The Wellbeing Rebellion

Today, Frances Darlington-Pollock joins me to talk about people who constantly dedicate themselves to helping others. I'm talking about volunteers, charity workers, and others. Basically, the well-being superheroes!Frances is the Head of Strategic Development at the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity that works to stop homelessness in Manchester.So who helps the people who help everyone else? Find out what can be done to change this on the programme today.Highlights:(04:14) Give other people voices(05:55) Making a difference (12:03) Testing new ways (30:15) A caring economy (37:13) Shared responsibility Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In today's fast paced work environment, resilience has become a key component for both employees and businesses to succeed. This episode takes a deeper look at how culture plays an important part in helping employees build resilience and deal with the challenges they encounter at work. We’re giving you five tips to improve your work culture and help encourage resilience in your team. Highlights:(06:32) Fostering a supportive culture (09:37) It must be driven by you!(10:47) Encouraging open communication (11:35) Build adaptive coping mechanisms (14:33) Invest in decent employee assistance programmesConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Sam Booth, the Chief Executive Officer at Pro-Manchester, the largest business development organisation in Greater Manchester and the North West of England. Their mission is to provide effective solutions for businesses' development needs.Sam is a firm believer that good employment practices lead to strong business outcomes. Today she shares insights on prioritising wellbeing as a leader.Highlights: (06:12) Adapting and moving(10:58) Good trouble!(24:32) It's a movement!(30:40)  Make yourself really accessible (31:58) Walk the talkConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

If any of you saw Glastonbury, or were lucky enough to attend, you would have seen the outpouring of love and support towards Lewis Capaldi, as his tourettes took hold during a set and he couldn’t go on. This is a high profile example of what millions of people struggle with every day in the workplace. Mental health can be debilitating and, without the right support, result in poor productivity or complete disengagement. In this episode we discuss what you can do to support your employees, to lower their stress levels by creating a positive, supportive culture, and ultimately see the results in your business.   Highlights: (02:23) Why do we have so much stress in the workplace? (04:06) The survey says... (10:17) Lewis Capaldi and the stress of touring (13:42) The problem with disengagement (18:19) How to spot a workload issue (23:24) Supporting our leaders Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode, I am delighted to be joined by Jimi Okubanjo.Jimi is a documentary filmmaker. She makes films to celebrate and advocate for black women in the workplace. But in reality, her impact and interests are deeper and broader than that. Jimi is on a mission to make the world reckon with unfairly treating women of colour in the workplace, both historically and currently.Jimi talks about her experiences of systemic racism, both personally and in her work. She also shares her vision for how we can make the workplace more equitable for everybody.Highlights(6:26) Growing up in three countries.(10:55) The importance of being a team player.(13:17) Disengaging from the company.(19:35) Who are we fighting for and why?(24:32) Motivation for change.(26:45) Building empathy for those who don’t understand.(31:40) The importance of diversity in tech.Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode we are going to talk about trust in the workplace. Spoiler alert: it’s a two way thing. This means employers need to trust their staff just as much as employees need to trust their boss for a healthy, productive working relationship. We are going to look at how employers can build trust with their teams and wider workforce, and the benefits trust can add to your company, particularly around discussing and supporting mental health. We also look at the dangers of neglecting trust, and by proxy your teams’ wellbeing, and what you should do if you feel your staff are taking advantage. Another spoiler alert: NOTHING!  Highlights: (01:38) When employees don’t trust leaders (06:24) It’s not your fault (08:24) How to safely exit a company (11:10) What to do if you don’t get help (13:47) How to bring the best out of your employees (16:00) When employees take advantage (18:12) Hiding mental health issues (20:10) How to build trust with employees Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

This week I'm joined by two knowledgeable guests: David Gibson and Ann Lovett, senior members of Burnetts Solicitors. They’re experts in the legal profession who help businesses understand the changing nature of work and provide practical, solution-based advice, respectively. Today, we’re looking at how SMEs can make workplace wellbeing work and the responsibility employers have.Here are the highlights:(10:13) The firework employee!(10:53) Open avenues for discussion (18:48) Ramifications (23:21) Investing in your people (25:30) See the full picture of the jigsaw!(31:43) Put it on the agendaConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode, we are diving deep into a topic that really matters to us, and should matter to you too: psychological safety. This isn’t about hard hats and goggles, but the stuff that happens inside the head: the worry, the stress, the anxiety. A healthy work culture built on trust and honesty is crucial to creating an environment where people don’t just look their best, but feel it too. We help you understand exactly what psychological safety is, and how you and your employer can create a positive workplace that supports your mental wellbeing and helps you be the best version of you!  Highlights: (00:05) What is psychological safety? (05:05) The circle of safety (10:17) Understanding and setting boundaries (11:59) Bring your whole self to work (17:48) Managers need to be vulnerable too (21:36) The biggest fear (25:47) How to measure trust Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and writing partner Kirsty Collins.Kirsty is a wellbeing ambassador and has bravely shared about her experience of losing her partner to suicide as well as having her father be diagnosed with psychosis and dementia. Her goal is to drive to change perceptions around mental health, grief, and suicide.Today, we'll be talking about the impact of suicide and why wellness extends both inside and outside the office.Highlights:(11:39) Grief is messy!(41:26) Unanswered questions(45:28) Stability and support(50:13) Take a step back(54:40) You will get throughUseful Links for Suicide Awareness and Support:Unluckiest Lucky Person blog by Kirsty Collin: https://unluckiestluckyperson.blogspot.com/2020/05/100-days-since-you-left.htmlCampaign Against Living Miserably (CALM):https://www.thecalmzone.net/Mental Health Crisis Support Contact Details (Mind):https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/Supporting someone who feels suicidal (Mind):https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/supporting-someone-who-feels-suicidal/useful-contacts/Prevention of young suicide (Papyrus):https://www.papyrus-uk.org/Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

