“With World Suicide Prevention Day now ended, this episode explores how coaching, storytelling, and culture change can transform the way we approach mental health, inclusion, and inequality.

My guest, Layo Obembe, is an award-winning Change and Organisation Development Specialist and executive coach, known for leading the CLEAR Pathways programme at the UK Parliament — a pioneering initiative that has achieved remarkable impact for underrepresented talent.

Together, we talk about:

How coaching and storytelling can shift whole systems, not just individuals

• The links between inequality, workplace culture, and mental health
• Why creating safe, inclusive spaces is vital for preventing isolation and despair
• The lessons Layo has learned from driving culture change at scale
• What small steps we can each take to build communities of hope and resilience

It’s a conversation that’s both inspiring and practical, showing how change begins with people — and how leadership, inclusion, and courage can save lives.”

If you’re struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of suicide, please know you are not alone. Support is available:

• Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 free, 24/7 – samaritans.org
  
  
• Shout (UK): Text SHOUT to 85258 for free 24/7 crisis support – giveusashout.org
  
  
• Mind: Advice and support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem – mind.org.uk
  
  
• Papyrus HOPELINE247: Support for under-35s experiencing thoughts of suicide – Call 0800 068 4141 – papyrus-uk.org
  
  
• Befrienders Worldwide: Find crisis helplines globally – findahelpline.com

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