The Wellbeing Rebellion

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion. Today, we’re unpacking the power of inclusive leadership and how it shapes a culture of belonging in the workplace. In today’s divided world, fostering an environment where every team member feels truly valued isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential for success. So, join us as we explore actionable insights and share stories that highlight the transformative impact of inclusion. Let’s get this rebellion started! Here are the highlights: (5:16) Inclusive leadership and why it’s important (11:32) Creating a psychologically safe workplace (19:41) Unconscious bias in the workplace and its impact on decision-making (27:34) Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture (35:28) Checking in with employees and wellbeing Find out more HERE. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Welcome back rebels. Today, we're tackling a topic that's stirred up quite a storm: the pitfalls and misconceptions surrounding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). From humorous missteps to their crucial role in fostering inclusivity, we're unpacking it all. Join us as we explore how ERGs can sometimes miss the mark, and what can be done to harness their full potential for creating a more supportive work environment. Here are the highlights: (6:02) Employee resource groups (ERGs) (13:32) ERG effectiveness and challenges (19:24) Supporting marginalised groups in the workplace (23:39) Improving ERGs for an inclusive workplace Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Welcome! Today we’re diving deep into the mysteries and misconceptions surrounding perimenopause. Joining us today is the insightful Lucy Patel, a nutritional therapist who specialises in women's health and hormonal conditions. With a wealth of experience both in the corporate world and nutrition, Lucy brings a fresh perspective on how to manage and thrive during the perimenopause phase. Get ready to bust some myths and embrace a healthier approach to women's health! Here are the highlights: (8:00) Perimenopause and work-life balance (11:28) Supporting women in the workplace (23:36) Perimenopause symptoms and holistic approaches (28:36) Alternatives to HRT for perimenopausal women (35:18) Setting boundaries and prioritising well-being in the workplace Find out more: If you would like to book a free, no-obligation chat with Lucy to discuss your workplace wellbeing needs, you can book in HERE. If you're interested in getting 1:1 nutrition support with Lucy, you can book in for a free Hormone Health Check Call HERE. Learn how to say No without saying No! You can download Lucy's free 'Setting Better Boundaries' Guide HERE. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Welcome back to The Wellbeing Rebellion, where we're changing the game for workplace cultures. In today’s episode, I sit down with the remarkable Julie Dennis, a diversity and inclusion specialist with decades of experience. As we navigate the complex maze of employee relationships, Julie shares invaluable insights that are sure to enlighten and help you deal with tricky work encounters. Get ready to explore what it truly means to foster an inclusive workplace. Here are the highlights: (3:42) Workplace inclusion challenges and strategies for improvement (10:08) Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace (15:23) Managing difficult conversations (27:17) Workplace mental health, personal responsibility, and fairness (33:03) How managers can handle difficult conversations with employees (39:36) Empathetic leadership and workplace wellbeing Find out more: Visit the ACAS website HERE. ACAS mental health and wellbeing support HERE. ACAS EDI training HERE. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Today, we're having an open conversation about race. Companies need to be intentional about having more racial inclusivity and diversity at senior levels. This plays a big part in the wellbeing and mental health of employees. It also contributes to the ultimate progress of a company. In this episode, we share our thoughts on this issue and take a deeper dive at some of the key things holding us back. Here are the highlights: (03:58) The leadership gap. (19:39) The narrow neck of the funnel. (24:22) The attainment and pay gap between ethnicities. (33:37) Code switching. (41:31) Legislate proactively. Links Cotton Capital Episode 58 Register your interest to join our upcoming Executive Breakfast roundtable with Michael Page on ‘Understanding Racial Equity in the Workplace’ on 2nd May at 9:30am in Manchester. https://forms.office.com/e/YbpAyTpXff Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

