Pilutik | Episode 31
Breaking the Mold -- How to Navigate Management and Mental Health in Male-Dominated Industries: Interview with Simon Tyler | Ep. 30
Join us as we explore the intersection of masculinity, mental health, and professional success in traditionally male-dominated industries. In this podcast, we delve into how leveraging strengths inherent in masculinity—such as collaboration, prioritizing safety, reciprocity, perseverance, problem-solving, courage, and honor—can contribute to creating healthier work environments and driving individual and organizational growth. From sharing stories of triumph to discussing practical strategies for promoting mental well-being, in this episode I interview Simon Tyler from Australia. He offers insights and inspiration for navigating challenges, fostering resilience, and unlocking the full potential of men’s mental well-being at work.
His two key takeaways:
Management engagement through leveraging workplace strengths
Mitigate psychosocial hazards related to job design
Bridging the Gap -- Generational Perspectives on Mental Health at Work: Interview with Melissa Doman | Ep. 29
At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace….
In this conversation, I speak with Melissa Doman who brings a fresh take on how organizations might bridge these gaps. Her two takeaways:
Move toward each other.
Explore differences to find agreement.