Episode 058: Mental Health, Trust & Leadership: Moving Beyond Performative with Dr. Steve Winkle

What does it really take to build a psychologically safe workplace; one where people feel supported, not judged?In this episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome back Dr. Steve Winkle, HR executive, leadership strategist, and mental health advocate, for a timely conversation during Mental Health Awareness Month.Steve shares insights from his DBA research on mental health disclosure in the workplace and what he found may surprise you. While many employees fear the consequences of speaking up, the reality tells a more hopeful story.Together, we explore the gap between perception and reality, the role of leadership in building trust, and why true psychological safety goes far beyond awareness campaigns.This conversation moves us from surface-level conversations to something deeper—how organizations can embed care, trust, and humanity into the very fabric of how they operate. What you will learn:Why employees fear disclosing mental health challenges and what actually happens when they do The surprising finding: 79% of employees reported positive outcomes after disclosure The difference between performative awareness and genuine psychological safety Why trust not policy is the real foundation of workplace wellbeing How leaders can create safe spaces through everyday actions, not just formal programs The role of emotional intelligence, empathy, and active listening in leadership Why mental health conversations must be part of culture not just the month of May  Why This Conversation MattersAs organizations across the world continue to navigate burnout, stress, and evolving workplace expectations, the question is no longer whether we acknowledge mental health but whether we are creating systems that truly support it.Because culture is not what we say, it’s what people experience.Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, share it with yournetwork and leave a review. Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices shaping the global DBA scholar-practitioner community.