Work and Wellness

Change at work isn’t new — but the pace and volume of change is leaving a lot of capable, high-performing people feeling exhausted.

In this episode, Angela unpacks why constant change creates such a heavy mental load, even when we’re adaptable, smart, and capable. She explains what change actually does to our nervous system, why “just pushing through” eventually backfires, and how people end up busy but disconnected.

This isn’t about resisting change or pretending it’s fine. It’s about responding in a way that protects your energy, clarity, and capacity — whether you’re leading the change or on the receiving end of it.

You’ll learn:

• Why constant change creates decision fatigue, irritability, and disengagement

• How to shift your focus to what’s actually in your control

• Practical ways to stay grounded during periods of uncertainty

• How leaders can support teams through change without having all the answers

• What to watch for when you (or your team) slip below the line — and how to come back above it

If work feels unsettled, noisy, or overwhelming right now, this episode offers calm, practical guidance to help you lead yourself well — so you can respond to change, rather than be consumed by it.

Your Attention Isn’t Yours Anymore — A Big Tech Insider Explains Why (and How to Get It Back)

What if the reason you feel distracted, overwhelmed, and mentally exhausted isn’t a lack of discipline — but the systems you’re using every day?

In this episode, I’m joined by Kenneth Schlenker, former Google product leader and founder of Opal, the screen-time app helping millions of people reclaim their focus.

After years working inside Google on products like Maps, YouTube and Ads, Kenneth saw firsthand how Big Tech uses behavioural science to capture — and monetise — human attention. He walked away to build the opposite: tools that put people back in control of their focus, time and mental wellbeing.

We explore how social media subtly rewires our desires (including how I briefly became convinced I needed a $50k Birkin bag 🙃), why attention — not time — is the real currency, and how constant information overload is quietly fuelling burnout.

This is a candid, grounded conversation about technology, mental health, shame, parenting, sleep, and what it really takes to use modern tools without letting them use us.

• What Big Tech really optimises for — and why wellbeing isn’t part of the business model
• How platforms use behavioural science (infinite scroll, autoplay, likes) to keep us hooked
• Why attention matters more than time — and how it shapes who we become
• The “Birkin effect”: how social media influences what we think we want
• Why we often feel worse after scrolling (especially women)
• The link between information overload, sleep disruption and burnout
• Why willpower alone isn’t enough — and why tools and friction actually help
• How shame keeps people stuck in unhealthy tech habits
• Social media bans for kids: do they help, or push behaviour underground?
• Why sleep is the most important boundary for both adults and teenagers
• How Opal is evolving from a tool into a trusted wellbeing partner

You’re not weak for struggling with your phone.
These systems were designed by very smart people to be hard to put down.

The goal isn’t to quit technology — it’s to use it intentionally, in service of the life you actually want to live.

In this episode, Angela unpacks three powerful work and wellness trends set to shape the workforce in 2026 — inspired by a recent Forbes article that signals a meaningful shift in how organisations think about performance.

While AI continues to accelerate, this conversation brings the focus back to the human system behind the work. Angela explores why wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have,” and how energy, recovery, connection and capacity are becoming critical drivers of decision-making, performance and longevity at work.

• Why analog work is making a comeback
  Face-to-face connection, offline thinking and human creativity are becoming the new luxury in an always-on world. Angela shares why digital tools can support work — but never replace real connection.

• How longer lives are reshaping careers
  With people living and working longer, Angela explores portfolio careers, multi-generational teams, mentoring models and how organisations can better harness decades of experience without burning people out.

• The rise of biometric data in the workday
  From wearables to readiness scores, we look at how data on sleep, recovery and energy could help leaders make smarter decisions, structure work more intelligently and prevent burnout before it happens.

This episode is a hopeful look at the future of work — one where performance improves not by pushing harder, but by working in better alignment with human limits.

Angela also shares why she’s encouraged to see major business publications finally treating wellbeing as a core business strategy, not a perk.

Link to Forbes Article- 4 Growing Wellness Themes That Will Shape The Workforce In 2026

As we head into a new year, social media is flooded with “ins and outs” lists — so in this episode, I’m sharing my take on what’s actually worth leaning into (and letting go of) in 2026 when it comes to work, wellbeing and how we live our lives.

This is a thoughtful, reflective episode rather than a set of rigid rules. These are ideas I’ve been sitting with, talking through with Liam, friends and my community, and noticing show up more and more in the way people are working, leading and living.

We start with what’s in for 2026 — including the skill I believe will be essential for leaders and humans alike, why fibre is having its moment alongside protein, and why your wellbeing needs to be booked into your calendar before anything else. We also explore why reading is replacing scrolling, why silent walks are staying, and what it really means to define and live your own rich life.

