3 Powerful Strategies to Break the Mental Health Stigma at Work | Nick Bracks

Is drinking embedded in your workplace culture? Maybe it’s time to rethink that.In today’s episode of The Optimized Workplace, we’re diving into a topic you might not have considered: the impact of alcohol culture in your workplace. We invited Amy Willis, founder of Hol + Well and a sober coach who understands firsthand the complex layers of alcohol use and sobriety.Amy shares insights on the effects of alcohol on mental health and workplace productivity and offers practical steps for HR leaders and managers to foster safer, more inclusive environments.She also dives into what a holistic approach to sober coaching is, the growing alcohol-free movement among younger generations, and how companies can introduce alcohol culture consulting.Tune in to learn how minor adjustments in policy and culture can make a lasting impact on employee well-being and effectiveness.Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Meet Amy Willis and how she started Hol + Well  (01:58)The holistic approach to sober coaching (04:08) Alcohol addiction and mental health’s intersection (06:47)Strategies for creating an alcohol-safe workplace (10:33) The alcohol-free trend among Gen Z and younger millennials (20:19)Process for organizations interested in alcohol culture consulting (22:54)Amy’s self-care practices (25:15)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Connect with Amy on LinkedIn: Amy Willis | Holistic Sober CoachFollow Amy on Instagram: @msamycwillisCheck out Hol + Well for more information: Hol + Well | Homepage–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

What if the key to building a stronger, more resilient business is found within a diverse supplier network?In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Heather Cox, co-founder of Certify My Company. Heather, a leading advocate for inclusivity, shares her incredible journey of helping diverse businesses achieve certification and build partnerships with corporations dedicated to inclusion.We’ll discuss common misconceptions about diverse businesses and explore the power of mentorship, where Heather gives real-world examples of how targeted guidance can strengthen competitive advantage.Tune in now to learn why corporations doubling down on diversity isn’t just a feel-good strategy but a profitable one.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)How Heather Cox co-founded Certify My Company (00:56)Breaking misconceptions about diverse businesses (04:51)How large businesses are working with small businesses (06:26)Importance of authentic diversity commitment by corporations (08:23)Mentorship and growth for diverse business owners (11:05)Heather’s approach to self-care for sustained success (19:09)Benefits of diverse supply chains on corporate performance (25:31) Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Follow Heather Cox on LinkedIn: Heather Cox - Certify My CompanyVisit Certify My Company's official website for more information: Certify My Company | Homepage–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Struggling with your corporate wellness programs? It turns out you don’t need a massive budget to create impactful programs.In this episode of The Optimized Workplace, Jennifer Green, the inaugural Director of Wellness at Venbrook, a national leader in insurance, explains how companies can leverage existing benefits to promote employee well-being.With 20 years of experience in corporate wellness, HR, and account management, Jennifer breaks down the nuances of creating strategic wellness plans.She highlights how small, embedded wellness benefits, like free health coaching and gym discounts, can make a significant difference in wellness, even for companies with limited budgets.Tune in now and learn how to improve your company's wellness offerings without breaking the bank!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Meet Jennifer Green and Venbrook’s wellness programs (01:54)How to maximize employee wellness benefits (05:28)Misconceptions about corporate wellness ROI (09:12)Importance of mental health first aid training (11:39)Skepticism around wellness programs post-covid (12:45)Gen Z and millennial approach to wellness (16:35)Jennifer’s personal wellness practices (19:15)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: Jennifer Carter GreenVisit Venbrook for more information: Venbrook | Homepage–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Imagine waking up at 5 a.m. every day for 15 years, swimming for hours in the freezing cold. Sounds grueling, right? But that’s exactly what elite athletes like Katie Ledecky do to become a ninth-time Olympic gold medalist. While we may not be training for the Olympics, the same focus and dedication can be adopted to transform our performance at work. That’s what this week’s guest is here to discuss.Meet John Toomey. John is an international speaker, writer, Olympic coach, and thought leader. He serves as the global chair of the Global Wellness Institute Workplace Well-Being Initiative.As an expert in both professional sports and corporate wellness, John shares incredible insights on how high-performance sports strategies can help prevent workplace burnout, boost productivity, and foster real workplace well-being.Are you ready to unlock the secrets of workplace wellness and high performance?Let’s jump in!