I'm flying solo on this episode today as Ngozi is away on Easter Holidays! Last year threw us into a recession that affected many people. As an employer or manager, do you really know how your own teams are coping with this? When people are anxious or overwhelmed, it almost always reflects in the energy and creativity they bring to their work. That’s why supporting employees' mental health during an economic downturn can help maintain work morale and productivity. In this episode, I share common stress signs to look out for in your employees and offer tips to help you support them through difficult times. Here are the highlights: (08:44) Share your rationale for changing direction. (11:53) Strategies you can use to support your employees. (21:31) Encourage deeper social connections. (24:39) Being able to demonstrate empathy. (28:03) The Wellbeing Black Hole. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Rebels, we’ve gone international! I'm thrilled today to be joined by Michael Dickerson, an entrepreneur, author, and wellbeing champion. Michael is certified by the Flourishing Center in New York, one of the world’s leading institutions in the field of Positive Psychology. He has spent 13 years working as a mental health practitioner and trained more than 3,000 mental health professionals. This week, we’re comparing notes on how attitudes towards workplace wellbeing differ in the USA versus the UK. Here are the highlights (04:26) Looking at the holistic perspective of people. (14:08) Don't try to fool your employees! (22:36) Transformation doesn't happen in two hours. (26:11) Data around Millennials and Gen Z. (32:23) Having a combination of approaches when it comes to support. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

This Women's Month has shown us some of the challenges that still exist for women when it comes to equality, wellbeing, and mental health support. So, as we come to the end of March, we want to look back at some of the great insights that have been shared by the guests we've had on The Wellbeing Rebellion. This episode focuses on the culture companies have towards mental health, wellbeing, grief, diversity, and inclusion for female employees and women in top management. Here are the highlights: (09:19) Reasonable adjustments are only limited by our imagination. (14:24) Change is disruptive! (23:48) A culture that empowers the people. (30:30) Keeping your values while adapting to your work environment. (41:59) We need to cause good trouble to make positive things happen. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

This week I’m joined by Amanda Bennett, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIB) at The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. Amanda has spent years working with children and young people in culture change environments. She is passionate about making people feel valued and accepted for who they are. Today we talk about disability and how we can make workplaces more diverse and accessible for everyone. Here are the highlights from this episode: (02:48) If it comes with good intent, it’s not a silly question! (04:48) The distinction between disability and neurodiversity. (18:40) It was no longer good enough to be a passive bystander. (23:01) What kind of organisation do you want to be? (32:27) You should be constantly checking your unconscious bias. (37:32) Celebrate diversity of thought. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

In honour of International Women’s Month, I’m joined by my friend and fellow rebel, Elizabeth Cameron. Elizabeth is a champion of change! She is a public speaker on equalities, a personal development coach, an anti-racism advocate, and an ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card. Today, we focus on the impact of race in the workplace and how this has been overlooked. From her personal experiences as an employee and her time in management, Elizabeth gives us practical tips on things that can change our work culture and how we can manage racist incidents for our own mental health. Here are the highlights from this episode: (17:54) Turning the pain into purpose. (26:49) It makes you value yourself less. (30:39) Having more than just one person setting the tone. (50:49) We can have an antiracist strategy. (1:02:24) You’ve got another chance at this! Links: Email: elizabethcameronequality@gmail.com Website: https://www.elizabethcameron-equality.com/ Lupus UK: https://lupusuk.org.uk/ The Guardian Cotton Capital Report: https://www.theguardian.com/news/series/cotton-capital Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