Then we move into what’s out — from fear-based leadership and unsustainable New Year’s resolutions, to blindly climbing the career ladder and relying on CVs that no longer reflect who we really are or what we can do.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, question what you’ve been told success should look like, and intentionally design a year — and a life — that actually supports your health, values and energy. In this episode, we cover:

• Why learning to hold paradox is a critical skill for 2026

• The shift from protein-only thinking to fibre and internal health

• How to be more discerning with the information we consume and share

• Why wellness should be scheduled before work, not around it

• Reading over scrolling (and how to make it easier)

• The importance of courageous conversations at work and in life

• Silent walks, creativity and giving your nervous system space

• Defining what a rich life means to you — not anyone else

  What’s officially out for 2026:

• Doing things (or not doing things) because they feel “cringe”

• Unrealistic, unsustainable New Year’s resolutions

• Fear-based leadership

• Avoiding difficult conversations

• Movement that depletes rather than builds

• Blindly following the career ladder

• Over-reliance on CVs instead of real connection and demonstrated value

If you’re feeling called to approach 2026 differently — with more intention, curiosity and care — this episode is for you.

Every January, we talk about goals.

But goals don’t fail because we lack motivation — they fail because we don’t have the systems to support them.

This episode is a re-visit of one of last year’s most listened-to conversations on habits — and I’m bringing it back because this time of year is exactly when we need this reminder. The energy is high, intentions are set, and now the real work begins.

In this episode, we move beyond goal setting and into the part that actually determines whether you follow through: your daily habits and the systems around them.

Research shows that around 40% of our daily actions are habits, not conscious decisions — and people with strong habits are over two times more likely to achieve their goals. That means if your environment, routines, and systems aren’t working for you, willpower alone won’t save you.

I break down:

• What habits actually are and how they work in the brain

• Why motivation fades — and why systems don’t

• How to design habits that reduce friction and decision fatigue

• The four laws of behaviour change that make habits stick

• How to use your morning, evening, and weekend routines to support your goals

• Why starting with one big habit beats trying to change everything at once

I also share a real example from my own life — how I’m using habit stacking and environmental design to train for an ultra marathon — and why preparation is often the difference between intention and action.

This episode is not about creating a three-hour morning routine or becoming a completely new person by February. It’s about small, deliberate habits that compound over time and make progress feel inevitable.

If you’ve set goals for the year — or you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or inconsistent — this is your reminder that you don’t rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.

• Habits remove the need for constant motivation

• Environmental cues drive most of our behaviour

• The easier a habit is, the more likely it is to stick

• Consistency beats intensity every time

• One well-designed habit can change the trajectory of your entire year

  
  

  Resources

• Atomic Habits by James Clear

• Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Summary

In this episode, Angela Davies discusses the importance of goal setting for the new year, emphasizing reflection on the past year, identifying personal values, setting intentions, and structuring achievable goals. She encourages listeners to take a thoughtful approach to planning, ensuring that their goals align with their values and desired life experiences.

Takeaways

Goal setting should support your wellbeing and energy.

Reflect on the past year to inform future goals.

Identify what went well, what was challenging, and what gave you energy.

Values act as a compass for goal setting.

Choose a word or intention to guide your year.

Visualization can help in achieving goals.

Break the year into manageable segments with intentional breaks.

Set one year-defining hard goal to challenge yourself.

SMART goals are essential for clarity and focus.

Regular reflection helps keep you aligned with your goals.

Keywords

goal setting, reflection, values, intentions, visualization, personal growth, planning, new year, self-improvement, SMART goals

Summary

In this episode, Angela Davies discusses the importance of understanding and optimizing rest during the holiday season. She emphasizes that true rest goes beyond simply taking time off work; it involves recognizing the different types of rest needed for physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, and creative rejuvenation. Angela encourages listeners to check in with themselves to determine what type of rest they need and to embrace rest as a vital part of well-being, rather than a luxury or something that must be earned.

Takeaways

We often don't need more time off, but the right kind of rest.

Physical rest involves giving your body a genuine break.

Mental rest is about reducing decision fatigue and information overload.

Emotional rest comes from being around people who allow you to be yourself.

Social rest is about choosing quality interactions over quantity.

Sensory rest helps reduce overstimulation from our environment.

Creative rest can be deeply replenishing and counteract burnout.

Rest should be responsive to what your body and mind need at the moment.

Rest is not a waste of time; it's essential for well-being.

The goal of living is to enjoy life and have fun.

"No is a full sentence."

"Rest is not optional."

"Rest isn't a waste of time."

Keywords

rest, types of rest, emotional well-being, mental health, self-care, holiday season, burnout, relaxation, personal growth, wellness

In this episode of Work in Wellness, Angela Davies discussesthe concept of the 'accidental counselor'—individuals who find themselves supporting others' mental health without formal training. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of distress, responding with care using theALEC framework, and referring individuals to professional help when necessary.The conversation aims to equip listeners with practical skills to navigate mental health conversations effectively, fostering a supportive environment in both personal and professional settings.

