< Please note - this was recorded at a live event > "There is no health without mental health. It deserves to be part of every conversation, every system, and every community." That was the message from Her Excellency Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre as leading voices from healthcare, business, and pol…

In this powerful episode of the mentl space podcast, we sit down with David Stockton, CEO of Dulsco Group, for an eye-opening discussion on mental health, leadership, and creating a culture of care in the workplace. 🏆 As the 2024 'the mentl awards' Leader of the Year, David shares his personal journey with mental health, the challenges leaders face…

🎙️ Mental Health as a National Priority | HE Maqsoud Kruse on The Mentl Space In this powerful episode of the mentl space: live, we sit down with HE Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Institution UAE, to discuss mental health as a fundamental human right and a national priority in the UAE. From the groundbreaking UAE Mental Hea…

Imagine being diagnosed with stage four cancer. How would you react? How would you feel? And how would you go forward from there? Steve Ashby, is a man who received a devastating stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis, and, instead of retreating into silence, chose to rise. Quite literally. In the latest episode of the mentl space, we sit down with Stev…

“It’s not weakness to ask for help — it’s courage." That was the message from one of the fittest men on the planet, as mentl’s Tear Away The Silence campaign took to the stage at a major sporting event in Dubai. As part of the ongoing campaign, supported by global healthcare leader Viatris, an inspiring conversation unfolded with a powerhouse panel…

If you look at any study on longevity, you'll see that one thing is key, community. Its presence can extend life, both the length and the quality of it, its absence can shorten it. Loneliness, in particular, is becoming a key factor in the world today, with the World Health Organization calling it a critical health issue, and the US Surgeon General…

"We have to, as companies, allow our staff to feel all their feelings and have a safe place to go.” "Connection is a choice. If you are not choosing connection, you’re choosing disconnection." "You can check your thoughts and you can change them. If you change your thoughts, you change your feelings." Three powerful insights from a conversation pac…

World Mental Health Day serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental well-being, particularly as this year’s theme is ‘Prioritise mental health in the workplace’ So today on ‘the mentl space’ podcast, Naim Maadad, CEO of Gates Hospitality, sat down with us to press the necessity for companies to not only acknowledge mental health but to…

The link between physical health and mental well-being is increasingly recognized as a fundamental aspect of overall health. Episode 55 of ‘the mentl space’ podcast sat down with Harjit Bahia, Chief Medical Officer of ZOI ME, to delve into how physical activity, nutrition, and overall lifestyle choices influence mental health. We explore how, as we…

In a world where we are more connected but lonelier than ever, family and the sense of shelter it provides has perhaps never been more important. The latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast features the inspirational Ben Salmi family from the UK, discussing the importance of mental health and resilience while sharing valuable insights from each…

Have you ever worked with somebody, or lived with somebody, that made you doubt yourself? A person who eroded your confidence by constantly denying your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Did they leave you questioning your reality and asking yourself if, as they asserted, it indeed was your fault? In an emotionally charged episode of ‘the mentl spac…

It’s a constant conversation that never stops. The digital age has ushered in a new relationship between brands and consumers, altering the traditional one-way communication to a dynamic ‘always on’ exchange facilitated by digital platforms like social media and apps such as ChatGPT. On the latest episode of ‘the mentl space podcast’, tackles the e…

Let's face it – balancing work and family is no easy feat in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why creating parent-friendly workplaces is more important than ever, but the latest research shows that the business benefits of supporting mums and dads are clear. Here in the UAE, the Parent Friendly Label program is encouraging organisations to foster e…

Please note: This episode was recorded at a live event and so be forgiving on the audio. The intersection of technology and society continues to evolve, shaping our daily lives in profound ways, but should we embrace these changes or pull back? In search of answers, ‘the mentl space’ podcast travelled to Saudi Arabia for the Sync Summit, a major co…

Imagine being on top of the world, literally, successfully holding a global role where you are making a difference. And then mental health changes it all… Geoff McDonald is now best known as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant who is passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces, and about helping organisations …

In an ever-evolving world that celebrates diversity, the imperative for inclusive workplaces is paramount for individuals to truly flourish in their professional environments. This quest for inclusivity was vividly explored in the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast, featuring two distinguished guests in partnership with GM on its journey t…

The world of work isn’t happy, and it’s getting unhappier by the day, but can positive psychology turn the tide? That’s one of the questions we put to Dr. Louise Lambert, Head of Happiness Policy, Programming, and Research with HappinessMatters, on the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast. Our conversation delves into the intricate aspects o…