This week marks International Women's Day, and who better to have as a guest on the show than Lisa Wright. Lisa is the founder of Menopause The Wright Way; an organisation that helps companies support their employees through menopause. Previously, she served as a managing director working with a multi-generational and multi-cultural team across the UK and South East Asia for 20 years. Today, Lisa talks about navigating menopause at work and the impact it can have, especially on senior female leaders. Here are the highlights from this episode: (12:32) For a lot of women, there just isn't that level of awareness. (15:15) Don’t rely on Dr. Google! (27:37) Try not to put any pressure on them and just listen. (37:59) You’re not going mad! (45:15) There’s multiple things that an organisation can do. (55:32) Take control and look out for yourself. Links: Connect with Lisa; Website: https://menopausethewrightway.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/Menopausethewrightway Women’s Health Concern – this is the “patient” website offered by the British Menopause Society, so lots of useful information and fact sheets: https://www.womens-health-concern.org/ Newson Health Balance menopause website and app – these are the resources created by Dr Louise Newson. There is a fully searchable library of articles, factsheets, podcasts etc and Dr Newson only uses research evidence for all of her information. https://www.balance-menopause.com Australian Menopause Society – this is actually one of the best websites offered for patients by a menopause society in terms of resources and information: https://www.menopause.org.au/health-info Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Today, I have the pleasure of speaking to Jon Davies. Jon is a behavioural science expert and the founder of Leafyard, a platform that motivates people to take control of their own mental health using behavioural science. In the last 15 years, Jon has co-founded a series of successful startups, and he continues to champion mental health wellbeing in the workplace. In this episode, we're exploring the reasons why we don't do the things we should and how we can actively change that. Here are the highlights: (07:36) If we just understand each other a bit better, we can solve problems without relying on technology all the time. (10:26) What are the things that work to make you feel better? (12:53) If you don't make habits, habits make you. (19:02) What are the financial implications of poor mental health and mental fitness within business? (38:25) It’s got to be about lasting change. Useful links: Peter Singer: Famine, Affluence & Morality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVl5kMXz1vA Leafyard: https://www.leafyard.com/ Is Your Company Wellbeing Washing? Podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-wellbeing-rebellion/id1675517581?i=1000629448465 Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Is your company's wellbeing strategy really effective? Creating the right wellbeing culture means adopting a holistic approach. Having a happy and healthy workforce builds a thriving work environment; and that, my friends, is good for business! So today, we’ll help you spot any gaps that you might have in your strategy because it’s never too late to get it right! Here are the highlights: (04:28) Take the Aurora 360 Quiz! (07:13) Wellbeing is never done, it's an ongoing process. (18:12) You can only deal with the problem once you know what it is. (24:49) People can't change behaviour in 90 min talks! (27:55) The idea that you didn't know is not an excuse anymore. (36:33) Are your policies up to scratch? Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

This week, I’m joined by Claire Wilkinson, a HR professional with over 15 years of experience. Claire is Wellbeing Lead for Europe and India at AECOM, a notable infrastructure consulting firm. Recently, many organisations seem to be using the same strategic direction on employee well-being, but is this really the right approach? In this episode, we discuss how to use an integrated approach to make well-being holistic. Claire also proves that regardless of the size of a company, all organisations can provide tailor-made wellbeing support that makes employees feel seen, heard, and valued! Here are the highlights from this episode: (06:49) It’s not just employees' responsibility to make change. (10:12) Ask twice! (21:26) Wellbeing is not a HR issue to solve. (26:32) It’s all about cultural change. (33:32) What's that hook that you can get them to understand why this needs to be a business issue ? Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Everywhere we go now, we hear about wellbeing. However, is this something we are actively practising or has it just become another buzz word? People seem to have grown tired of the word wellbeing, especially senior leaders. Over time, it's started to feel confusing or overwhelming and this can slow down a company's wellbeing approach. So, how do we make sure we ALWAYS put wellbeing first? This episode looks at some trends that might be pushing us in the wrong direction and what we can do to change that! Here are the highlights from this episode: (02:22) It won't go away on the basis that people will continue to be people! (10:40) Wellbeing is such an individual thing. (16:18) Culture change is at the heart of good employee mental wellbeing. (28:16) We are able to see through things that are not genuine. (31:34) The role modelling that we're doing for the younger generation is so damaging. (41:55) What is the cost of you doing nothing? Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

