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In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Cherie Clonan, Founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, about redefining ambition, sustainable performance and creating workplaces where people can thrive without burning out. Together they explore how our ideas of success change over time, why neuroinclusive workplace design benefits everyone and what leaders can do to better support different ways of working. Cherie also shares insights from her white paper, The Performance Paradox, challenging organisations to think differently about productivity, wellbeing and the future of work. ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ Resources: The Digital Picnic: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com/ Connect with Cherie Clonan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherieclonan/ The Performance Paradox White Paper: https://www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au/op/the-digital-picnic-the-performance-paradox-report/ Podcast: The Climb with Cherie Clonan https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-climb-with-cherie-clonan/id1882216601 ¬ Chapters 03:51 Founding The Digital Picnic 06:08 Redefining Ambition & Success 12:13 Inclusive Leadership & Work Design 17:03 Neurodivergent Advocacy & Recruitment 32:11 The Performance Paradox 38:30 Unlearning & Personal Growth

In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Maria Ruberto, founder of Salutegenics and a resilience and neuroscience consultant, about the often-overlooked role relationships play in workplace wellbeing and performance. Together they unpack relational intelligence, how trust and real connection are built in the space between people and why understanding the body’s stress and safety responses can strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and support healthier ways of working. ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ Resources: Salutegenics: https://www.salutegenics.com.au/ Connect with Maria Ruberto on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaruberto/ Paper | The Emotional Recession: ⁠https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1701703/full⁠ Paper | Beyond positivity: A review of the functional outcomes of negative emotions at work: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41678250/¬Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Relational Intelligence in the Workplace 03:47 The Science of Belonging and Human Biology 05:25 Why Connection Matters More Than Communication 07:07 The Neurological Basis of Relational Space 09:00 Challenges of Virtual Connection and Disconnection 10:52 The Difference Between Communication and Genuine Connection 12:14 Building Trust Through Relational Space 15:01 The Role of Relational Leadership in Organizational Success 15:54 Holding Space for Uncertainty and Ambiguity 18:01 Biology Before Behavior: Managing Stress and Safety 19:59 The Power of Silence and Reflection in Meetings 22:04 The Concept of a Relationship Resume 23:58 Developing Relational Capacity and Trust 25:49 Relational Space as a Foundation for Growth 29:49 Addressing Relationship Breakdowns and Conflict 32:02 The Importance of Repair and Co-Regulation 34:01 Practicing Pause and Reflection in Leadership 36:00 Understanding Silence and Feedback in Teams 38:08 Applying Relational Strategies for Better Outcomes 40:00 Practical Tips for Enhancing Relational Intelligence

Host Josh Lambert steps in for Tom Bosna and is joined by Dr Michelle Lim, CEO and Scientific Chair of Ending Loneliness Together and author of The Lonely Generation. This Loneliness Awareness Week, Josh and Michelle explore why loneliness has become one of the biggest health and workplace challenges of our time. They unpack the difference between loneliness and social isolation, why meaningful connection matters, and the impact loneliness can have on our health, workplace culture, productivity and performance. Michelle shares practical ways leaders can create more connected workplaces through everyday moments, rather than relying on one-off initiatives. They also discuss the role of hybrid work, why some people are more at risk of feeling disconnected, and how emerging technologies like AI companions are changing the way we think about human connection. ~ 📍Medibank Workplace Wellbeing supports hundreds of Australian workplaces each year through health and wellbeing services, including workplace health checks, skin cancer checks, mental health programs and tailored wellbeing workshops. Learn more about Medibank Workplace Wellbeing here: https://www.medibank.com.au/workplace-wellbeing/health-services/ ¬ 00:32 Why Loneliness Matters 03:47 Loneliness vs Social Isolation 08:24 The Health Impact of Loneliness 13:16 Building Social Connection at Work 18:42 Practical Tips for Leaders 25:11 Hybrid Work and Belonging 31:28 AI Companions and Human Connection 37:05 Small Moments That Matter 42:18 Loneliness Awareness Week ~ Resources Loneliness Awareness Week 3-9 August: https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/ Ending Loneliness Together: https://www.endingloneliness.com.au/ Connect with Dr Michelle Lim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellelim/ Dr Michelle Lim's new book, The Lonely Generation - Why Our Kids Are in Crisis – and How We Can Fix It: https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/the-lonely-generation-by-michelle-lim/9781923390294

