Welcome to Episode 47 of "The Wellbeing Rebellion," where we close the year with heartfelt gratitude and excitement. We are both thrilled to share our journey since launching on International Women's Day. We've had amazing guests from various industries, discussing mental and emotional wellbeing at work. Thanks to our inspiring guests and our production team at the Podcast Boutique, we've even clinched an award in the health and wellbeing category! As we look ahead to 2024, we promise new episod...
Dec 27, 2023•3 min•Ep. 47
It’s been a busy year, and we have done some incredible things and gone through a lot in our personal and professional lives! As we approach the end of this year, we are engaging in our own reflections. In this episode, we share some of the highs and lows. We will also look ahead to the next year and share what we hope it will bring. Let’s dive in! Here are the highlights: (05:09) There have been some really key highlights (08:41) It's been such a privilege to start to build this community of we...
Dec 21, 2023•33 min•Ep. 46
This week, we are joined by Claire Harrison, the Head of People at Burnetts, one of the biggest law firms in Northern England. Claire has had a broad career having previously worked as a project management and secondary school teacher. She is using all her previous work experience to help people find a better work-life balance in her capacity as the head of HR. Claire is passionate about improving employee engagement and is here today to share how she is creating a culture of care for both emplo...
Dec 14, 2023•37 min•Ep. 45
At the beginning of the year, we made predictions about how workplace wellbeing would transform, and we went ahead to outline some of the things we thought would happen in 2023. Today we're going back to see if any of them came true! In this episode, we review the year and discuss the changes that have been gone and bad for wellbeing. We also take a stab at identifying new trends that may emerge in 2024. Here are the highlights: (03:57) To care means to act. To care means to change. (10:34) You ...
Dec 07, 2023•41 min•Ep. 44
Today's episode is different! We are nearing the end of Movember, and on today's programme, we want to end the month by focusing on men's health and revisiting some of the discussions we’ve had on the podcast. This episode is a compilation of the inspiring stories of the men who have been on the podcast since we started. We appreciate the honesty and openness of each of these people, and we hope that this will give hope to anyone listening to this—letting you know that you are not alone. Let’s d...
Nov 30, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 43
This week, we delve into the issue of burnout associated with the pandemic. I'm joined by fellow well-being rebel, John Hobson. John is the CIO of Kellanova and has held significant leadership positions in Finance and IT within the company, both in Europe and the US. He specialises in developing high-performance teams and he played a pivotal role in implementing large-scale change strategies within the company during COVID. Today, we explore burnout from a leadership perspective and discuss how ...
Nov 23, 2023•39 min•Ep. 42
This week, I am joined by Nigel Crebbin, Director at DWF and highly experienced employment lawyer. In his thirty-year career, Nigel has seen everything, but let’s not forget he is also an employee and employer himself! He works in an industry which has a reputation for neglecting mental wellbeing, so we wanted to get his take on how to make it work. Today, we take a closer look at how businesses can implement strong and rewarding workplace cultures that support mental health, and Nigel shares hi...
Nov 15, 2023•28 min•Ep. 41
Being great at work isn’t just about turning up and doing. You have to be in the right mindset. Great companies understand that happy, healthy staff creates a better, stronger company. To discuss this we are joined by Philip Dyer, the Founder of Healthy Leaders Academy who helps leaders identify their barriers to personal growth. We touch on how companies build success through culture, and why that begins at the top. Here are the highlights: (02:48) Introduction (08:16) How to get through diffic...
Nov 08, 2023•51 min•Ep. 40
It's November. And November means Movember. Movember is a time for us to unite and tackle mental health issues that are affecting our fathers, brothers, sons, cousins, uncles and friends. Things like mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. So today, we’re talking to Jon Weller. Jon is a Director at Michael Page, but he is also Ngozi's husband. Jon has experience supporting his colleagues who are struggling with their mental health, but he’s also supported Ngozi in times wh...
Nov 01, 2023•49 min•Ep. 39
Today, we're diving deep into the metrics that can prove if your wellbeing strategy is actually working or just taking up space. From employee engagement scores to sneaky staff turnover rates, we’re laying down the lowdown on how to measure the unmeasurable. We'll also be letting you in on Aurora's 360 framework, your secret weapon for a happier, healthier workforce. Here are the highlights: (2:01) Workplace wellbeing strategies and their impact on employee engagement. (5:38) Measuring employee ...