If you look at any recent research it will tell you that our young people are struggling with their mental health. Whether it’s the Cigna Vitality Report, the World Happiness Report, or the Mental State of the World 2023 report, younger generations who are entering the world of work are not thriving. With that as a backdrop, the role of mentorship …

For any new parent life, especially their new life, is a challenge, lack of sleep, new responsibilities and changing relationship dynamics. But add to those pressures the need to leave one’s baby and return to work and you’ve reached a whole new level. And yet, this is a dilemma faced by all working mums, everywhere. So, in the latest episode of ‘t…

(please note this was recorded in a loud outside environment) In a world plagued by conflict and instability, finding ways to not just survive but thrive amidst chaos is a universal challenge. So ‘the mentl space’ podcast turned to the wisdom of Gelong Thubten, best-selling author of Handbook for Hard Times, A Monk's Guide to Fearless Living for so…

Two and a half hours a week. Doesn’t seem much but it could be game-changing for organisations seeking to optimise. That was the premise of Cigna Healthcare’s 5% Pledge, which our panel of independent judges in ‘the mentl awards 2023’ named as their winner in the Outstanding contribution in healthcare to mental health category. On the latest episod…

$8.5 trillion… According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) estimates the global wellness economy will hit that figure by 2027. By then, the wellness industry here in the UAE is predicted to grow to $5.5 billion. It’s clear from the figures that more and more of us are beginning to focus on ourselves and how we can live better. In the latest ep…

What do you do when everything goes to hell? That was the question put to Thomas Erikson, best-selling author of ‘Surrounded by Idiots’ as ‘the mentl space’ podcast dove into his personal journey and the challenges he’d faced that led to him writing ‘Surrounded by Setbacks’. While perhaps best known as ‘the idiot whisperer’, the most-translated Swe…

On the latest episode of 'the mentl space' podcast, we shine the spotlight on the remarkable story of Emirati Adel AlFalasi, winner of the Mental Health Hero at 'the mentl awards 2023.' Adel's journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit, serving as an inspiration to many. The episode delved into the challenges he faced…

What are your goals in life? Want to be a better parent? Start a business or get promoted at work? Feel fitter or embrace your own wellbeing and enjoy better mental health. Or perhaps it’s all of above for 2024. While no one thing by itself could achieve all of those goals, is there a first step you can take that puts you on the path to those goals…

The corporate world is often described as a jungle – but what can the C-Suite learn from those who have operated in the most extreme locations on the planet? In the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast we sit down with two remarkable guests Professor Mark Hannaford and Nikki McLeary. Each brings a wealth of experience from the worlds of extr…

Why do 9 out of 10 founders fall at a hurdle? Is it a lack of hard work? A shortage of vision? Low drive? Lower ambitions? Perhaps some could be guilty of that, but 90 percent? The maths is off, particularly in a world that glorifies ‘hustle culture’ in entrepreneurship – the idea that entrepreneurship means you never rest, you never stop, you neve…

So as COP 28 begins in the UAE you’ll hear a lot about three letters E, S and G. For the uninitiated that stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and are a measure of the sustainability of companies and countries. On the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast we ask what is the link between ESG and mental health, particularly in the wo…

How important is your humanity in the office? How can leaders inspire themselves and their teams to succeed? And, what really works in workplace wellbeing? These were just three of the questions ‘the mentl space: live’ discussed as our podcast hit the road for the first of a series of free community events. We drew together a panel of experts to ta…

How do we build a future where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued? We glorify hustle culture, we work - or are worked - to burnout while we unwittingly embrace and accept increasing isolation. Is each individual now an island disconnected from the mainland of humanity? Does the essence of human connection risk being overshadowed? Or, like a s…

We’re bombarded constantly with messages about how we should be exercising, especially with a view to our self-image and aesthetics. But does the power of exercise go beyond skin deep? What is the impact beyond the shallow comparison of social media images? Can exercise actually make you smarter? And, what do the scientists, rather than the influen…

What does it mean to be human? How can we live a life in tune with our authentic selves? And…are we all just a little bit weird? In a thought-provoking episode of ‘the mentl space’ we bring you a captivating conversation with the insightful and inspiring Andrew Stotter-Brooks. Drawing on his experience from a career spanning decades, most recently …

If Jessica Smith’s life was a Hollywood movie then the story would have gone like this, a child born with a disability overcomes adversity to beat everyone in her school at swimming. She swims so well she swims all the to the Paralympics, there she achieves her dream, music plays as she swims off into the distance happily ever after. But Jessica Sm…

We’ve come to expect service with a smile, after all, isn’t the customer always right? But what about the people behind the smiles? Long hours, difficult conditions, sometimes even more difficult customers, hospitality as one commentator recently wrote ‘is not for the faint hearted’. In this special roundtable edition of ‘the mentl space’ podcast -…

