the mentl space

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 family member.  The Ben Salmi family are a multip...

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 space: live’ podcast we tackled narcissism with the...

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 evolving landscape of retail, social media's...

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 environments that support working parents.  B...

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 conference exploring digital wellbeing and the parad...

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 embed purpose as a key driver of business perform...

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 towards equity.  The conversation centered on cult...

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 of well-being, touching on the quest for happines...

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 has never been more vital. And so, on the latest...

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 ‘the mentl space’ podcast, we sat down with Lamisse...

(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 some insights on how to navigate the road ahea...

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 episode of ‘the mentl space’ podcast we sit down with Li...

$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 episode of ‘the mentl space’ we drill down...

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 Swedish author ‘still alive’, sat down with podcast...

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, the pivotal moments in...

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? Well in this episode of ‘the mentl space podcas...

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 extreme adventure and medicine, offering insights on...

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 never sleep.   But is there another path to success? ...

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 workplace?  And talk to a guest who has, a surpri...

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 tackle the conversation in front of a live audie...

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 startup, can we solve for this, not with technology...

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 influencers, tell us?    On ‘the mentl space’ podcast we...

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 as Vice President Learning and Development fo...

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 Smith’s story is far more raw, far more unacceptable...

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 -  part of our partnership with Gates Hospitalit...