We welcome Full Stack Human co-authors, Dara Simkin and Tané Hunter to speak about why growing burnout and overwhelm are systems problems, not personal resilience failures. They explain how Stone Age brains are overloaded by Godlike tech - constant notifications, meetings and targeted media - keeping people in fight-or-flight and reducing creativity and judgment. Dara argues that optimisation and “achievement syndrome” add pressure, while play is a biologically grounded mindset that supports connection, curiosity and sustainable performance. They share ways leaders can integrate play through permission, mental and physical space and simple prompts, plus “yes, and” communication to build psychological safety. Looking ahead, they emphasise protecting human capacity and leaning into uniquely human creativity and agency as AI expands. ~ 00:26 Burnout Is a Systems Issue 01:51 Why Work Feels Weird 03:45 Play as a Mindset 08:18 Stone Age Brains at Work 11:56 Achievement Syndrome and Hacking 14:07 Micro Moments of Play 18:05 Wobbling the Jelly 20:50 How Leaders Enable Play 24:37 Yes And Leadership 29:58 Future of Work Is Human~ Resources Website: https://www.culturehero.co/full-stack-human-book Book - Full Stack Human: https://www.amazon.com.au/Full-Stack-Human-Mindset-Technology/dp/1394346255 Connect with Dara Simkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dara-simkin-culture-hero/ Connect with Tâne Hunter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanehunter/

The “mental load” is something many people carry, but actually struggle to name. It’s the invisible work of planning, organising, anticipating and worrying that sits behind everything we do, both at work and at home. And while it affects everyone, it’s not experienced equally. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Leah Ruppanner, Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne, Director of the Future of Work Lab and author of her new book, "Drained". Leah’s research sits at the intersection of work design, gender equity and wellbeing - asking whether the way we work today is truly sustainable for people, families and organisations. Together, we unpack what the mental load really is, why it matters in today’s workplaces and what leaders can do to better recognise (and reduce!) the invisible demands placed on their people. In this episode, we cover: What the mental load actually is and why it’s often hard to see or measureThe invisible labour behind keeping work and life running smoothlyWhy the mental load is unevenly distributed, particularly across genderThe impact on wellbeing, energy and sustainable performanceHow current ways of working can amplify (or reduce) this loadPractical ways leaders can better support their teams and design healthier work environments Why it matters: Mental load isn’t just a personal challenge, it’s a workplace issue. When the invisible effort behind work isn’t recognised, it can quietly drain energy, impact performance and contribute to burnout. Addressing it is key to building healthier, more sustainable and more equitable workplaces Resources Dr Leah Ruppanner: https://www.leahruppanner.com Book: Drained: Reduce Your Mental Load to Do Less and Be More: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762972/drained-by-leah-ruppanner-phd/ Miss Perceived Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/missperceived/id1744434731 Connect with Dr Leah Ruppanner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-ruppanner-1657a417/

What actually makes a workplace ‘healthy’? In this episode, Tom sits down with Sasha D’Arcy (Medibank) to go inside the Healthiest Workplace Index — and what the data is revealing about work right now.  In this episode:  What the Healthiest Workplace Index measures and why Medibank built it  The biggest drivers of workplace health (and what’s getting in the way)  The critical role of leaders in shaping wellbeing  What organisations are learning from experiments like the 4-day work week  Why wellbeing works best when programs, leadership and job design align  Key insight  As Sasha puts it:  You can’t solve workplace stress without understanding what’s driving it.  The Index helps organisations move beyond surface-level metrics and focus on the factors that actually influence how people experience work.   What stood out  Health-oriented leadership behaviour has one of the strongest impacts on employee health has one of the strongest impacts on employee health  Flexibility and initiatives like the 4-day work week only work when supported by how work is designed  Recovery (not just productivity) is a critical and often a lever for wellbeing  Connect with Sasha D’Arcy on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/sasha-d-arcy-9004b6157References Medibank Healthiest Workplace Index Research Partnership with Health at Work Research Unit at Macquarie University Medibank named Australia’s best place to work | AFR BOSS 2026 | Medibank Newsroom: https://www.medibank.com.au/livebetter/newsroom/post/medibank-named-australias-best-place-to-work-or-afr-boss-2026

