Today is World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), organised every year by the International Association for Suicide Prevention IASP. It is an opportunity for people across the globe to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention.

In this interview Geoff talks openly of his own mental health struggle and the impact that the suicide of one of his close friends had on him. 

Suki and Geoff explore the challenges of mental health in the work place.  Geoff talks openly about his massive panic attack, which was a sign of anxiety induced depression.  He shares why the catalyst of the suicide of one of his best friends urged  him to create a new leadership programme as Head of People at Unilever,  challenging  the stigma of mental ill health. We also learn how he subsequently became an activist and campaigner in this space.  

Suki and Geoff discuss the need for business to now reset, to focus on cultural change, and how important it is for companies to measure the energy of their people. The energy of people as a driver of performance to increase commercial outcomes. 

They talk about the three key barriers to change   1. Why health is important and needs to be a strategic priority 2. What organisations need to do to help keep people healthy 3. The role of business v the personal accountability to enhance people's health 

They discuss the D&I agenda and how enabling, enhancing and empowering the performance of organisations needs to be led by the CEO, not just the HR team. 

The great pause needs to be the great recalibration. -  Reset your thinking through  listening to this conversation and challenge your own views about how you can enhance people's lives in the workplace.