In high-pressure environments, where deadlines loom like giants and obstacles line up to slow you down, there exists a unique skill that can help to get you through it all: the big-match temperament. Today, we’re revealing the secrets of individuals who not only maintain their composure in the face of urgency, but thrive on it.

In this episode, we’re going to get a masterclass in maintaining composure while making split-second decisions and excelling when the stakes are at their peak. Chad Jones, Life Health Solutions Business Manager and trained EMS personnel, and

Robert dos Santos, lawyer turned international award-winning director, share their insights. Get ready to unlock the secrets of the big-match temperament as we delve into a discussion that goes beyond survival and into thriving in the intensity of professional life.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

Some golden nuggets:

[00:03:58] – [00:05:32] What is BMT?

[00:10:01] – [00:12:51] How to apply BMT to your work life

[00:13:33] – [00:14:59] How teams can perform under pressure

[00:15:06] – [00:16:34] Team communication in high-pressure situations

[00:22:23] – [00:24:10] Practices or rituals to return to in high-pressure situations

[00:24:34] – [00:27:04] Supporting a BMT culture at work

[00:27:17] – [00:28:08] Advice for aspiring leaders

Links you should know about:

Life Health Solutions’ holistic service offering: https://lifehealthsolutions.org/our-solutions/

Ways to manage stress:

https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-management

How to deal with high-pressure situations at work:

https://hbr.org/2022/05/how-to-deal-with-high-pressure-situations-at-work · · Instagram · Facebook · Transcript: When urgency feels like an emergency.pdf — PDF (99.5 KB)

In this episode of A Better Place of Business, we shine a spotlight on an important aspect of effective leadership: the well-being of top-level executives. As the conductors of organisational success, these leaders play a key role in shaping workplace culture and driving productivity and innovation. However, in the wake of the post-pandemic world, the significance of mental health has taken centre stage, challenging traditional norms and emphasising the critical need for executives to prioritise their well-being. From managing stress and fatigue to nourishing the body and mind, executive wellness isn't just a personal matter – it's the cornerstone that sustains the entire leadership structure, influencing the heartbeat of the organisation.

Join us as we delve deeper into this topic with our guests, Kassie Naidoo, Creative Director and Partner at Lampost Productions, Elizabeth de Stadler, Founder of Novation Consulting, and Peter Wharton-Hood, Group CEO of Life Healthcare, who bring a wealth of experience in healthcare leadership. Together, our guests will shed light on the importance of executive wellness and its profound impact on organisational success.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

Some golden nuggets:

[00:04:06] – [00:04:42] The evolving role of executive well-being

[00:05:46] – [00:07:06] How the role of executives has changed over time

[00:07:24] – [00:09:21] Strategies to prioritise mental health

[00:09:25] – [00:10:59] Finding balance in moments of pressure

[00:11:06] – [00:14:15] The role of rest and taking care of your body

[00:14:36] – [00:17:01] The impact of executive well-being on organisational culture

[00:17:12] – [00:19:43] The benefit of prioritising your mental health

[00:20:01] – [00:21:35] Obstacles people face when prioritising their mental health

[00:23:26] – [00:24:28] Balancing workplace demands with the need for self-care

[00:27:50] – [00:28:51] Talking about the importance of workplace well-being in teams

Links you should know about:

Life Health Solutions’ Executive Wellness Clinic offering:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biNZYz9s-oA

Life Health Solutions’ holistic service offering: https://lifehealthsolutions.org/our-solutions/

The cost of mental health in South Africa:

https://ewn.co.za/2023/07/05/workplace-mental-health-issues-costing-sa-economy-over-r160bn-a-year

Why leaders need self-care too:

https://hbr.org/2020/10/serious-leaders-need-self-care-too · · Instagram · Facebook · Transcript: Why executive well-being is the cornerstone of effective leadership.pdf — PDF (104.7 KB)

How do we create a healthy leave culture within businesses when busyness is seen as a badge of honour? How can companies balance employee wellness (a big part of which is having the time to rest and recharge) and productivity?

