The Needs Improvement Podcast

Navigating Transitions with Purpose | Nicole Serena Silver - Career Alignment Founder and Author, and Entrepreneurial Coach

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Nicole Serena Silver, Founder of Vekita Personal Development, GROWmyfuture.org and NicoleSerenaSilver.com as they discuss the impact of self-reflection and support systems on success.
Nicole discusses her journey into the professional development space, including her work with high school students through her nonprofit, GrowMyFuture.org, her contributions to Forbes, and her role as an entrepreneurial coach. She shares insights on finding career clarity, self-awareness, and adaptability, especially in the face of disruptive events like layoffs and technological advancements.
Nicole highlights the importance of aligning one's work with personal values and passions, and offers anecdotes of successful client transformations. She also delves into the challenges and strategies for older adults navigating career pivots and stepping into entrepreneurship.
 
Full Potential Guidebook
Website
LinkedIn
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:28 Nicole's Professional Journey
01:28 Inspiration Behind the Career Clarity Guidebook
03:46 Impact and Success Stories
05:29 Navigating Career Transitions
06:46 The Importance of Self-Reflection
10:26 Adapting to Workforce Changes
18:29 Entrepreneurial Insights and Future Plans
20:45 Exploring Entrepreneurial Pitfalls
21:28 The Importance of Self-Awareness
23:20 Navigating Disruption and Change
27:26 Addressing Ageism and Career Pivots
35:06 Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship
38:06 Final Thoughts and Resources
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Creating Happiness in Business | Jackson Kerchis, Co-Founder, Happiness Means Business

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Jackson Kerchis, Co-Founder at Happiness Means Business (HMB) as they discuss the the impact of happiness on productivity and success.
Jackson discusses his diverse background, including his time as a Zen monk, teaching a happiness course, and creating his own Happiness major at the University of Alabama. In both the military and private sector contexts, psychological safety, social connection, and intrinsic motivation in the workplace are key motivators - how can we harness them for good?
Jackson also delves into the generational shifts driving changes in the workplace and explores practical steps that both individuals and leaders can take to operationalize happiness for better performance and wellbeing.
 
LinkedIn
YouTube
Happiness Means Business
Warrior Leader Training
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:25 Jackson's Background and Career Journey
01:42 The Zen Monk Experience
03:34 Insights from Zen Practice
07:20 Happiness and Organizational Success
10:24 Operationalizing Happiness in the Workplace
10:48 The Role of Leadership in Workplace Happiness
21:27 Individual Strategies for Happiness
23:39 Building Neural Circuits for Self-Improvement
24:49 The Role of Managers in Employee Well-being
30:53 Generational Shifts in Workplace Expectations
35:14 Future of Work: Balancing Productivity and Well-being
38:57 Key Levers for Happier Work Environments
42:59 A Vision for the Future of Work
46:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Navigating Workplace Overwhelm | Amy Luckey - Founder @ Amy Luckey Coaching

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Amy Luckey, Founder at Amy Luckey Coaching + Consulting as they explore the nuances of leadership and the silent burden of grief in the workplace.
Amy shares her experiences working with organizational leaders, particularly those managing complex personal and professional identities, and discusses the impact of performance metrics and AI on workplace wellbeing. Their conversation also delves into how leaders can embrace their humanity, the importance of processing grief, and actionable steps for fostering a compassionate work culture despite systemic pressures. 
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Understanding Executive Leadership Coaching
02:37 Challenges Faced by Modern Leaders
03:39 The Overwhelm and Hopelessness in the Workplace
05:58 The Impact of AI and Dehumanization
08:36 Psychological Safety vs. Profit
12:22 Grief in the Workplace
16:53 Compassionate Leadership and Values
21:17 Integrating Emotions
30:39 Hurdles to Compassion
37:56 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Leadership's Responsibility for Workplace Satisfaction | Aaron Fromm, Founder @ AZF Business Strategy and Consulting

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Aaron Fromm, Founder at AZF Business Strategy and Consulting as they discuss the responsibility of leadership in regards to workplace satisfaction.
 
Aaron shares his journey from software engineer to a consultant, emphasizing transparency, compassion, and coaching as critical elements for thriving teams. They touch upon challenges faced by middle managers and individual contributors, offering practical advice for navigating turbulent times, as well as a humanistic approach to leadership and the significance of caring and transparency in fostering a thriving workplace.
 
LINKEDIN
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:16 Holistic Approach to Workplace Well-being
03:03 Aaron's Journey to Consulting
04:50 Current Workplace Challenges
07:42 Leadership and Employee Disconnect
12:38 Empowering Middle Managers
22:46 Coaching and Leadership in Uncertain Times
23:36 Empowering Individual Contributors
27:24 Middle Management Challenges
31:02 The 10 C's Framework for Leadership
34:14 Humanistic Approach to Leadership
40:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Leadership, Arts, and Authenticity | Tim Van Ness, President @ Van Ness & Co.

