Ep163 - Relational Intelligence with Maria Ruberto

Josh Lambert speaks with Sam Kothari, co-founder and COO of Everlab, about why the current healthcare system is really a "sick care" system, how preventive care changes outcomes and what workplaces can do differently to support employee health. Sam also shares his own health wake up call and a practical habit for making annual check-ups stick.~Key topicsFrom sick care to preventionPersonalised health, backed by dataWorkplace wellbeing beyond perksHidden health risks at workConnecting physical and mental healthHealth strategy versus daily tacticsThe future of health data and accountabilityA birthday habit for annual check-ups~📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/¬ResourcesEverlab: https://www.everlab.com.au/Connect with Sam Kothari of Everlab: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kotharisam/~Timestamps01:41 – Sam’s entrepreneurial journey03:08 – A personal health wake-up call06:28 – From healthcare to “sick care”07:26 – Why generic advice falls short08:50 – Why treatment beats prevention09:19 – The value of prevention11:34 – Workplace wellbeing gaps12:32 – Why appearance can mislead13:30 – Stress and mental health14:30 – Building a workplace health strategy15:53 – High performers and health16:51 – The health data gap18:18 – Strategy over health fads19:45 – Sam’s heart-health strategy21:51 – The future of healthcare23:17 – The rise of health passports24:08 – Platforms and accountability26:59 – The birthday health-check habit28:55 – Making health checks a ritual

In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, about redefining ambition, sustainable performance and creating workplaces where people can thrive without burning out.Together they explore how our ideas of success change over time, why neuroinclusive workplace design benefits everyone and what leaders can do to better support different ways of working. Cherie also shares insights from her white paper, The Performance Paradox, challenging organisations to think differently about productivity, wellbeing and the future of work.~📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/¬Resources:The Digital Picnic: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com/Connect with Cherie Clonan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherieclonan/The Performance Paradox White Paper: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/op/the-digital-picnic-the-performance-paradox-report/Podcast: The Climb with Cherie Clonanhttps://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-climb-with-cherie-clonan/id1882216601¬Chapters03:51 Founding The Digital Picnic06:08 Redefining Ambition & Success12:13 Inclusive Leadership & Work Design17:03 Neurodivergent Advocacy & Recruitment32:11 The Performance Paradox38:30 Unlearning & Personal Growth

In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Maria Ruberto, founder of Salutegenics and a resilience and neuroscience consultant, about the often-overlooked role relationships play in workplace wellbeing and performance. Together they unpack relational intelligence, how trust and real connection are built in the space between people and why understanding the body’s stress and safety responses can strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and support healthier ways of working.~📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/¬Resources:Salutegenics: https://www.salutegenics.com.au/Connect with Maria Ruberto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaruberto/Paper | The Emotional Recession: ⁠https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1701703/full⁠Paper | Beyond positivity: A review of the functional outcomes of negative emotions at work: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41678250/¬Chapters00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence in the Workplace03:47 The Science of Belonging and Human Biology05:25 Why Connection Matters More Than Communication07:07 The Neurological Basis of Relational Space09:00 Challenges of Virtual Connection and Disconnection10:52 The Difference Between Communication and Genuine Connection12:14 Building Trust Through Relational Space15:01 The Role of Relational Leadership in Organizational Success15:54 Holding Space for Uncertainty and Ambiguity18:01 Biology Before Behavior: Managing Stress and Safety19:59 The Power of Silence and Reflection in Meetings22:04 The Concept of a Relationship Resume23:58 Developing Relational Capacity and Trust25:49 Relational Space as a Foundation for Growth29:49 Addressing Relationship Breakdowns and Conflict32:02 The Importance of Repair and Co-Regulation34:01 Practicing Pause and Reflection in Leadership36:00 Understanding Silence and Feedback in Teams38:08 Applying Relational Strategies for Better Outcomes40:00 Practical Tips for Enhancing Relational Intelligence

Host Josh Lambert steps in for Tom Bosna and is joined by Dr Michelle Lim, CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together and author of The Lonely Generation.This Loneliness Awareness Week, Josh and Michelle explore why loneliness has become one of the biggest health and workplace challenges of our time. They unpack the difference between loneliness and social isolation, why meaningful connection matters, and the impact loneliness can have on our health, workplace culture, productivity and performance.Michelle shares practical ways leaders can create more connected workplaces through everyday moments, rather than relying on one-off initiatives. They also discuss the role of hybrid work, why some people are more at risk of feeling disconnected, and how emerging technologies like AI companions are changing the way we think about human connection.~📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/¬00:32 Why Loneliness Matters03:47 Loneliness vs Social Isolation08:24 The Health Impact of Loneliness13:16 Building Social Connection at Work18:42 Practical Tips for Leaders25:11 Hybrid Work and Belonging31:28 AI Companions and Human Connection37:05 Small Moments That Matter42:18 Loneliness Awareness Week~ResourcesLoneliness Awareness Week 3-9 August: https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/Ending Loneliness Together: https://www.endingloneliness.com.au/Connect with Dr Michelle Lim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellelim/Dr Michelle Lim's new book, The Lonely Generation - Why Our Kids Are in Crisis – and How We Can Fix It: https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/the-lonely-generation-by-michelle-lim/9781923390294

