Just About Coping

This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more... Our final guest of the series is Linda Aiello, Executive Vice President, Employee Success Business Partner at Salesforce. Tech giant Salesforce has regularly appeared in international best places to work lists, and Linda has been at the heart of ensuring customer and employee satisfaction. She joined Simon over a video call to discuss: We also learned a new Hawaiian word, 'Ohana' and the fact that Linda has lived in seven countries in her lifetime! We hope you've enjoyed this series and look forward to bringing you another one some time soon. As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website. More on Linda: europe.businesschief.com/leadership/2848/ 'Supporting employees' mental health': peoplemanagement.co.uk/voices/comment/supporting-employees-mental-health More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more... Our special guest this week is Manager of Oxford United F.C. Karl Robinson. In 2010, Karl became the youngest manager in the Football League aged just 29. After ten years in the business and a growing reputation for developing talented young footballers, Karl has a vision for football to drive and support the mental health agenda across the country. In their fascinating conversation Simon and Karl discussed: And much more. We really hope you enjoy this episode. Karl's passion to make a difference is clear to see and we wish him and the club all the best for their promotion push should the season get finished. As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website. More on Karl and Oxford United: telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/09/25/exclusive-karl-robinson-interview-toppling-man-utd-oxfords-ambition/ 'Oxford United’s unique psychotherapy project with Gary Bloom is winning hearts and minds': oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/18098433 Sky Sports - 'How Oxford United took a lead on mental health': skysports.com/football/news/11675/11960047 More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more... This week's guest is Mike Cherry OBE, who is Chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB is a membership organisation which supports, connects and campaigns for the rights of small businesses, their owners, and the self-employed. Mike is fiercely passionate about protecting SMEs and the self-employed, a community which many of our Instructor Members will be part of. Speaking in February, Simon and Mike chatted about: The FSB have since also published a number of materials to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic in a number of ways, which we thoroughly recommend you check out if you are part of an SME or self-employed. As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website. More on Mike and the FSB: fsb.org.uk/campaign/it-s-okay-to-talk-about-mental-health Coronavirus advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed: fsb.org.uk/campaign/covid19 FSB Care: fsb.org.uk/join-us/membership/fsb-care More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more... This week's guest is workplace culture strategist Adah Parris. Adah describes herself as a futurist, storyteller and artist. Having worked with the likes of Google, the EU Council and the BFI to transform their workplace culture, she was a perfect guest to explore the themes of bringing your whole self to work. Simon and Adah chatted about; And much, much more! As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website. More on Adah: adahparris.com/the-four-freedoms The ten principles of Burning Man: burningman.org/culture/philosophical-center/10-principles More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more... Today we hear from Nat Kilsby, a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs with years of experience in financial engineering and technology. Nat is also gender-fluid, meaning sometimes they present male and sometimes they present female. After hearing Nat's moving story at our My Whole Self event at the House of Lords back in February, we had to get them on the podcast to hear more. Simon and Nat chatted about; areNat embodies the essence of bringing your whole self to work and it was fascinating to hear how intrinsically their identity, performance at work, and happiness were linked. As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website. More on Nat: goldmansachs.com/careers/blog/posts/letter-to-my-younger-self-nat-kilsby More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping. This series we're looking look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. So how can we create workforces, wherever that may be, where everyone has the freedom to do this? To find out, Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more... Our first guest is Dara Nasr. Dara is the Managing Director of Twitter UK, where he has been since 2012. With approximately 200 staff, Twitter UK is the only office outside of the US with multiple disciplines including Engineering, Sales, Partnerships, Comms & Marketing. Before that he was at Google, Eurosport, and Flextech TV. Social media was a theme throughout the first series, so Dara was the perfect person to chat with to kick off the second series. Among many things, Simon and Dara spoke about: We hope you enjoy the news series and can celebrate My Whole Self Day (18 March) with us! As always, we'd love to know what you think. If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast and check out all the My Whole Self fun on our website. More on Dara: twitter.com/daranasr Dara's work with the Media Trust: mediatrust.org/about-us/impact-stories/what-happened-when-dara-met-andre/ More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org More on #MyWholeSelf: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/