In this episode, Ruth Kent shares insightful strategies on managing stress, improving sleep hygiene and cultivating self-compassion for leaders, managers and employees navigating high-pressure workplaces. Learn practical tips and frameworks to foster resilience and mental health at work. Main topics: The rising stress patterns in workplaces pre- and post-pandemicThe bi-directional relationship between sleep and stressPractical sleep hygiene tips for busy professionalsThe importance of self-awareness and self-compassion in leadershipHow mindfulness fosters better decision-making and emotional regulationStrategies for integrating behavioural change through long-term programsConnect with Ruth Sunrise Well: https://www.sunrisewell.com.au/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkentsunrisewell/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to workplace wellbeing and mental health focus01:08 - Trends in stress levels in workplaces over recent years02:45 - The impact of social media and digitalization on stress03:15 - Stress reactivity and its effects on relationships and decision-making03:59 - Challenges faced by middle and upper management during stressful times04:32 - Sleep disruption and its effect on focus and regulation05:02 - The sleep-stress feedback loop and neural responses06:32 - The importance of deep sleep for emotional and cognitive health07:32 - Risks of sleep deprivation in organizational decision-making08:01 - Moving away from the "badge of honor" culture around sleep10:30 - Practical tips for improving sleep quality and routine11:44 - The significance of consistency in wake and sleep times12:30 - Managing light exposure for circadian rhythm regulation13:00 - The role of light and dark in sleep hygiene14:29 - Nutritional influences like caffeine, alcohol, and mealtime on sleep16:05 - Environmental factors such as room temperature17:11 - The influence of stress and self-critical tendencies on sleep17:57 - Self-compassion as a leadership and self-care skill20:55 - The difference between empathy and compassion, and the need for action22:28 - The components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and kindness23:58 - The concept of fierce self-compassion and boundary setting25:28 - Using mindfulness and self-awareness to manage workplace conflicts26:44 - Strengthening relationships through self-compassion and boundaries27:20 - The role of mindfulness in leadership and decision-making28:26 - How mindfulness practices strengthen neural capacity for rational responses30:26 - Recognising and understanding thoughts during mindfulness31:24 - The importance of gentle self-awareness and compassion32:25 - Neuroscientific evidence of mindfulness effects on the brain33:50 - Practical experiences with mindfulness and leadership clarity34:50 - Tips for implementing sustained behavioral change programs36:30 - Starting small with mindfulness practice for lasting impact37:00 - Reinforcing habits through feedback and routine38:16 - The value of long-term programs integrating behaviour change39:14 - How organisations can develop lasting wellbeing strategies41:45 - Closing thoughts on integrating wellbeing into workplace culture

In this episode, we explore how social health influences workplace wellbeing and productivity. Dr Ali Walker shares actionable frameworks to foster genuine connection, reduce loneliness and enhance psychosocial safety at work - critical components for healthy, high-performing teams. Key Topics: The four levels of social health: belonging to self, one-on-one, group and collective communityThe four types of loneliness: intimate partner, social, situational, and existentialPractical strategies for managers to schedule meaningful social interactionsHow social connection acts as a protective factor against psychosocial risksBuilding psychologically safe environments through meeting interaction patternsUsing the SBI (Situation, Behaviour, Impact) model for constructive feedbackLeading micro-moments of connection to foster genuine belongingResources & Links Connect with Ali Walker on LinkedIn Ali Walker - LinkedInAlityLifeWe Are Lonely Podcast by MedibankTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to social health and its importance in workplaces02:09 - The four levels of social health explained05:45 - The importance of scheduling social connection intentionally06:40 - Deep dive into the four types of loneliness and their workplace expressions08:47 - The nuanced understanding of loneliness with real-life examples13:30 - Personalized social connection frameworks based on individual needs14:24 - The role of social connection in reducing psychosocial risks16:20 - The concept of psychological safety and its link to connection intensity19:41 - Leading interaction patterns to build genuine belonging in teams23:21 - Strategies for addressing relationship mismatches and team conflict32:39 - Using the SBI feedback model for performance conversations36:09 - Curiosity, hesitant tones, and authentic conversations as leadership tools39:30 - Prioritizing social connection as a proactive approach to psychosocial safety43:13 - Implementing incidental social experiences and shared meals at work44:23 - Final thoughts: Building functional teams through social health

Mark Jones shares his inspiring journey from a health crisis to becoming a champion of mental fitness through The Story Code framework. Key Topics: Mark’s personal health awakening in 2019 after a panic attack during a routine shopping trip to BunningsThe impact of internal stories, limiting beliefs and the inner critic on mental health and performanceThe narrative therapy approach: rewriting your story and becoming your own heroHow internal stories influence workplace leadership and influence, especially during roles transitionsThe role of self-talk in reinforcing health routines and overcoming burnoutThe future of work and the importance of human skills, emotional intelligence and organisational culture~ Connect with Mark Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markhjonesimpact/ Mark's Podcast: The Story Code for Leaders: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-story-code-mark-jones/id1767729340?i=1000733031804 ~ Resources: ⁠The Story Code - Mark Jones⁠ ⁠James Clear's Atomic Habits⁠ ⁠Stephen Covey's Circles of Control⁠

Welcoming back, Hussein Hamka, performance coach and author. This conversation looks at a familiar challenge for many leaders and teams right now: Work feeling busy, reactive and fragmented. Huss shares a practical way to cut through that noise. His approach centres on clarity, energy and simple behavioural systems that help people perform well without burning out. A key idea he returns to is that energy is the real asset at work, not time. Tom and Huss explore the habits that move people from chaos to control. Weekly and daily planning, using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix, batching similar tasks and protecting time for deep work all play a role. They also talk about why motivation fades quickly, while identity and systems tend to stick. The conversation finishes with the foundations that support sustainable performance every day. Sleep, movement, nutrition, managing stress, taking short recovery breaks and the role leaders play in setting the tone for healthy ways of working. ~ Resources: Connect with Hussein Hamka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/husseinhamka/ https://www.husfit.co/ Plan to Peak Perform Book: https://www.husfit.co/plantopeakperformbook The Eisenhower Matrix: https://asana.com/resources/eisenhower-matrix