We welcome Full Stack Human co-authors, Dara Simkin and Tané Hunter to speak about why growing burnout and overwhelm are systems problems, not personal resilience failures. They explain how Stone Age brains are overloaded by Godlike tech - constant notifications, meetings and targeted media - keeping people in fight-or-flight and reducing creativity and judgment. Dara argues that optimisation and “achievement syndrome” add pressure, while play is a biologically grounded mindset that supports connection, curiosity and sustainable performance. They share ways leaders can integrate play through permission, mental and physical space and simple prompts, plus “yes, and” communication to build psychological safety. Looking ahead, they emphasise protecting human capacity and leaning into uniquely human creativity and agency as AI expands.~00:26 Burnout Is a Systems Issue01:51 Why Work Feels Weird03:45 Play as a Mindset08:18 Stone Age Brains at Work11:56 Achievement Syndrome and Hacking14:07 Micro Moments of Play18:05 Wobbling the Jelly20:50 How Leaders Enable Play24:37 Yes And Leadership29:58 Future of Work Is Human~ResourcesWebsite: https://www.culturehero.co/full-stack-human-bookBook - Full Stack Human: https://www.amazon.com.au/Full-Stack-Human-Mindset-Technology/dp/1394346255Connect with Dara Simkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-simkin-culture-hero/Connect with Tâne Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanehunter/

The “mental load” is something many people carry, but actually struggle to name. It’s the invisible work of planning, organising, anticipating and worrying that sits behind everything we do, both at work and at home. And while it affects everyone, it’s not experienced equally.In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Leah Ruppanner, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Director of the Future of Work Lab and author of her new book, "Drained". Leah’s research sits at the intersection of work design, gender equity and wellbeing - asking whether the way we work today is truly sustainable for people, families and organisations. Together, we unpack what the mental load really is, why it matters in today’s workplaces and what leaders can do to better recognise (and reduce!) the invisible demands placed on their people.In this episode, we cover:What the mental load actually is and why it’s often hard to see or measureThe invisible labour behind keeping work and life running smoothlyWhy the mental load is unevenly distributed, particularly across genderThe impact on wellbeing, energy and sustainable performanceHow current ways of working can amplify (or reduce) this loadPractical ways leaders can better support their teams and design healthier work environmentsWhy it matters:Mental load isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a workplace issue. When the invisible effort behind work isn’t recognised, it can quietly drain energy, impact performance and contribute to burnout. Addressing it is key to building healthier, more sustainable and more equitable workplacesResourcesDr Leah Ruppanner: https://www.leahruppanner.comBook: Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762972/drained-by-leah-ruppanner-phd/Miss Perceived Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/missperceived/id1744434731Connect with Dr Leah Ruppanner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ruppanner-1657a417/

What actually makes a workplace ‘healthy’? In this episode, Tom sits down with Sasha D’Arcy (Medibank) to go inside the Healthiest Workplace Index — and what the data is revealing about work right now. In this episode: What the Healthiest Workplace Index measures and why Medibank built it The biggest drivers of workplace health (and what’s getting in the way) The critical role of leaders in shaping wellbeing What organisations are learning from experiments like the 4-day work week Why wellbeing works best when programs, leadership and job design align Key insight As Sasha puts it:  You can’t solve workplace stress without understanding what’s driving it. The Index helps organisations move beyond surface-level metrics and focus on the factors that actually influence how people experience work.  What stood out Health-oriented leadership behaviour has one of the strongest impacts on employee health has one of the strongest impacts on employee health Flexibility and initiatives like the 4-day work week only work when supported by how work is designed Recovery (not just productivity) is a critical and often a lever for wellbeing Connect with Sasha D’Arcy on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sasha-d-arcy-9004b6157References Medibank Healthiest Workplace Index Research Partnership with Health at Work Research Unit at Macquarie University Medibank named Australia’s best place to work | AFR BOSS 2026 | Medibank Newsroom: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-named-australias-best-place-to-work-or-afr-boss-2026

