Geoff McDonald
Geoff is a global advocate, campaigner and consultant in addressing the stigma of mental ill-health in the workplace. He inspires and provokes organisations globally to put purpose and wellbeing at the centre of everything they do by motivating people to take action in creating workplaces that enhance the lives of everyone. He brings his own experience of addressing the stigma of mental ill-health within Unilever, helping to archetype the transformation of this company with purpose at its core. Geoff provides a real practitioner's perspective on how to address the stigma linked to depression and anxiety within workplaces today, and on how to elevate wellbeing to a strategic priority in the boardroom.
Mental Health - A Competitive Advantage in Addressing Stigma?
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Geoff shares his own very powerful story of mental ill health and provides practical learnings and insights on how to address the stigma of mental ill health in the workplace. This includes the role of leadership; campaigning and storytelling in addressing stigma. The principles and lessons that Geoff will share are universal and can be used within different cultures globally, it is in the execution thereof that one needs to take into account some of the cultural nuances when it comes to stigma surrounding mental ill health. He will also describe the training interventions that are required to help alleviate stigma within organisations.
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During the expert session, Geoff McDonald engages participants through a series of interactive activities and Q&A using Mentimeter, an interactive engagement tool.
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- Best practice on what an organisation can do to address stigma
- how to have conversations with those who may be struggling
- Inspired to address the stigma of mental ill health
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Geoff shares his own powerful story of mental ill health, providing practical insights and learnings on addressing stigma in the workplace. His personal journey highlights the importance of open dialogue and understanding, demonstrating that mental health challenges can affect anyone and that it is possible to overcome them. By sharing his experiences, Geoff aims to inspire others to break the silence and foster a more supportive work environment.
Central to Geoff's message is the role of leadership in addressing mental health stigma. Effective leaders can influence workplace culture by advocating for mental health awareness, supporting mental health initiatives, and leading by example. Geoff emphasizes the power of campaigning and storytelling in changing perceptions and reducing stigma. His approach underscores that while the principles of mental health advocacy are universal, the execution must be sensitive to cultural nuances.
Geoff will also discuss the training interventions necessary to help alleviate stigma within organizations. These interventions include creating educational programs that inform employees about mental health, providing resources for those in need, and establishing policies that promote mental well-being. By implementing these strategies, organizations can create a more inclusive and compassionate workplace. Geoff's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to foster a supportive environment that respects and promotes mental health for all employees.
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The Wellbeing Of Your Employees - A Strategic Imperative
Geoff shares his own powerful story of mental ill health and makes the link between wellbeing and organisational performance. He makes the case for wellbeing to be a strategic priority within the Exec team/Board room. Geoff will provoke and hopefully inspire a leadership team/C suite to ponder the importance of the energy of employees, making the case for ENERGY being the most critical enabler of individual, team and organisational performance. If that is the case why do so few organisations elevate health and wellbeing to being a strategic imperative. Geoff will help a C suite and Leadship group realise the strategic importance of wellbeing and offer some simple practical ways to execute the enabler. In addition he will offer his insights as to why wellbeing initiative never really "stick" in organisations and how can we remedy that.
Self Care In Very Demanding Times
Geoff shares his own powerful story of mental ill health and provides a very practical and simple approach to caring for ones self in the demanding times and workplaces. Leaders within organisations are unable to care for the wellbeing and health of employees if they do not care for their own health and wellbeing. This session will challenge and provoke our own misconceptions of self care and remind mis all about the importance of poor health. There cannot be anything more important than ones health, yet so few of us prioritise caring for our wellbeing in a holistic manner. Geoff takes a very practical approach and challenges us all to shift our own mindset with respect to our own health, and therefore the health and wellbeing of others.