Oct 26, 2023•22 min•Ep. 38
Did you know that just 1% of partners at major UK law firms identify as black? By contrast, there are nearly five times more Asian partners than black partners. That means that 90% of partners in the UK identify as white. These statistics from the 1% study are shocking. Join us, as Segun Osuntokun and I discuss breaking through the 1%. Here are the highlights: (3:53) Career progression (9:15) Partnership track (21:59) More to do (31:10) Industry talent (35:42) Mentorship and sponsorship Take the...
Oct 18, 2023•45 min•Ep. 37
Middle management is a tough gig. Senior management expect them to be natural leaders, while direct reports expect technical expertise and man management. Sometimes it feels like a lose-lose situation, so how can companies get the best out of their middle management? In this episode, Ngozi and Obehi discuss the requirements of middle managers, how the right support and training can be put in place to support that, and why a positive company culture is the lifeblood of any strong management team....
Oct 11, 2023•38 min•Ep. 36
This week, I have the pleasure of being joined by Tehseen Ali, a second-generation immigrant whose parents are from Pakistan. After studying economics, he began his career by running a branch of enterprise before spending a couple of years at PwC. Currently, Tehseen holds the position of an equity partner at Ernst & Young, one of the world's largest professional consultancy services. Throughout his journey, Tehseen has overcome numerous hurdles, and he strongly believes that individuals can ...
Oct 05, 2023•42 min•Ep. 35
Does wellbeing support feel lke a box-ticking exercise at your company? Sadly, you’re not alone. Many companies can be at fault of doing things which they think add value, like gym memberships or holiday discounts, to support their employees’ mental health and wellbeing, but are actually no more than bells & whistles. This is something we feel very passionate about, and we putting everyone to rights! From complacency to naivety, we explain what wellbeing washing is, and what you can do as em...
Sep 27, 2023•39 min•Ep. 34
Today I’m joined by Catherine Osiagbovo, a partner at Page Executive UK and their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) ambassador. She's spent more than 16 years of her career specialising in recruitment, whether it was for boutique PE houses or FTSE 100 companies, helping them with board level appointments and other HR needs. She is passionate about assisting companies in finding diverse individuals who can enrich businesses and be a true representation of the world around us. In this episode...
Sep 21, 2023•34 min•Ep. 33
Leaders everywhere are struggling to maintain the energy and enthusiasm they need in their roles. In the last few years, things are constantly changing, and leaders are being forced to adapt quickly, which increases stress and fatigue, eventually leading to burnout. There are so many benefits that can come from leaders taking time off. It sounds obvious, but not enough leaders are doing this. Find out today if you are burned out and the steps you can take to improve your wellbeing. Highlights: (...
Sep 14, 2023•26 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion, I’m joined by Jacqui Gavin BEM. In 2020, Jackie was awarded a British Empire Medal for her contribution to driving positive change surrounding transgender issues in the workplace. She is a true culture change champion. Join us today as she reinforces the importance of inclusion in the corporate world, and explains how being an ally can transform and save lives. Here are the highlights: (2:09) Becoming an activist (9:48) A civil servant (13:57) The edge...
Sep 06, 2023•35 min•Ep. 31
We’re coming into a time when many HR leaders are thinking of events and activities for their teams. We receive many calls asking for talent development and personal development workshops. This is great, and more organisations need to understand the value of making employees feel safe and invest in mental health and well-being. But one-off workshops and panels are not enough! They don't make a difference to the important metrics that you need to make your business run and get your employees feel...
Aug 31, 2023•30 min•Ep. 30
Join me in this episode where I speak with Jenny Garrett OBE, an exceptional career coach and leader. We take a deep dive into Jenny's journey, her efforts to empower working women, and how we can increase representation in leadership roles. Tune in for a raw discussion about race, gender, and the importance of allies in challenging discrimination. Here are the highlights: (2:48) Jenny’s journey to success. (8:16) The impact of discrimination on mental health. (11:43) Racism in school. (23:59) H...
Aug 23, 2023•42 min•Ep. 29
It has been a really difficult few years and all these challenges have had a big impact on both organisations and their employees. Leaders are being tested on how they navigate through the change, help employees do the same and still forge high performance teams. In this episode, we look at characteristics of such teams and strategies to unlock high performance within existing talent in your organisation. Highlights: (06:43) Build a team rather than a group (16:47) A high performing team trust e...