In this episode, Ruth Kent shares insightful strategies on managing stress, improving sleep hygiene and cultivating self-compassion for leaders, managers and employees navigating high-pressure workplaces. Learn practical tips and frameworks to foster resilience and mental health at work. Main topics:The rising stress patterns in workplaces pre- and post-pandemicThe bi-directional relationship between sleep and stressPractical sleep hygiene tips for busy professionalsThe importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in leadershipHow mindfulness fosters better decision-making and emotional regulationStrategies for integrating behavioural change through long-term programsConnect with RuthSunrise Well: https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to workplace wellbeing and mental health focus01:08 - Trends in stress levels in workplaces over recent years02:45 - The impact of social media and digitalization on stress03:15 - Stress reactivity and its effects on relationships and decision-making03:59 - Challenges faced by middle and upper management during stressful times04:32 - Sleep disruption and its effect on focus and regulation05:02 - The sleep-stress feedback loop and neural responses06:32 - The importance of deep sleep for emotional and cognitive health07:32 - Risks of sleep deprivation in organizational decision-making08:01 - Moving away from the "badge of honor" culture around sleep10:30 - Practical tips for improving sleep quality and routine11:44 - The significance of consistency in wake and sleep times12:30 - Managing light exposure for circadian rhythm regulation13:00 - The role of light and dark in sleep hygiene14:29 - Nutritional influences like caffeine, alcohol, and mealtime on sleep16:05 - Environmental factors such as room temperature17:11 - The influence of stress and self-critical tendencies on sleep17:57 - Self-compassion as a leadership and self-care skill20:55 - The difference between empathy and compassion, and the need for action22:28 - The components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness23:58 - The concept of fierce self-compassion and boundary setting25:28 - Using mindfulness and self-awareness to manage workplace conflicts26:44 - Strengthening relationships through self-compassion and boundaries27:20 - The role of mindfulness in leadership and decision-making28:26 - How mindfulness practices strengthen neural capacity for rational responses30:26 - Recognising and understanding thoughts during mindfulness31:24 - The importance of gentle self-awareness and compassion32:25 - Neuroscientific evidence of mindfulness effects on the brain33:50 - Practical experiences with mindfulness and leadership clarity34:50 - Tips for implementing sustained behavioral change programs36:30 - Starting small with mindfulness practice for lasting impact37:00 - Reinforcing habits through feedback and routine38:16 - The value of long-term programs integrating behaviour change39:14 - How organisations can develop lasting wellbeing strategies41:45 - Closing thoughts on integrating wellbeing into workplace culture

In this episode, we explore how social health influences workplace wellbeing and productivity. Dr Ali Walker shares actionable frameworks to foster genuine connection, reduce loneliness and enhance psychosocial safety at work - critical components for healthy, high-performing teams.Key Topics:The four levels of social health: belonging to self, one-on-one, group and collective communityThe four types of loneliness: intimate partner, social, situational, and existentialPractical strategies for managers to schedule meaningful social interactionsHow social connection acts as a protective factor against psychosocial risksBuilding psychologically safe environments through meeting interaction patternsUsing the SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) model for constructive feedbackLeading micro-moments of connection to foster genuine belongingResources & LinksConnect with Ali Walker on LinkedInAli Walker - LinkedInAlityLifeWe Are Lonely Podcast by MedibankTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to social health and its importance in workplaces02:09 - The four levels of social health explained05:45 - The importance of scheduling social connection intentionally06:40 - Deep dive into the four types of loneliness and their workplace expressions08:47 - The nuanced understanding of loneliness with real-life examples13:30 - Personalized social connection frameworks based on individual needs14:24 - The role of social connection in reducing psychosocial risks16:20 - The concept of psychological safety and its link to connection intensity19:41 - Leading interaction patterns to build genuine belonging in teams23:21 - Strategies for addressing relationship mismatches and team conflict32:39 - Using the SBI feedback model for performance conversations36:09 - Curiosity, hesitant tones, and authentic conversations as leadership tools39:30 - Prioritizing social connection as a proactive approach to psychosocial safety43:13 - Implementing incidental social experiences and shared meals at work44:23 - Final thoughts: Building functional teams through social health

Mark Jones shares his inspiring journey from a health crisis to becoming a champion of mental fitness through The Story Code framework.Key Topics:Mark’s personal health awakening in 2019 after a panic attack during a routine shopping trip to BunningsThe impact of internal stories, limiting beliefs and the inner critic on mental health and performanceThe narrative therapy approach: rewriting your story and becoming your own heroHow internal stories influence workplace leadership and influence, especially during roles transitionsThe role of self-talk in reinforcing health routines and overcoming burnoutThe future of work and the importance of human skills, emotional intelligence and organisational culture~Connect with Mark Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhjonesimpact/Mark's Podcast: The Story Code for Leaders: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-story-code-mark-jones/id1767729340?i=1000733031804~Resources:⁠The Story Code - Mark Jones⁠⁠James Clear's Atomic Habits⁠⁠Stephen Covey's Circles of Control⁠