This week, we’re talking about neurodiversity, well-being, and the intersection between the two with Sean Gilroy. He is the head of Cognitive Design at BBC and co-creator of the award-winning initiative CAPE - Creating a Positive Environment. It removes barriers for neurodiverse people in the workplace. Today, we find out about what inclusion and accessibility in design mean for people with neurodiverse needs and how this relates to well-being. Here are the highlights: (04:54) Society has created barriers for people which they then often struggle to overcome. (13:31) Even when you have that diagnosis, you've still got that internal battle of trying to be like everybody else. (20:04) How do you design an experience that seeks to understand the people in it and involves the people that you're looking to design this for? (24:15) People fall back on stereotypes and they start assuming that you can't do things. (27:59) People are exhausted, not just from dealing with an environment, physical and cultural, but also that self advocacy as well. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Employee complaints can reveal a lot about the people in your team and the values they hold. Complaints are unavoidable, and people want to be heard. As HR, you have to ensure you create an environment where people feel safe enough to make complaints. However, it also means having the right managers in place who can implement practical solutions to help employees address their concerns. It’s also necessary to address complaints quickly and correctly to promote job satisfaction and better productivity. Remember, complaints are an opportunity for growth and positive change. In this episode, we'll show you how to handle them. Here are the highlights: (05:46) Encourage open communication channels. (16:33) As HR, you also need to determine, 'What does a good manager in my organisation look like?' (19:00) Being a nice person is not a skill set; that's a personality! (21:43) You should only succeed when your employees do. (27:09) What are the things that your manager ought to be doing to ensure that you're reducing any toxicity that is building? (29:39) By understanding the different types of complaints and how those can be appropriately handled, then you can build trust! Links: Aurora Executive Roundtable https://forms.office.com/e/32UN0mQAeY Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

I’m delighted this week to be joined by Monica Stancu; senior Diversity and Inclusion manager at Lloyds. Monica is experienced in effective diversity and inclusion strategies having worked in international organisations like the European Medicines Agency (EU agency) and the United Nations where she championed human rights. She's a Global Champion for Women's Economic Empowerment by UN Women, an author, an award winner, as well as a One Young World Ambassador and a mentor at Migrant Leaders. Today, we look at diversity and inclusion and how this affects employees' wellbeing and mental health. Monica shares ideas that she’s seen being implemented in larger corporations which can also be applied in smaller companies to support employees from diverse backgrounds. Here are the highlights: (06:56) That sense of belonging (08:30) Intersectionality (13:51) Data driven approach (26:31) Empathy apathy! (36:00) It’s about the everyday behaviours (36:57) Invest in upscaling your line managers Links: https://amzn.eu/d/hmj0cBG https://amzn.eu/d/3zUGIe9 https://www.lloyds.com/about-lloyds/culture/lloyds-corporation https://bookboon.com/en/building-diversity-and-inclusion-ebook?mediaType=ebook https://calendly.com/aurorawellness/aurora-enquiry-call-15mins https://calendly.com/obehialofoje/15min-1 Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

We often hear about the challenges HR managers face when trying to secure sufficient funds for transformational well-being. At a time when people are tightening their belts, it can be hard to convince senior leadership this is essential for employee performance and company productivity. So, how does one communicate this effectively? In this episode, we’ll show you how to build a business case that will resonate with the senior members of your team and make it easier for you to secure the investment you need. Here are the highlights: (03:36) HR are still trying to find their voice and that confidence that they strongly, rightfully deserve. (07:36) How much of the plan or your solution is linked to the business goal? (12:27) If they don't believe it’s a problem, it’s not a problem. (14:29) Always think of it from the ‘What's in it for them?’ perspective. (15:09) Do not though overlook the cynics and the sceptics. (19:32) We need to speak in business case language (26:54) You want to be realistic with the transformation or the results. Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion, where we redefine workplace cultures with a focus on wellbeing. Today, we are thrilled to have Chris Cummings, a visionary in employee wellbeing and CEO of Wellbeing at Work World, share his insights. Chris's expertise offers a unique perspective on enhancing wellbeing in the workplace. Join us as we explore innovative strategies and philosophies that can transform work environments into spaces where wellbeing is a priority. Here are the highlights: (1:28) Workplace mental health and wellbeing (7:15) Workplace culture and wellbeing across regions (14:46) Prioritizing workplace wellbeing as a strategic investment (25:35) Work-life balance and digital wellness in the modern workplace (31:41) Workplace wellbeing priorities and strategies Find out more about Wellbeing at Work: https://wellbeingatwork.world/summit/wellbeing-at-work-summit-europe-2024/ https://wellbeingatwork.world/ Take the Aurora 360 Quiz: How Effective Is Your Company's Wellbeing Strategy? Click Here Connect with us here: Website: aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk LinkedIn: Ngozi LinkedIn: Obehi Book a Call here