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Tim Van Ness, President at Van Ness & Co as they discuss the transformative power of creativity and theater in corporate culture.
 
Tim shares his journey from music and theater to founding Van Ness and Company, using improvisational theater to address organizational challenges and promote conscious leadership.
Our conversation dissects the role of humor, emotional intelligence, and storytelling in revealing truths and catalyzing change within organizations, and we also emphasize the importance of connection, self-awareness, and leadership presence.
 
Van Ness & Co
Changing Work Collective
Leading with Self Awareness
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:15 Tim Van Ness: Background and Journey
02:44 The Power of Playback Theater
04:19 Theater in Business: A Unique Approach
07:20 Challenges and Successes in Organizational Change
14:25 Connecting Values, Leadership, and Culture
17:39 Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence
22:17 Impact of the Pandemic on Work Culture
24:55 Defining Conscious Leadership
25:55 The Role of Presence in Leadership
30:01 Challenges in Implementing Conscious Leadership
32:58 The Changing Work Collective
36:17 Conclusion and Call to Action
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

People-Hearted & Business-Minded™️| Beck Sydow (they/them), Founder and Leadership Coach @ HumanKind

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Beck Sydow, Founder & Leadership Coach at HumanKind Business Leaders as they discuss connection in the workplace and the importance of quality feedback. 
Beck shares insights into their journey from UPS management to becoming a leadership coach focusing on people-hearted, business-minded approaches, the importance of blending business advising with leadership coaching, and focusing on senior leaders in the SMB sector.
We also chat about the need for leaders to build confidence, embrace feedback, and look for the ways that business success and a healthy workplace culture are connected.
Beck believes we can do both, we don’t have to choose. And, this is represented in the tagline for HumanKind Business Leaders, People-Hearted & Business-Minded ™️
HumanKind Business Leaders
Contact Beck
Book recommendation:
Strength to Strength
 
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:26 Beck Seidel's Background and Business Philosophy
02:07 Leadership Coaching and Business Advising
04:06 Beck's Career Journey and Lessons Learned
07:05 Challenges and Trends in Modern Leadership
09:43 The Importance of Culture and Feedback
11:56 Intimacy and Connection in the Workplace
16:52 Confidence in Leaders
19:08 Advice for Aspiring Leaders
26:48 Sharing Your Progress
33:23 Conclusion and Contact Information
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Bridging Generations and Breaking Stigmas: A Conversation with Newton Cheng

Chat with Newton Cheng, who is lauded as a Conversation Starter in the mental health space, and serves as Director of Health + Performance at Google
Newton shares his personal journey with mental health, highlighting the stigma surrounding these topics in professional settings. Despite his accomplishments, Newton took a mental health leave, which led him to advocate for open discussions about mental health.
We explore the impact of vulnerability in leadership and the importance of bridging generational gaps concerning mental health awareness. Newton also offers insights and advice for leaders to challenge the status quo of mental health discourse.
 
@newtoncheng
Getting in Touch
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:09 Newton Chang's Background
00:41 Mental Health Journey
01:54 Impact and Resonance
02:13 Sharing Vulnerability on LinkedIn
04:47 Challenges of Leadership and Vulnerability
06:53 Personal Reflections and Authenticity
09:05 Advice for Leaders
14:02 Social Network Struggles
25:58 Engaging with Younger Generations
29:35 The Younger Generation
31:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Betting on Yourself | Lon Stroschein, Founder & Elite Performance Coach, Normal 40

Chat with Lon Stroschein, Founder at Normal 40, as he reveals the catalyst behind his bold move out of an "ideal" career to seek something more. 
We learn of Lon's experience of feeling unfulfilled, the internal struggles he faced, and the crucial moments that led to him making a total 180. Hear about his creation of Normal 40, a community where new ventures are celebrated and refined. 
This episode delves into the nuances of recognizing dissatisfaction early, permitting oneself to explore new ventures, and garnering support from loved ones.
Normal 40
Normal 40: The Podcast
Lon's book, The Trade
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:18 Lon's Journey Begins
01:12 Reflecting on Success and Doubt
03:40 The Turning Point
06:45 The Decision to Bet on Oneself
09:24 Support from a Life Partner
18:15 The Birth of Normal 40
23:35 Purpose Behind The Trade (Book)
24:00 Connecting with Readers
25:43 The Power of Sharing Stories
28:37 Building a Supportive Community
33:21 Words of Wisdom for the Unfulfilled
34:09 Taking Action: APA Framework
36:23 Exploring New Possibilities
38:20 How to Connect and Engage
39:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Mental Health First Aid: Transforming Workplace Wellbeing | Laura DeCook, Founder @ LDC Wellbeing