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Meet John Toomey and his approach to workplace wellness (02:21)The critical role of mental focus and attention in performance (09:23)Corporate wellness strategies and the importance of personal responsibility (16:11)How to bring employees back to the office post-pandemic (18:26)Importance of personal responsibility in preventing burnout (21:21)Quick episode recap (26:20)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Connect with John on LinkedIn here: John ToomeyFollow him on Instagram here: @John.Toomey–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Is your workplace struggling to foster resilience in a post-pandemic world?In this week’s episode of The Optimized Workplace, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a leadership psychologist and best-selling author of The Resilience Plan, to discuss the critical role of resilience in today’s workplaces.With her extensive expertise in workplace mental health, Dr. Pelletier guides us through the essentials of building a resilient workforce. We dive into why basic wellness practices like sleep and nutrition are more important than ever, challenges in addressing mental health, and why resilience isn’t just an individual pursuit but a strategic imperative for teams and organizations.Tune in now and transform your approach to workplace resilience and mental well-being!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)What leaders are facing post-pandemic (01:48)Approaches to addressing resilience in the workplace (04:06)Challenges organizations face in addressing mental health (08:28)Benefits of investing in a balanced mental health strategy (11:58)How to measure success of mental health strategies in organizations (14:48)Tips for leaders in balancing high performance and resilience (16:43)Episode wrap-up (23:26)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Connect with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier on LinkedIn: Marie-Hélène Pelletier, PhD, MBA   Grab a copy of her book: The Resilience PlanVisit her official website for more information: Dr. Marie-Hélène | Homepage –The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Do your employees suffer from chronic pain and always feel tired and burned out? What if you could change that and have healthy employees without relying on medication?In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Keita Vanterpool, a chiropractor and holistic wellness advocate who overcame her own battle with lupus.Dr. Keita shares how she transformed her life through a holistic approach, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. She explains the power of the mind-body connection, why diet and spiritual health are also crucial, and the often overlooked benefits of sound frequencies and essential oils in healing.If you’re ready to take your workplace wellness programs to the next level, this episode is a must-listen!Tune in now!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Dr. Keita Vanterpool’s battle with lupus (01:54)Link of physical illness to mental health (05:53)From sickness to a chiropractic career (09:31)How chiropractic care restores the body (12:03)A holistic approach to health care (16:13)Impact of sound frequencies and essential oils (18:40)Keep up with Dr. Keita (24:19)Dr. Keita’s self-care routine (26:09) Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Book an appointment with Dr. Keita: Chirokei ConsultingFollow Dr. Keita on Instagram: @drkeitav–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Hiring the right people for your small business isn’t just a challenge–it can make or break your growth. Thankfully, our guest expert is here to walk us through the best hiring processes for small businesses. Today’s guest is Talmar Anderson, CEO & Founder of Boss HQ and host of the Rock Your Bossitude podcast. With extensive experience helping small businesses refine their hiring process, Talmar shares her expertise on best hiring practices so you can attract, hire, manage, and keep an amazing team to scale your business on purpose.In this conversation, we cover why small businesses should hire for immediate needs rather than potential, how to offer competitive compensation, and strategies to overcome biases in hiring.Tune in now to learn how to hire effectively and sustainably for your small business!