In today's episode, we welcome Aron Mercer, a researcher and practitioner focused on neurodiversity at work whose doctoral research examines lived experiences of autistic, dyslexic, and ADHD employees and how disclosure and workplace culture affect belonging, wellbeing and performance. Aron explains neurodiversity as a strengths-based concept coined by Judy Singer, notes it affects an estimated 15–20% of people, and discusses differences in presentations for women and girls. He describes common workplace barriers including stigma, lack of manager confidence, masking, burnout and return-to-office tensions, and why disclosure is complex across the employee lifecycle. The conversation highlights strengths (pattern recognition, integrity, creativity, crisis clarity, visual thinking), critiques overemphasis on “generalists,” and outlines practices like clear expectations, focus-friendly environments, inclusive assessments, normalisation, and better use of employee resource groups and universal design. ~ Resources: Connect with Aron Mercer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aron-mercer-0718197/ Xceptional Academy: https://xceptionalacademy.org.au/ Dr Judy Singer: https://provost.harvard.edu/people/judith-d-singer

In this episode, Poppy Griffiths, director and founder of UnlimitU High Performance Coaching, shares her extensive experience and expertise in helping people, leaders and teams achieve sustainable high performance. Poppy discusses the importance of aligning passion with boundaries, the impact of the Performance Fit System (Purpose Fit, Mind Fit, Body Fit and Relationship Fit) and the cultural habits that prevent burnout while enhancing team performance. She explains how leaders can create meaningful connections and celebrate progress to foster a healthy work environment. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their personal and team performance while maintaining wellbeing. ~ Resources: Connect with Poppy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poppy-griffiths-23b65b31/ UnlimitU High Performance Coaching: https://unlimitu.com.au/

In this episode, Tom Bosna speaks with Tracy Hall, author, keynote speaker and senior marketing executive, in a powerful conversation about trust, deception and resilience. Tracy shares her experience as the final victim of one of Australia’s most notorious con artists, Hamish McLaren. She reflects on how the truth unfolded, the emotional and financial impact of the scam and the psychology that sits behind why scams work. Tracy explores how scams are evolving alongside technology and AI, why capable professionals remain vulnerable and what it really takes to rebuild trust. This episode highlights the growing need for stronger financial literacy, smarter compliance education and more human storytelling in organisations. It offers practical insights to help individuals and workplaces better recognise, prevent and respond to scams in an increasingly complex digital world. ~ References: Tracy Hall: https://tracyhall.com.au/ Who the Hell is Hamish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ci/podcast/who-the-hell-is-hamish/id1451470931 Tracy's Book, The Last Victim: https://tracyhall.com.au/the-last-victim

This conversation delves into the challenges and insights surrounding shift work, highlighting the importance of employee wellbeing, the role of technology in workforce management and the emerging trend of poly employment. Emma Seymour, the CFO of Deputy, shares valuable insights from the Shift Pulse Report, emphasising the need for clarity, control and support for shift workers. The discussion also touches on the future of work, the impact of AI and the specific challenges faced by industries like healthcare. Key Takeaways Shift work is a critical aspect of the global workforce.The Shift Pulse Report reveals significant stress among shift workers.Lack of control over schedules is a major source of stress.Poly employment is becoming increasingly common among workers.Healthcare workers face unique challenges and high burnout rates.The future of work will likely involve more flexibility and technology integration. Resources Deputy: https://www.deputy.com/auShift Pulse Report: https://www.deputy.com/au/insights/shift-pulse-report-2025Connect with Emma Seymour on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-seymour-375131116/

In this conversation, Tom Bosna and Dr Paula Conroy discuss the significance of preventative health, particularly in the context of general practice and workplace health. Paula shares her journey to becoming a GP and emphasises the importance of preventive health checks in reducing chronic diseases. They explore the role of leadership in promoting health within organisations and the need for a culture of prevention. The discussion also touches on emerging trends in health technology and the future of screening practices. Takeaways Workplaces have a duty to address psychosocial hazards.Embedding a culture of prevention is essential for organisations.Leaders play a vital role in promoting health and wellbeing.Emerging technologies are changing the landscape of health screening.Prevention is the most cost-effective way to maintain employee health. Resources Insight Health Advisory: https://insighthealthadvisory.com.au/ Connect with Dr Paula Conroy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-paula-conroy/