Building workplace wellbeing, confidence and inclusivity with Mike Lawrence

"It's important we can still look forward to a great future," says Mike Lawrence, workplace health and wellbeing consultant.Working from home means many business leaders and employees feel isolated; others experience overwhelm and burnout, or never stop working. He has strategies to protect and support you and your colleagues' health and wellbeing. Born and raised in a working-class part of Sheffield, Mike now lives in Chesterfield. But as a young man he had to move to London to access employment opportunities: covert racism in Sheffield proved an enormous barrier. Has that changed? Is the city a better place now for a young Person of Colour?Mike "could talk for a week about some of the challenges I've had to overcome." Alongside his one-to-one practice in Sheffield, he now works with many corporate firms and large organisations, enabling them to address discrimination, bias and barriers to inclusivity. He describes initiatives and action, underway and needed, to create a level playing field for all.It's been a year of immense stress: the pandemic, losses of family and friends, concerns for people's health, living under restrictions, businesses going under or at risk of it, and horrifying  injustices. Mike supports people with depression and experiencing anxiety, so how does he protect himself and what did he do differently this year?Mike is also frank about a period in his life when his own confidence took a battering and how he addressed this, and describes practical actions you can take to protect and build your own.Timings:0 - 2:06 Introduction.2:06 How to address isolation, prevent burnout, and protect yourself from a festive "tipping point."11:08 Because of discrimination Mike moved from Sheffield to London to develop his career. He talks about this, the impact of the world witnessing the horrific killing of George Floyd this year, Black Lives Matter, and initiatives and action to create a level playing field for all.27:29 How Mike looked after his own health and wellbeing during 2020.30:29 The book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl has been transformational for many, including Mike: why does he recommend it?33:50 Mike is a co-author of "Confidence: How to Have it and Keep it," published this year. He describes some of his own experiences.38:10 How Mike found mentors.39:30 Realistic advice for business leaders about listening, asking questions and building trust.44:39 How to find Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing online, and the book.46:05 Some thank-yous.47:02 Business grants available in the Sheffield City Region.48:37 Wrapping up.