Chat with Laura DeCook, founder at LDC Wellbeing, as we explore her transformative journey from the film and tech industries to becoming a passionate mental health advocate.
Laura shares her personal stories of battling anxiety and perfectionism, the lack of empathy and support she encountered in demanding corporate environments, and delve into the profound impact of these experiences on her life. 
We also discuss the critical importance of mental health first aid training and how leaders can cultivate a culture of mental well-being by courageously sharing their own struggles and journeys with their teams. 
Upcoming Workshops
Mental Health First Aid
988 Lifeline
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:24 Laura's Background and Career Journey
01:59 Struggles with Anxiety and Perfectionism
03:43 Career Challenges and Mental Health
06:12 Turning Point and Mental Health Break
07:14 Starting LDC Wellbeing
11:03 Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
16:36 Mental Health First Aid Training
26:56 Final Thoughts and Resources
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Workplace Mobbing: Insights and Patterns | Dr. Delia Grenville, Founder + CEO - SLYN Consulting

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Dr. Delia Grenville, Founder & CEO of SLYN Consulting as she delves into workplace mobbing and group aggression.
 
Workplace mobbing occurs when coworkers unite to oust a specific individual, often someone seen as a change catalyst. This covert aggression includes gaslighting and gossip, making it hard for the target to pinpoint the perpetrators.
 
Dr. Grenville discusses the systemic changes needed to address mobbing and its profound impact on individuals and workplaces. She also shares statistics on mobbing's prevalence and introduces her guest chapter, "Triumph in the Trenches," which offers guidance for overcoming mobbing.
 
Additionally, she highlights her work with the Workplace Respect Network, advocating for a respectful workplace culture.
 
Follow Dr. Grenville on TikTok
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

From Burnout to Brilliance | Dr. Tamara Beckford, CEO @ UR Caring Docs

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Dr. Tamara Beckford, CEO of UR Caring Docs, as she provides impactful insights into overcoming burnout.
A board-certified emergency physician with over 15 years of experience, Dr. Beckford talks about self-care, strategies for productivity, and her approach to empowering organizations to build healthier work environments. As a LinkedIn Top Voice for leadership and wellness, her passion for transforming lives shines through, guiding you with practical tips from her personal journey.
Tune in for a candid discussion on:
The phases of burnout and its emotional toll on professionals
The importance of mindfulness, morning routines, and daily self-care
The power of coaching and leadership in achieving one's fullest potential
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Human Centered Workplaces | Bonnie Davis, Founder @ Huwork

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Bonnie Davis, Founder & Keynote Speaker at Huwork, as she discusses the rising importance of Strengths-Based Organizations.
Bonnie helps her clients create human-centered workplaces through action-oriented workshops, consulting projects, and leadership coaching. She advocates for using assessments like the Human Factor™ Assessment and StandOut to help people have more meaningful conversations about performance and results, while enhancing impact, fulfillment, and collaboration.
Bonnie’s work revitalizes culture, develops leaders, engages employees, and enables teams to work better together. 
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Compassion & Accountability -Two Sides of the Same Coin | Dr. Nate Rigier, CEO @ Next Element

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Nate Regier, PhD, Founder & CEO of Next Element Consulting, as he discusses the nuances of Compassionate Accountability® in the workplace.
 
Together we explore the notion of compassion and accountability being two sides of the same coin, rather than competing energies. Dr. Nate gives us the ORPO formula to reconcile relationships and results while tackling tough conversations in an ever-changing post-covid corporate landscape.  
 
Check out his book, "Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results." and The Compassionate Accountability podcast with Dr. Nate. His mission is to operationalize compassion in every workplace. 
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Rediscovering Awe & Artistic Beauty in the Workplace | Emma Laurence, CLC

Chat with Emma Laurence, Certified Life Coach, creative artist, and author, as we dive into the challenges and opportunities that come with major life transitions.
Emma’s powerful life transition story highlights the impact of an overachieving work culture on physical and mental health. She offers a creative perspective on workplace challenges, including practical keys from her illustrated Beyond Burnout Playbook.
Emma illuminates the role of creativity in helping corporate leaders and managers raise team performance to a level of artistry. And together, we explore the vibrational impact of music to help navigate life transitions with greater ease.
 
Brief Bio
Emma Laurence is a Certified Life Coach (CLC), author of the Beyond Burnout Playbook, and lead singer for JazzLove. She brings creative arts into life transition coaching, workplace leadership and health, and burnout recovery.
Emma’s professional background in performing arts and education in New York City anchors her approach, integrating artistic vision, proven coaching tools, and compassionate presence. Her Living As Music blog is cutting-edge, connecting the art and science of sound to navigating daily life.
As a founding member of the Changing Work Collective, Emma currently co-leads the Creative Arts Cohort on a mission to bring creativity to business leadership.
 
