the mentl space

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 than twice the global average and paints a pictur...

“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 generation on the planet, while a recent study by...

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 awards 2023’ will be a gala celebration of the ext...

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 Edge’. Scheduled to take place on October 12 in Du...

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 origin to captain Yorkshire, he was losing h...

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 we do about it?  Naim Maadad, CE...

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 with fitness manager of Optimal Fitness in Dubai, To...

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 ‘work life balance’ is possible. This was the topic...

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 profound implications on both physical and mental he...

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 team development and coaching to provide insights o...

"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 Human Resources at Bayut | dubiz...

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 powerful words of former New Zealand Pri...

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 fail.  Is there an alternative approach tha...

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 partner, and we begin a series of conversations that,...

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 of Australia awardee, and founder of TOUCH...

"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 successful CEO, he is an Oly...

Men, what is the price of our silence?  How do we calculate the cost of bottling up the things which impact us?  Ultimately, there is always a bill to settle with ourselves. In this powerful episode of 'the mentl space', former professional golfer Simon Dunn, founder of The Lighthouse Retreat, shares his deeply personal experience with his own mental health, and how unresolved grief bega...

Does your stomach control your brain? Well the science tells us that in fact what happens in your gut has a profound impact on your mental health.  In this episode of 'the mentl space', we explore fasting and diet with Simon Dunn, founder of The Lighthouse Retreat, as we look ahead to our Men's Mental Health Retreat, taking place on March 17 to 19. Inspired by the recent Chris Hemsw...

Recent research by Cigna revealed that Gen Z is currently the most stressed generation in the workplace, with 98 percent in the UAE, and 95 percent globally suffering. Mentl's recent article discussing the modern-day employment inferno facing Gen Zs drew supportive comments, but equally a number of firmly-held opposite views, including words such as 'selfish, entitled, spoiled, lazy&apos...

When Thor leans into his mental health you know guys it's time for us to take it seriously too.  Amid a growing mental crisis, mentl and The Lighthouse Retreat in Ras Al Khaimah are teaming up for a special 'Men's Mental Health Retreat' which dives into the secrets of longevity, performance and taming stress.  Today on 'the mentl space' we sit down by the sea with The...

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." So goes the old adage about intense pressure environments, especially in the hospitality industry. Recent reports globally have highlighted the mental health challenges many face while working in the sector, including the pressure cooker of high-end kitchens.  TV shows have also dialled up the heat, historically portraying aggre...

Want to live longer and live happier? Dr Rangan Chatterjee, author of Happy Mind Happy Life, host of Europe's number one podcast Feel Better, Live More, and star of BBC's Doctor in the House, joins Professor Rose Anne Kenny, author of Age Proof, on 'the mentl space' for an invaluable conversation about the lives we lead.  Prof Kenny who also leads The Irish Longitudinal Study o...

In a world of rising anxiety, burnout and polarisation what role do books have to play in this digital age? Isobel Abuhoul, OBE, the CEO of the Emirates Literature Festival, which launched this week, joins 'the mentl space' to discuss how reading is good for mental health, both for our children and for ourselves. She tells how her lifelong love of reading has helped her through difficult...

Imagine your life is going pretty well, career, family,  overall fitness, all where you would want things to be, and then something changes. In this episode of 'the mentl space' we sit down for an honest conversation with Sam Browning, dad of two and Dubai resident.  He talks through his journey as aspects of his childhood crept into his adult life and his growing discovery that he was d...

Pick your label, quiet quitting, loud quitting, the Great Resignation, the war on talent, or simply a new reality for employers; the conversation on wellbeing has crossed an inflection point. Ahead of its return to the region, Chris Cummings, Group CEO of Wellbeing at Work World, talks to 'the mentl space' about the Wellbeing at Work Summit Middle East 2023, the epoch in corporate life,...