Mental Health Awareness Week is a great way for HR leaders to create events, open up discussions and get their people talking about mental health. However, a single week isn’t enough to improve anybody's mental health.In this episode, we look at why mental health awareness weeks are positive. However, we also address how we can do more to make a positive impact on our mental health throughout the rest of the year.Highlights(5:08) Why mental health awareness week is important.(10:33) The limitations of mental health awareness week.(13:18) Specialised training and workshops.(20:27) Mental health needs systemic changes.(22:30) Prevention is better than cure.(26:06) Return on investment.Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

This week we’re joined by Mark Rix, Director of the Wellbeing At Work World. Mark is a fellow mental health rebel who is championing for a holistic approach to the wellbeing strategies developed by companies.Mental health is affecting everyone across the world and workplaces are all using different approaches to it.Listen as he gives us insights on global wellbeing trends and how they affect us today!Highlights(08:53) Who’s going to step up?(15:05) Personalised approach(17:18) Leading the way(23:44) Broader willingness to discuss(25:42) Psychological safety (31:46) Creating a culture of careConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

I felt compelled to admit that I had been a victim of systemic racial discrimination and unconscious bias in the workplace. I felt like because I couldn't prove anything and because it was too easy to argue against any different treatment of me based on my race, I couldn't lay claim to that.So, that's why in this episode of The Wellbeing Rebellion, we're going to take a deeper dive into Black Mental Health and the workplace.Highlights(02:27) The barriers that black people face in society(04:14) The statistics do not lie(05:51) Racism at work and the impact on minorities(15:26) The lack of diversity means that people are leaving businesses(17:58) The cultural stigma of having an ethnic accentConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

This week I'm joined by Nick Shepherd, the Business Development and Partnerships Manager at GC Business Growth Hub, which is an award-winning, commercially driven enterprise that supports small businesses.Nick knows small businesses! He knows all about their challenges and concerns.Today, we'll be discussing how SMEs can create a culture of wellbeing, even if they don't have big budgets!Highlights:(10:49 ) Happy people at work(14:07) Recognise the signs (18:07) Sense of belonging(24:13) Employees leading the change(24:57) Give employees a voice!Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

When I started my corporate career, I’d been taught that a good manager was someone who recognises and nurtures the potential of their employees and understood that employees were individuals, rather than numbers or roles. But unfortunately, my expectations turned out to be a little idealistic.In this episode, we're going to explore why line managers have a secret weapon in the war against the impact of poor mental health in your workplace, how to train your managers in mental health matters and how you can do your bit to take them from whoever they are to the leadership ideal.Highlights(04:38) Cultivating interpersonal or soft skills alongside your other talents(09:50) What is the role of the manager in the workplace?(12:05) Leading through challenging times(12:53) The importance of training your line managers in mental health(20:09) Make sure you have the right framework(22:32) One bad egg to spoil the whole cakeConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

This week we’re talking to Ruth Kudzi. Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coach Academy, has her own coaching business and is a bestselling author and podcaster. Her goal is to help people understand themselves and live a more fulfilling life. In this episode, we’ll share some honest and practical insights into why the modern workplace needs to embrace and create sustainable cultures around wellbeing. Highlights(14:32) What do we want to change(18:21) Leaders modeling wellbeing (20:58) Value happiness (27:40) Danger zone!(32:57) Creating cultures for the future (34:13) Be brave enoughConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

If you want to invest in your team's wellbeing, you’ll need to employ the right experts to support you with your mental health strategy. But how do you do that? In this episode, we’ll help you understand how to identify the best suppliers for your business. Highlights(07:20) Managers become internal champions (08:42) Real culture change  (11:01) First impressions count(12:20) Be realistic (25:53) Know what your budget is!Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