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Understanding biases in small business hiring (01:46)Effective hiring strategies for small businesses (04:50)Challenges of offering competitive compensation (07:30)Four alignments to consider during the vetting process (15:16)What you need to know about using technology in hiring (19:24)Self-care strategies for business owners (21:25)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies– Follow Talmar on LinkedIn: Talmar AndersonConnect with her on Instagram: Talmar Anderson | @thebossactionsCheck out Boss HQ for more information: YourBossHQ.com–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Is your workplace designed for your well-being? In this week’s episode of The Optimized Workplace, we sit down with Dr. Whitney Gray to explore the impact of a well-designed work environment on employees' well-being and performance.Dr. Gray, Senior VP of Research at the International WELL Building Institute, provides valuable insights into how the built environment influences employees’ health and supports their success at work. She also discusses the alarming economic cost of burnout and offers practical steps for employers and leaders to create healthier and more sustainable workplaces.Don’t miss this enlightening episode with Dr. Gray.Tune in now to learn more!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Meet Dr. Whitney Gray (01:04)Impact of built environment on health (02:56)Post-pandemic workplace strategies (07:03)Practical steps for employers using the WELL Building Standard (11:20)New innovations in workplace design and technology (17:04)Importance of relationships and connection (24:23)The International WELL Building Institute and its future directions (25:27)Episode wrap-up (31:36)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Follow Dr. Gray on LinkedIn: Dr. Whitney Austin Gray | LinkedInCheck out the summit schedules: WELL 2024 | Global Event SeriesVisit the International WELL Building Institute for more: International WELL Building Institute | Homepage–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Are you struggling with high attrition rates and increasing workplace burnout?It’s time to ditch those satisfaction surveys and discover how AI can provide the solution you need.In this week’s episode, we sit down with Eitan Vesely, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Watercooler, an AI-powered people analytics tool that transforms siloed HR data into actionable insights.For years, Eitan was troubled by the high number of unhappy employees and those leaving jobs due to work-related stress or difficult managers. In 2022, he founded Watercooler, a people analytics startup, in collaboration with Simon Sinek. The startup leverages AI to detect employee vulnerabilities and burnout risks.Today, Eitan shares the telltale signs of workplace burnout, how AI can help prevent it, the legal implications of using data to power this tool, the future of the workplace, and more.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Meet Eitan Vesely and his AI-powered people analytics tool (02:28)Telltales signs of workplace burnout (04:10)How AI can help detect workplace burnout (06:38)Data readiness for AI integration (10:56)Legal implications of using AI in HR (12:25)AI’s impact on the future of the workplace (15:33)Episode wrap-up (20:45)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Connect with Eitan on LinkedIn: Eitan Vesely | LinkedInVisit Watercooler for more information: Watercooler.ai–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!

Is your organization struggling with mental health at work?Although awareness is growing as more people talk about it, there is still much work to be done to improve mental health in the workplace.In this episode of The Optimized Workplace, we’re joined by Nick Bracks, founder of Move Your Mind wellness software, Aussie actor, and active mental health advocate.Nick’s story is one of incredible transformation. After surviving a near-death car accident and facing mental health challenges, he dedicated his life to raising awareness about mental health.With over 1,000 speeches and TED Talks to his name, Nick shares his insights on the critical role of leadership in creating a supportive workplace. He also discusses the telltale signs of mental breakdown, the challenges in seeking help, and more.Let’s dive in!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Telltale signs of mental breakdown (01:58)Starting somewhere and taking the first step (03:05) Why it’s difficult to ask for mental support (07:12)How leaders can combat mental health issues at work (09:39)What’s keeping Nick busy (15:30)Nick’s self-care practices (18:33)Episode wrap-up (21:26)Additional Resources:Connect with Fran on LinkedIn: Connect with FranFollow our LinkedIn page: AerobodiesLearn more about WellTeamCulture here: Create a cohesive-healthy work culture Visit our website here: Aerobodies–Read more about Nick’s story: Nick's Story - Nick BracksConnect with Nick on LinkedIn: Nick Bracks | LinkedIn–The Optimized Workplace is a podcast with the goal of providing new and unique ways for you to help your organization thrive while providing an exceptional experience for your employees and nourishing their well-being.–Ready to optimize your workplace and create a culture of well-being for your team?👉 Book a complimentary 30-minute call with Fran: Optimize My WorkplaceBe sure to follow us so you never miss an episode!