Building a Workplace Where Mental Health Matters — with Barbara Louise Brennan

In this episode, we’re joined by Barbara Louise Brennan — award-winning mental health consultant, keynote speaker, and founder of Mental Health Matters.Barbara has spent over 15 years working at the intersection of mental health, human rights, and workplace culture, helping businesses move beyond tick-the-box wellbeing initiatives to create real, lasting change. Honoured with Ibec’s Outstanding Contribution to Workplace Wellbeing 2024 award, she is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading voices in mental health, stigma reduction, and workplace transformation.In our conversation, Barbara shares:Why traditional wellbeing efforts often fail to make a real impact.How leaders can build strategic, inclusive mental health programmes that are sustainable and effective.The role of stigma reduction, policy innovation, and lived experience in creating psychologically safe workplaces.Practical steps HR leaders, Wellbeing Managers, and employers can take today to support their teams.Trusted by organisations like the HSE, An Post, PepsiCo, and MHFA Ireland, Barbara brings both expert insight and lived experience to every conversation — bridging the gap between compliance and compassion.Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or simply someone passionate about wellbeing, this episode is packed with insights on building healthier, more resilient workplaces.🌐 www.mentalhealthmatters.ieAvailable now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.About the Work Well Live Well PodcastDive into the world of Irish business with the Work Well Live Well Podcast! Hosted by Dave Caffrey, this podcast brings you expert advice, actionable tax tips, leadership strategies, and real-life success stories, all tailored specifically for Irish entrepreneurs and business leaders.Each episode is designed to help you learn, grow, and thrive—offering insights from industry experts, thought leaders, and inspiring entrepreneurs who share the lessons, challenges, and strategies that make their businesses succeed.Whether you’re building a startup, scaling your company, or navigating the complexities of running a business in Ireland, the Work Well Live Well Podcast equips you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to work well, live well, and lead with confidence.Instagram: @workwelllivewellpodcast