In the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast, Scott Armstrong delves into the pressing issue of mental health within the PR and communications industry. According to the research presented in the episode, a shocking 70 percent of professionals working in PR and communications reported struggling with their mental health. This figure is more t…

“It’s the pressure, the pressure they are putting on themselves, they are so hard on themselves.” In a world that seemingly accelerates on a daily basis, understanding the realities of young people and their mental well-being is increasingly vital. Recent research in the Cigna 360 Wellbeing Survey showed that Gen Z are currently the most stressed g…

In a world filled with uncertainties, it is crucial to embrace each day and make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. That’s the message from Mark Colbourne MBE, a Paralympic Cycling Champion, gold medallist and, we delighted to say, a judge for the ‘the mentl awards 2023’. Scheduled to take place on October 12 in Dubai, ‘the mentl awa…

How often do we listen, truly listen, to the person we are talking to – rather than waiting for them to finish so we can deliver our reply? In this special podcast celebrating the launch of ‘the mentl awards 2023’, Scott Armstrong is joined by Mimi Nicklin, Creative Chief Executive Officer of Freedm agency and best-selling author of ‘Softening the …

From the outside Azeem Rafiq's life seemed to be ticking all the boxes, with sporting success on the cricket pitch playing for England and for Yorkshire County Cricket Club. But there was something rotten in the state of the sport, racism, and it was eating away at the young man. And despite trying to fit it, and becoming the first player of Asian …

It's lonely at the top is a phrase that's been around for a very long time. This seems to have taken on new power recently, with the US Surgeon General warning about the impact that loneliness can have on us. It's as bad for us as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So if it is lonely at the top, do we really want our leaders to be unhealthy? And what can…

The intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being has been at the forefront of health discussions globally. Recent insights into the power of social connections, and the damage of loneliness, underscore this link, revealing the importance of community involvement for overall well-being. So ‘the mentl space’ podcast sat down wit…

They are working harder than ever before, they barely have time for their own wellbeing, their bosses don’t want their focus to be anywhere other than at work. And yet, parents still need to be parents, and somehow, amid all those pressures do the best for their children while navigating the challenges of social media and the myth that somehow a ‘w…

In the latest episode of ‘the mentl space’, Scott Armstrong delves into the intricacies of a condition affecting millions worldwide, irrespective of their age, social status, or geographic location: loneliness. His guest, Dr. Shefali Verma, a medical director specialising in integrative medicine, explores how pervasive loneliness can be and its pro…

Is your team toxic, and does it really have to be? In this episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast, Andy Fieldhouse, founder of The Team Space, a team coach and author, joins us to discuss the importance of effective teamwork and how to improve team dynamics. The best-selling author of ‘Getting Teamwork Right’ draws on his 15 years of experience in te…

"Leaders have a responsibility for the wellbeing of their employees from day one." Does your organisation sound like this? Because it should. On the latest episode of 'the mentl space' we step back a little in time to a vital conversation captured at the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East in Dubai. We sit down with Suzanne Gandy, Director of Huma…

Can you lead with kindness? Is there an ROI to compassion? Well one world leader certainly believes so. "You can be anxious, sensitive, kind and wear your heart on your sleeve. You can be a mother, or not, an ex-Mormon, or not, a nerd, a crier, a hugger – you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here – you can lead." These were the p…

We live in a world that glorifies 'hustle culture' for entrepreneurs, but does it work? Those brave enough to start their own businesses are expected to work nights and weekends, sacrifice family time and even ignore their own health, wellbeing and mental health, as they chase their dreams. And yet, with all that some 90 percent of all startups fai…

Inclusivity is one of the foundational cornerstones of a healthy culture that promotes employee mental health - but persuading c-suites that it’s a must rather than a nice-to-have, sometimes feels like a long road. Thankfully, mentl is delighted to announce that it has a new friend on our journey, as General Motors officially becomes our latest par…

It's March 20, International Happiness Day, but what makes us happy? In this bonus episode we caught up with a few notable people in the UAE to find out what makes them happy. Our bonus guests are: Kris Fade, star of Virgin Radio’s The Kris Fade Show and Netflix’s Dubai Bling, and founder of Fade Fit. Jessica Smith, Paralympian, Medal of the Order …

"If you are trying to do things the old-fashioned way, you won't make it." That's the message to leaders from one CEO who has been at the top of his industry for decades. The Chief Executive Officer of Fine Hygienic Holding, James Lafferty has often been described as one of the most unique and diversified CEO’s in the world today. He is not only a …