In episode 9 of season 2 of PEP Talk, we spoke to Dan Bladon. In 2013 whilst experiencing work-related stress and anxiety, Dan visited psychologist Dr. Robin Hart who introduced him to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He realised that those techniques could help other people too, especially if they were available anywhere and at any time. So he teamed up with Dr Robin to create Companion.

Dan never planned to create an app, he started his career within the music industry when he founded a Music Management company after university. He then worked in digital production resulting in him founding his own digital agency. He consulted for a diverse range of clients such as Blackberry and hospitals and his experience led him to become Product Director and consultant for healthcare companies and most recently the NHS.

As a Product Designer, Dan saw how a digital product based on CBT, could help people experiencing similar problems. Together with Dr. Hart, he founded Companion to offer SMEs a practical solution in supporting their people and placing mental health at the heart of company culture. The tool offers 200 guides on more than 40 topics and is included in the NHS Apps Library and supports SMEs to build a healthier and productive workplace by helping employees manage and reduce stress and anxiety, whilst proactively improving their mental wellbeing.