Leading with your vulnerable side

When Jack went to hospital to figure out what was wrong with him, he didn’t realise that it would kick start a lifelong process of learning about his mental health. When he first became conscious of how he was feeling, he struggled to find anyone in his close circle of friends or at work discussing mental health openly.

Although it was a difficult time, it ultimately led Jack to a better understanding of himself. He realised that authenticity and vulnerability is not only of personal benefit, but also a crucial leadership skill in the workplace.

Learn why it’s crucial for leaders to model the mental health and wellbeing policies that People departments are increasingly promoting, how leaders can show employees that it’s ok to be vulnerable, and how to create a working environment in which people find it easier to take off their masks—and truly be themselves.

Jack Villiers is the Co-founder of KULA, an organisation which helps start and scale-ups to grow while staying true to their purpose, and LEAD, a leadership program for startups. He’s led recruitment at Monzo and Just Eat, and has also consulted on all things People at Flock, MoonPay, and Kroo.

Oliva is the UK & Europe's #1 rated employee mental wellbeing benefit.

We help companies respond to the pivotal moments that impact mental wellbeing at work and beyond—driving employee retention and exceptional effort.

We do this by:

• Empowering individuals to take control of their mental wellbeing
• Developing manager emotional intelligence
• Helping HR teams create org-wide psychological safety