Links
Lifeiscoachingyou.com
Livingasmusic.com
BeyondBurnoutPlaybook.com
Milky Way Symphony
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Cancer Patient to IRONMAN Finisher - Resilience in a Health Crisis | Daniel Hight - Founder, More Than Our Story

Chat with Daniel Hight, Founder of MoreThanOurStory.com and a Toronto-area husband, father, cancer survivor, and IRONMAN Finisher as we dive into the impact of physical health on mental wellbeing. 
Daniel shares his incredible journey of suffering a seizure while on a business call, his emergency open cranium surgery, and the subsequent brain cancer diagnosis that changed his life.   
We discuss the power of sharing stories and finding strength and resilience in the face of adversity through personal grit and community. He encourages others to embrace their journeys and to find hidden gifts within their experiences.
 
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Becoming A ”Compassionate Agitator” | Jeff Jacobs, Sr. Director of Organizational Effectiveness @ Adobe

Listen in with Host Nicholas Whitaker and his guest Jeff Jacobs, Sr. Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Adobe and Mental Health Advocate, as he discusses navigating mental health challenges in the workplace.
 
We tackle the idea of being a "compassionate agitator" and challenging individuals and teams to evolve with safety and kindness. Jeff also shares some details of his mental health journey, suggesting insights for leadership behavior-modeling, and ways individuals can pursue self-care while protecting their professional brands.
 
His upcoming book, 'Still Coming of Age: Making the Most of Life's Lessons and Milestones,' is a collection of stories and life lessons encouraging us to embrace and learn from our challenges in service to living more authentic and successful lives. 
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Career Transitions & Work/Self Alignment | Jennifer Spainhour - Founder & Executive Coach

Chat with Jennifer Spainhour, Executive Coach and Founder of Position for Success Coaching, as she discusses the challenges and opportunities of career transitions. 
We tackle the importance of aligning work with personal values and strengths, and the need for courage to make a change. Jen also shares her approach of helping clients create a roadmap for their career transition, using techniques such as dream storming and identifying dig sites.
 
Check out Jen's podcast, "Spark Your Power" 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
 
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Vicarious Trauma through Exposure | Hannah Storm - Journalist, Author, and Founder

Chat with Hannah Storm, media consultant and founder of Headlines Network as she opens up about normalizing mental health conversations in journalism.
Drawing from her personal experiences with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, Hannah stresses the necessity of safe spaces for discussing mental health and delves into topics like vicarious trauma, empathetic leadership, and generational differences in mental health awareness.
Throughout our conversation, we explore the impact of Headlines Network in fostering these crucial discussions within newsrooms. Hannah advocates for increased investment in mental health, underlining the significance of self-care and recovery after challenging conversations.
 
Duathalon Fundraiser
Get on the Pre-Order List for Hannah's book, "Mental Health and Wellbeing for Journalist: A Practical Guide" 
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
 
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Redefining Success with Anya Smith | Founder, RightOffTrack

Chat with Founder & Host, Anya Smith, as she challenges the conventional definition of success and encourages you to follow your own purpose and values.
 
Listen in as we explore the benefits (and difficulties) of mindfulness, how to embrace rejection, and some of the difficulties that working mothers in tech face.
 
Anya's work focuses on amplifying voices and helping individuals build their strategies for exposure and success. She is also a super connector who wants to highlight the accessibility and willingness of people to support and collaborate when they are given the opportunity. 
 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
 
----------------------------------------------
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.

Mental Health Support Gaps in the Workplace | Ennis Olson, Global Innovation Lead @ Google

Chat with Ennis Olson, Global Innovation Lead at Google and fierce advocate for better mental health support in the workplace. 
Ennis discusses the need for leaders to receive training and tools to create a supportive environment and highlights the importance of accessibility to mental health services and the assessment process for diagnosis. 
We contemplate the long-term effects of masking behaviors at work, the lack of current support within many teams, and how to be more neuro-inclusive as a leader. 
Let's dive into what "Needs Improvement" 
Sign up for the Needs Improvement Newsletter
 
----------------------------------------------
 
Hello and welcome to the Needs Improvement Podcast, your regular deep dive into reimagining mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. I'm your host, Nicholas Whitaker, Certified Life Coach and Co-Founder of the Changing Work Collective. 
 
In every episode, we sit down with thought leaders in organizational health, as well as individuals who've navigated the complexities of mental health, well-being and belonging in the workplace. 
 
Our goal? To dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and ignite meaningful dialogue. We aim to inspire employees, and leaders, to revolutionize the way performance is gauged in the workspace.