Today, I’m joined by Phil Jones. Phil is the managing director of Brother UK, an Information Communication and Technology Business, supplying products and services to hundreds of thousands of UK enterprises.Phil is an accomplished speaker who regularly shares his views around leadership and workplace culture. He also has many practical ways in which companies can engage their employees and make mental health and wellbeing work for everybody.Highlights(1:43) Phil’s struggle with mental health during the pandemic.(7:18) The importance of planning your recovery time.(14:29) You have to genuinely care.(17:02) Why culture is so important in business.(20:49) Measuring the success of your business.(27: 56) The global organisation response to culture.Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

Should employers be legally required to offer mental health first aid training? It sounds pretty straightforward but wellbeing experts are doubtful about the effects this will have on people in the long run.Today, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of MHFA training for a company and its employees. Highlights(03:17) Empathy!(05:51) Remove the stigma(06:14) Acceptance and understanding (10:05) Enhance staff morale (11:52) It’s okay not to be okay(25:09) The wellbeing puzzleConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode, I am joined by Kate Headley. Kate is a co-founder and director of The Clear Company. She has been instrumental in leading a proactive practical approach to disability inclusion throughout her career.Kate has so much experience and expertise to share on the subject of disability inclusion and how this intersects with mental health and well being.Highlights(9:52) Stop putting a label on disability(19:24) What can we learn from the experience of the organisation?(21:29) The importance of a healthy organisation(26:24) Why HR should be leading this debate(28:51) Resources to help your organisationConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

In this episode, we are looking at how you can develop a wellbeing strategy for your organisation that has both a preventative and pervasive impact on your employees.We're talking transformational versus the transactional. We’re going to look at why you should be looking for long term culture change, as well as those quick wins.Highlights (1:58) The impact of poor mental health in the workplace(7:14) Five signs that your workplace may be reactive(9:16) Approach mental health just like physical health and safety(15:53) Does your wellbeing strategy align with your corporate objectives?(23:36) Engage your line managersConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

We believe HR professionals are some of the most caring, hardworking, self-sacrificing and misunderstood people within organisations.So in this episode, we explore how HR professionals can leverage their leadership position to better serve their employees.Highlights(7:40) What is your job as a HR manager or HR director?(10:46) Courses just aren’t going to cut it(16:44) Pitch solutions, not problems(18:56) Incorporating mental health into a wider strategic plan(22:44) Don’t do it all by yourselfConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

Do your employees feel valued? Do people tell the truth to each other? Do they give honest feedback? In this episode, we're going to take a look at why culture counts in the wellbeing rebellion and what organisational culture actually is.Highlights(1:11) The importance of company culture(8:53) The importance of culture in mental health organisations(13:28) Is my company culture toxic?(21:35) Toxic culture in the workplace(24:15) How to increase employee input and build a healthy culture(28:20) Who is already getting it right?Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

Spending on employee wellbeing is often seen as discretionary and even if you have got money for a wellbeing budget, it's usually too small to do the work that you know you need to do.In this episode, we're going to look at how workplace wellbeing can be your secret weapon to employee retention.Highlights(04:12) The financially responsible thing(08:34) It’s not just the people at work, it’s the people at home(18:02) The world today doesn’t respond to the old tried-and-true(19:54) The secret weapon to employee retention(24:38) Building a foundation of trust company-wide(26:33) What’s a toxic workplace?Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

There is so much talk about employee wellbeing, mental health and workplace culture. It seems everybody has jumped on the bandwagon of “it's okay not to be okay”. In this episode, we look at why mental health and wellbeing is something that organisations have to consider in 2023, along with trends which are becoming more prominent.Highlights(6:31) Bridging the gap between what is publicly available and what is required(08:31) Normalising the mental health conversation(12:29) Mental health is no longer top-heavy(14:10) Taking risks(16:01) Mental health and well-being is a non-negotiable The Toolkit is available HEREConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

There is so much talk about employee wellbeing, mental health and workplace culture. It seems everybody has jumped on the bandwagon of “it's okay not to be okay”. In this episode, we look at why mental health and wellbeing is something that organisations have to consider in 2023, along with trends which are becoming more prominent.Highlights(08:07) Company culture is the new buzzword for 2023(09:28) Creating engagement and connection among our employees(14:43) Businesses have an increased responsibility(17:19) The impact of inflation on the financial well-being of employees(25:27) Investing in your line managers(19:54) The link between diversity and mental healthConnect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting

We are Ngozi & Obehi. The founders of Aurora, a corporate culture consultancy that specialises in creating psychologically safe workplaces that enable employees to thrive. For us. Wellbeing is personal.Our podcast is specifically for the HR or business leader who wants to implement wellbeing strategies that ACTUALLY make a difference to their employees.Your employees want to work in a place where they feel comfortable to bring their whole selves to work.We can help you to create a culture that is inclusive, supportive, and encourages everyone from shop floor to boardroom to play their part.Connect with us here:Website: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/Ngozi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngozi-weller-aurora/Obehi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/obehi-alofoje-psychologist-aurora/Aurora Company Profile 2025Book a Call here: https://aurorawellnessgroup.co.uk/#book-meeting