Simon Blake OBE returns for a second series of Just About Coping with more discussion of self-care, workplace wellbeing, and the future of mental health. This series will look at a new campaign by MHFA England; My Whole Self. To create mentally healthy workplaces, people need to feel safe to be their ‘whole self’ at work. When people can be their whole self, they are empowered to think bigger, bolder, and work more effectively together, whether in person or virtually. So how can we create workplaces where everyone has the freedom to do this? And what's the impact on our mental health when we are able to be authentic? Simon has gathered leaders from across the worlds of business, sport, and more, to try and answer these questions. The new series launches on Wednesday 18 March with Managing Director of Twitter UK, Dara Nasr. Wherever you are working, you can also join us in celebrating My Whole Self Day. Find out more about the campaign here: mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self Happy listening, and thanks for coping with us! More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. mhfaengland.org

For the final episode of the series Simon caught up with long-time friend, activist, writer and the 'Queen of Kindness' Phyll Opoku-Gyimah. Phyll, who you may know as Lady Phyll, is the Co-Founder and Director of UK Black Pride, and currently the Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Trust, an international charity working to uphold and advance human rights for LGBT+ people. Before that, Phyll spent years working for trade unions fighting for equality in the workplace and beyond. Phyll and Simon had an honest and emotional chat about: reallyMake sure to stay right to the end for a bonus story about the time Phyll met Whoopi Goldberg! We'd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Lady Phyll: twitter.com/MsLadyPhyll UK Black Pride: ukblackpride.org.uk The Kaleidoscope Trust: kaleidoscopetrust.com More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

Tony Piper is a stress, burnout and leadership coach. After 27 years in the IT profession, Tony shared with Simon his expertise on stress in the workplace, why it happens, and looked at this year's WHO definition of burnout as an 'occupational phenomenon'. Simon and Tony touched on: Tony only shared his top tips on the best ways to properly switch off and some of his best self-care tips. We'd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Tony: twitter.com/tonypiper Tony's coaching: tonypiper.coach/burnout WHO definition on burnout: who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en Article referenced by Simon: hrreview.co.uk/analysis/simon-blake-tackling-summer-burnout-in-the-workplace/119260 More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

Simon had the pleasure of sitting down with international mental health campaigner and pioneer Poppy Jaman OBE. Poppy is the CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA), a membership organisation that works with large city firms to transform their workplaces into mentally healthy environments. She also just happens to be a former CEO and Co-Founder of Mental Health First Aid England! Poppy talked Simon through: They also touched on Poppy's extensive sari collection, her hopes for the future, and eradicating the shame of mental illness. We'd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Poppy: poppyjaman.org City Mental Health Alliance: citymha.org.uk Poppy speaks to Bryony Gordon: telegraph.co.uk/women/life/poppy-jaman-racism-caught-cultures-triggered-depression-bryony More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

This week, Simon caught up with Ryan Atkin, who is currently the only openly gay professional referee in English men's football. After coming out in 2017, Ryan has become an LGBT+ in sport advocate, Stonewall Sports Champion, and diversity and inclusion campaigner. Simon and Ryan's wide-ranging conversation touched on a number of topics, including: They also touched on Christmas, the best song to see in the new year, and how having things to look forward to can make all the difference. We'd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Ryan: twitter.com/ryantatkin Ryan's article coming out in 2017: skysports.com/football/news/11095/10946185/referee-ryan-atkin-on-being-gay-in-football-rainbow-laces-and-lgbt-inclusion 'Being gay has made me a better referee': telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/04/22/ryan-atkin-gay-has-made-better-referee/ More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