Traumatic Events Guidance-

⁠Traumatic-Events-Adult-Mental-Health-First-Aid-Guidelines-2019-1.pdf

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Rosina McAlpine discusses theincreasing stress and burnout faced by working parents, emphasizing the needfor organizations to provide better support. She highlights the importance ofunderstanding the division of labor at home, the difference between equity andequality in the workplace, and the necessity for leadership training to fosterempathy. Dr. McAlpine also offers individual strategies for parents to navigatetheir work-life balance and outlines best practices from organizations thatsuccessfully support their employees. In this conversation, Dr. Rosina McAlpinediscusses the importance of creating a family-friendly workplace culture, theresponsibility of organizations to support working parents, and the societalimplications of neglecting this demographic. She emphasizes the need fortargeted programs, corporate social responsibility, and the return oninvestment for supporting working parents. The discussion also covers practicaltips for mothers to maintain their well-being and the importance of empoweringworking parent champions within organizations.

Takeaways

Working parents are at the highest risk of burnout.

EAP and flexible work are foundational but not sufficient.

Organizations need to know the makeup of their workforce.

Women still bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities.

Equity in the workplace is crucial for supporting parents.

Leadership training is essential for understanding employeeneeds.

Targeted programs can help parents manage work and family.

Conversations about support should be collaborative, notcombative.

Data-driven decisions can improve workplace policies.

Creating a win-win situation benefits both employees andorganizations. Creating a family-friendly workplace culture is essential.

Organizations must take responsibility for supportingworking parents.

Corporate social responsibility should include support forworking parents.

The future of society relies on the well-being of workingparents.

Self-care is crucial for mothers to thrive in both work andfamily life.

Guilt and shame should not prevent mothers from taking timefor themselves.

Scheduling self-care is as important as any work meeting.

Working parent champions can make a significant differencein the workplace.

Supporting working parents benefits society as a whole.

A collaborative approach is needed to address the challengesfaced by working parents.

Sound Bites

"We need both the top and the bottom approach."

"Get informed first."

"We want collaborative, not combative."

"We need targeted programs."

"We need a family-friendly workplace culture."

"It's about return on investment."

"Throw selfish in the rubbish, think self-full."

"Society depends on working parents thriving."

"Let's tackle those difficult questions."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Parenting Challenges

03:04 The Rise of Stress and Burnout in Working Parents

06:00 The Gap in Organizational Support for Parents

08:51 The Division of Labor at Home

12:04 Equity vs. Equality in the Workplace

15:03 Understanding Leadership and Empathy

17:45 Individual Strategies for Navigating Work and Family

20:59 Creating a Win-Win Situation in the Workplace

24:02 Best Practices from Leading Organizations

25:58 Creating a Family-Friendly Workplace Culture

28:42 The Responsibility of Workplaces in ParentingEducation

31:02 The Future of Society and Support for Working Parents

39:56 Practical Tips for Mothers' Well-Being

45:56 Empowering Working Parent Champions

Keywords

parenting, stress, burnout, mental health, workplacesupport, equity, leadership, organizational culture, work-life balance,family-friendly policies, family-friendly workplace, parenting education,corporate social responsibility, working parents, mental health, well-being,self-care, societal responsibility, workplace culture, employee support

Summary

In this conversation, Angela and Liam discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance while prioritizing their relationship. They share insights on how to support each other during busy times, the significance of communication, and strategies for managing stress and crises together. They reflect on their experiences with long-distance challenges and emphasize the need to align their values as a couple to navigate life's ups and downs effectively.

Takeaways

It's easy to forget to prioritize your relationship during busy work times.

Purposeful reconnection is key when life gets hectic.

Managing work expectations helps reduce stress during personal time.

Small gestures can significantly lighten the load in a relationship.

Communication is essential, especially during stressful periods.

Long-distance challenges require intentional effort to stay connected.

Crisis management is about stepping up for each other.

Prioritizing shared values strengthens the relationship.

It's important to assume the best intent in each other.

Continuous improvement in communication is necessary for a healthy relationship.

Titles

Balancing Work and Love: A Couple's Journey

Navigating Life Together: Insights from Angela and Liam

Sound bites

"We just try to communicate."

"We need to sort it out."

"Just don't be a dick."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Relationships and Work

05:41 Supporting Each Other Through Career Challenges

13:23 Navigating Long-Distance Challenges

21:12 The Importance of Communication and Understanding

28:35 Core Principles for a Healthy Relationship

Keywords

work-life balance, relationship support, communication, stress management, long-distance relationship, teamwork, prioritizing wellness, couple dynamics, personal growth, crisis management