Aug 17, 2023•43 min•Ep. 28
Who do we have for you on today's episode? A true ‘well-being rebel’ and friend, Erin Hallett. Erin is an experienced senior leader in higher education. With a specific interest in mental health in the workplace, Erin is committed to developing teams that are both high-performing and healthy. So, join us today to hear this week’s powerful mental health advocate. Here are the highlights: (2:10) Mental health at work (11:10) Burnout support (18:03) Empathetic leaders (23:05) Speaking out (31:07) S...
Aug 09, 2023•36 min•Ep. 27
Have you ever heard of productivity paranoia? It’s become a big issue among many employers because of hybrid working. Leaders need to be aware of this so that they understand how to support their employees through new ways of working. In this episode, we go through the three pivots that can get business leaders on the right track and how to achieve them. Highlights: (02:26) When your employees thrive, your organisation flourishes (03:46) Let go of the old style of productivity metric (04:45) Out...
Aug 03, 2023•23 min•Ep. 26
Today, Frances Darlington-Pollock joins me to talk about people who constantly dedicate themselves to helping others. I'm talking about volunteers, charity workers, and others. Basically, the well-being superheroes! Frances is the Head of Strategic Development at the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity that works to stop homelessness in Manchester. So who helps the people who help everyone else? Find out what can be done to change this on the programme today. Highlights: (04:14) Give other people...
Jul 27, 2023•47 min•Ep. 25
In today's fast paced work environment, resilience has become a key component for both employees and businesses to succeed. This episode takes a deeper look at how culture plays an important part in helping employees build resilience and deal with the challenges they encounter at work. We’re giving you five tips to improve your work culture and help encourage resilience in your team. Highlights: (06:32) Fostering a supportive culture (09:37) It must be driven by you! (10:47) Encouraging open com...
Jul 20, 2023•23 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Sam Booth, the Chief Executive Officer at Pro-Manchester, the largest business development organisation in Greater Manchester and the North West of England. Their mission is to provide effective solutions for businesses' development needs. Sam is a firm believer that good employment practices lead to strong business outcomes. Today she shares insights on prioritising wellbeing as a leader. Highlights: (06:12) Adapting and moving (10:58) Good trouble! (24:32)...
Jul 13, 2023•35 min•Ep. 23
If any of you saw Glastonbury, or were lucky enough to attend, you would have seen the outpouring of love and support towards Lewis Capaldi, as his tourettes took hold during a set and he couldn’t go on. This is a high profile example of what millions of people struggle with every day in the workplace. Mental health can be debilitating and, without the right support, result in poor productivity or complete disengagement. In this episode we discuss what you can do to support your employees, to lo...
Jul 05, 2023•28 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Jimi Okubanjo. Jimi is a documentary filmmaker. She makes films to celebrate and advocate for black women in the workplace. But in reality, her impact and interests are deeper and broader than that. Jimi is on a mission to make the world reckon with unfairly treating women of colour in the workplace, both historically and currently. Jimi talks about her experiences of systemic racism, both personally and in her work. She also shares her vision for ...
Jun 29, 2023•41 min•Ep. 21
In this episode we are going to talk about trust in the workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s a two way thing. This means employers need to trust their staff just as much as employees need to trust their boss for a healthy, productive working relationship. We are going to look at how employers can build trust with their teams and wider workforce, and the benefits trust can add to your company, particularly around discussing and supporting mental health. We also look at the dangers of neglecting trust, ...
Jun 21, 2023•25 min•Ep. 20
This week I'm joined by two knowledgeable guests: David Gibson and Ann Lovett, senior members of Burnetts Solicitors. They’re experts in the legal profession who help businesses understand the changing nature of work and provide practical, solution-based advice, respectively. Today, we’re looking at how SMEs can make workplace wellbeing work and the responsibility employers have. Here are the highlights: (10:13) The firework employee! (10:53) Open avenues for discussion (18:48) Ramifications (23...
Jun 15, 2023•35 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, we are diving deep into a topic that really matters to us, and should matter to you too: psychological safety. This isn’t about hard hats and goggles, but the stuff that happens inside the head: the worry, the stress, the anxiety. A healthy work culture built on trust and honesty is crucial to creating an environment where people don’t just look their best, but feel it too. We help you understand exactly what psychological safety is, and how you and your employer can create a po...
Jun 07, 2023•32 min•Ep. 18