Progressive leave policies are a hot topic that both employees and employers need to know about. In this episode of A Better Place of Business, our host, Linda Mzamane, discusses this pertinent subject with Bradly Howland, CEO of Alkemi Collective, and Carmen Arico, chartered reward specialist and spokesperson for the South African Reward Association.

With burnout and overworking a norm in modern society, creating a healthy culture around leave, rest and work-life balance is imperative. But what are the implications and challenges for organisations and leaders?

Tune in for a multifaceted conversation around progressive leave policies within the South African context, the impact these have on productivity and engagement in the workplace, and so much more!

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

Some golden nuggets:

[00:04:07] – [00:06:01] How employee expectations regarding time off have changed over the years

[00:06:02] – [00:07:55] The impact comprehensive leave policies have on employee satisfaction and retention

[00:08:16] – [00:11:25] The benefits (and potential downsides) of progressive leave policies

[00:11:26] – [00:18:28] Innovative and unconventional leave policies that have worked

[00:18:28] – [00:20:18] How progressive leave policies contribute to a better work-life balance

[00:20:48] – [00:25:01] Challenges organisations face when implementing progressive leave policies

[00:25:02] – [00:27:00] How companies can balance supporting employee well-being, and maintaining productivity

[00:27:01] – [00:30:02] The importance of good leadership in a culture that values and supports comprehensive leave policies

[00:30:24] – [00:32:01] Practical steps for companies wanting to adopt better leave policies

Links you should know about:

Life Health Solutions’ holistic service offering: https://lifehealthsolutions.org/our-solutions/

How to accumulate leave and when you can apply: https://www.golegal.co.za/employment-annual-leave/#:~:text=Every%20employee%20is%20entitled%20to,work%20a%20six%2Dday%20week

TikTok on paid time off: https://www.tiktok.com/@america_is_the_bad.place/video/7143718753761496325?_r=1&_t=8eX69v5usdC

TikTok on vacation time in the USA and France: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa.a.salazar/video/7231684544322342190?_r=1&_t=8eX6FDQ6KoA

Redesigning the workplace to be family-friendly: What governments and businesses can do:

https://www.unicef.org/early-childhood-development/family-friendly-policies

From menstrual leave to 'pet illness leave': Businesses are adopting new leave benefits and we have questions:

https://www.mamamia.com.au/paid-leave/ · · Instagram · Facebook · Transcript: Why progressive leave policies matter.pdf — PDF (140.3 KB)

In the world of online, remote and distributed working, how do teams build real connections? How do organisations remain adaptable and flexible in the ever-evolving world of work?

In this thought-provoking episode of A Better Place of Business, Linda Mzamane chats to Kate Woods, senior brand director at Adidas; Caroline Brewin, an executive and confidence coach; and Marita Williams, manager of organisational resilience and coaching at Life Healthcare.

They peel back the layers of what makes a high-functioning team, from purpose and identity to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This conversation is a must-hear for every team member or leader of a team.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

Some golden nuggets:

[00:03:04] – [00:08:04] A well-functioning team defined

[00:08:05] – [00:10:00] Strategy for building a high-functioning team

[00:10:02] – [00:14:13] The difference between team building and team training

[00:14:14] – [00:17:00] Common challenges teams face during team building

[00:17:06] – [00:20:51] How to foster collaboration, communication and unity among remote team members

[00:21:00] – [00:23:49] Lessons on teamwork from an Olympic sportswoman

[00:24:09] – [00:26:15] How to build an adaptable and resilient team in the face of uncertainty.