**Content Warning** This episode contains discussion of a suicidal crisis and suicidal ideation. Jonny Benjamin MBE is a writer, filmmaker, public speaker, and award-winning mental health campaigner. Since starting his YouTube channel in 2010, Jonny has gone on to make documentaries for BBC Three and Channel 4 and write a book about the time he was prevented from attempting suicide in 2008 by a passerby. He is passionate about improving mental health education and this year launched a charity called Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma with Neil Laybourn, the man who saved his life on Waterloo Bridge, which delivers talks and workshops to young people and their families and educators. Among many things Jonny and Simon discussed: Jonny's new book, The Book of Hope, will be published in 2020. We'd love to know what you think! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Jonny: Beyond Shame, Beyond Stigma: beyondshamebeyondstigma.co.uk The Stranger on the Bridge: amazon.co.uk/Stranger-Bridge-Journey-Despair-Hope/dp/1509846425 Jonny's YouTube channel: youtube.com/user/johnjusthuman More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

NHS doctor, TV presenter, and star of Strictly Come Dancing Dr Ranj Singh joined Simon for a catch-up in this week's Just About Coping. As well as still being a practicing clinician, you'll know Ranj from ITV's This Morning, where he is the resident health expert, and for his new best-selling book Save Money, Lose Weight. Ranj had a huge amount to say on the subject of mental health, both from his professional and personal experience. Simon and Ranj chatted about the importance of prevention and teaching young people about mental health, the way forward for a mentally healthier society, and how Ranj coped with the highs, lows, and intensity of competing on Strictly Come Dancing. We'd love to know what you think so far! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Ranj: Save Money, Lose Weight: amazon.co.uk/Save-Money-Lose-Weight-Waistline/ This Morning: itv.com/thismorning/health More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

Alex Leon is a BAME, LGBT+ and mental health awareness activist. When he's not working for the Kaleidoscope Trust, a leading charity working to uphold equality in human right for LGBT+ people across the world, he's also a journalist, campaigner, and YouTuber. As well as talking about Alex's work, Simon and Alex discussed their experiences of being gay, racism, intersectionality and the effects navigating these things can have on mental health and wellbeing. They also chatted about the power of kindness, learning to love yourself, and why we've had enough music about heartbreak. We'd love to know what you think so far! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Alex: Follow Alex on Twitter (@alexand_erleon) and Instagram (@alexand_erleon) Alex's vlog on the Manchester Pride Flag: youtube.com/watch?v=tK-A6Blo6qU The Kaleidoscope Trust: kaleidoscopetrust.com More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast: Full transcript: mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/just-about-coping/alexander-leon MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

Simon's first guest is writer, performer, comedian, and the 'poster girl for mental health' Ruby Wax OBE. Since her groundbreaking show 'Losing It' in 2011 which focused on her mental health issues, Ruby has written three best-selling books on mental health and wellbeing. She holds a master's degree in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy from Oxford University and is currently touring the country with her latest show How to be Human. In the comfort of her beautiful home in West London, Simon and Ruby discussed her interesting career, the pros and cons of social media, how Ruby manages her own mental health, and the power of comedy to discuss serious issues. A fascinating and entertaining start to our Just About Coping journey. We'd love to know what you think so far! If you could take a moment to rate and review wherever you get your podcasts we would very much appreciate your feedback. You can do this on most platforms including: Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsStitcherTuneInDon't forget to get involved on social media using #JACPodcast! More on Ruby: Frazzled Cafe: frazzledcafe.org How to Be Human: The Manual: amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Human-Ruby-Wax/dp/024129472X Ruby's Tour: rubywax.net/tour More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. More on #JACPodcast Full transcript: mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/just-about-coping/ruby-wax MHFA England: mhfaengland.org Email: media@mhfaengland.org

Introducing Just About Coping, a new podcast looking at the future of mental health and wellbeing. Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Simon Blake OBE will be joined by a series of fantastic guests to try and answer the question; how can we create a world where everyone is coping? Featuring Ruby Wax OBE, Dr Ranj Singh, Jonny Benjamin, and many more, join us on our journey as we imagine what a mentally healthy world might look like. More on Simon: twitter.com/Simonablake Simon Blake OBE is the Chief Executive of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. His mission is to improve the mental health of the nation and help build an inclusive and society where attitudes and behaviours around mental health are normalised. Simon received an OBE in 2011, is Deputy Chair at Stonewall, and enjoys running, equestrian eventing, and walks with his dog. mhfaengland.org