[00:26:16] – [00:30:00] The role of diversity in high-performance teams

[00:30:08] – [00:32:52] How a leader can create psychological safety in their team

Links you should know about:

Life Health Solutions’ holistic service offering: https://lifehealthsolutions.org/our-solutions/

The Brain Science of Creating High-performing Teams: https://trainingindustry.com/articles/performance-management/the-brain-science-of-creating-high-performing-teams/

An EPIC Final! | South Africa vs. England! Rugby World Cup 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZslv0vuMNk

Don’t Be Afraid to Fall: Brené Brown Addresses The University of Texas at Austin's 2020 Graduates:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMV77xYdEa4 · · Instagram · Facebook · Transcript: Why collaboration is a team sport.pdf — PDF (136.8 KB)

While certain professions carry more inherent risk, accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any moment. Whether it's a minor mishap with the office stapler or a risky task like cleaning windows at a height, there's an element of unpredictability in every job.

Are we ever truly prepared for the unexpected? That’s the question we’re asking in the latest episode of A Better Place of Business. Jacques Vorster, health and safety manager at MPact, and Bradley Workman-Davies, director at Werksmans Attorneys, share their insights into the responsibility of business leaders in supporting the physical and mental health of employees. We'll also explore how to cultivate environments that are not only physically and psychologically safe but economically sustainable, too.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

Some golden nuggets:

[00:02:45] – [00:03:24] Where to begin creating a safe and healthy work environment

[00:03:24] – [00:04:32] Tailoring safety to your organisation

[00:07:45] – [00:09:11] Fostering a culture of safety among employees

[00:13:33] – [00:14:02] What happens after an accident takes place at work

[00:14:43] – [00:17:09] The law and injuries at work

[00:17:25] – [00:18:03] Technology and injury prevention

[00:18:20] – [00:19:53] Holistic care for employees

Links you should know about:

Life Health Solutions’ holistic service offering: https://lifehealthsolutions.org/our-solutions/

General payments for injuries on duty:

https://labourguide.co.za/general/payments-for-injuries-on-duty/

Mine fatalities were at a record low in 2022:

https://mg.co.za/news/2023-01-31-mine-fatalities-at-a-record-low-in-2022/ · · Instagram · Facebook · Transcript: When accidents happen at work.pdf — PDF (130.0 KB)

What role can business leaders play in supporting not only the mental health of employees, but their own as well? How do we create cultures in which organisations can be psychologically safe for employees as well as economically sustainable?

The well-being of employees is not only a humanitarian concern but also a crucial factor in maintaining productivity, engagement and overall organisational success. Mental health isn’t isolated to personal hours – it requires a holistic approach. In the context of work, how do we create room for employees to show up as their full selves without fear of judgement? Although many workplaces offer employee well-being programmes, there persists an underlying stigma around seeking help, even when it is sorely needed, for fear of discrimination or appearing incompetent.

In this episode, Safia Joseph and Thelma Janse van Rensburg weigh in on these aspects of mental health at work, and so much more.

Be sure to subscribe so that you don’t miss upcoming episodes!

Some golden nuggets:

[00:05:03] – [00:06:23] How Covid-19 impacted mental health

[00:06:37] – [00:06:56] Mental health challenges people are experiencing at work

[00:08:47] – [00:10:04] How to break mental health stigmas at work

[00:10:30] – [00:11:02] The impact of a psychologically safe workplace

[00:11:55] – [00:13:13] What it looks like when businesses take employee mental health seriously

[00:15:50] – [00:18:02]] How line managers can support employee mental health

[00:19:04] – [00:20:27] Mental health across industries

[00:21:20] – [00:23:23] How employers can make mental health a priority at work

[00:25:42] – [00:26:49] Developing the value of mental health at work

Links you should know about:

Life Health Solutions’ holistic service offering: https://lifehealthsolutions.org/our-solutions/

The future of workplace wellness and prioritising mental health: https://time.com/6189818/workplace--mental-health-policies

Mental-health crisis from Covid pandemic was minimal – study: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-64890952

Assessing the impact of mental health on our economy: https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/reimagine-mental-health/the-impact-of-mental-health-on-south-africas-economy.html · · Instagram · Facebook · Transcript: Mental wellness takes centre stage in the workplace.pdf — PDF (108.8 KB)