How leaders, athletes, and innovators protect their mental health—and the simple habits you can start today
Hi Reader,
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
It’s July—and while the sun blazes over Centre Court, the Grand Prix grid, and our long-awaited holidays, there’s no escaping the other side of summer: pressure in plain sight.
Ever wondered how even the most celebrated champions and public figures find themselves overwhelmed, tearful, or questioning their worth? This month, I’m diving into three stories that shine a light on the hidden currents beneath success:
Here’s what’s inside this month’s edition:
✍️ From the Blog
🎾 Alexander Zverev’s Wimbledon exit and his candid reflections on mental health in elite sport.
🤖 A new chapter in my work, as I introduce a custom GPT designed to make mental health support more accessible, relevant, and human.
🏛️ Politics in the spotlight, from Rachel Reeves’ visible emotion to the quiet toll that relentless public scrutiny can take on wellbeing.
And if you’d like to deepen your understanding of mental health and build confidence in supporting others, my next Mental Health First Aid Online Training Course is scheduled for 18th–19th August. Places are limited—do join us if you can.
Whether you’re leading a team, competing on your own turf, or simply trying to stay afloat in uncertain times, one truth remains: vulnerability doesn’t mean weakness—it’s the birthplace of genuine connection.
Let’s dive into this month’s stories and explore how we can all build more resilience without losing our humanity.
🌍 New Feature: Resilience at the Edge
Each month, we’ll share stories you won’t see on the front page—but you’ll feel in your bones.
This Month: This month, maybe the question isn’t “Am I fine?”
Maybe it’s this: “Is the way I define success actually sustainable?”
When Arianna Huffington collapsed in her office—waking up in a pool of her own blood—it wasn’t just a health scare. It was the end of her old idea of wealth: that relentless hustle was worth any cost.
In Thrive, she describes how chasing success—status, money, influence—had left her exhausted, disconnected, and depleted. That moment forced her to ask deeper questions:
💬 What if real success has three pillars?
1️⃣ Wellbeing: Physical and mental health as the foundation of everything. 2️⃣ Wisdom: Living with intention, not autopilot. 3️⃣ Wonder: Staying curious and present instead of just productive.
She also wrote powerfully about the pressures women face: wearing endless hats, sacrificing health, and sometimes giving up careers just to breathe again. In a Forbes survey she cites, 84% of women said they’d rather stay home with their children if they could afford it.
Yet she’s hopeful, too: a new generation is prioritising wellbeing over burnout. The challenge? The workplace hasn’t caught up. Most cultures still reward presenteeism, overwork, and masculine models of leadership.
But here’s what Arianna discovered—and what research proves:
✅ Investing in wellbeing isn’t just nice—it’s profitable. ✅ Burnout is a global epidemic, and no one is immune. ✅ Mindfulness, rest, and reflection aren’t luxuries. They’re essential.
Reflective Question for You: 💬 If your body or your loved ones forced you to pause tomorrow, what would you wish you’d done differently?
This month, maybe success isn’t about having more, but about finding the space to live.
Optional Tip to Try:
If you’re curious to explore the tools Arianna recommends—like the Time Out App, Buddhify, or DoNothingForTwoMinutes.com—why not pick one to try this week?
Sometimes two minutes is all it takes to start coming back to yourself.
Current articles
Rachel Reeves on the front bench.Parliament TV.
💼 The Eyes Have It: Unlocking the Cost of Holding It All Together
What does it cost to hold it all together? Behind the headlines, there’s a story of silent struggle every leader needs to hear.
⚠️ ⚠️What If Your Team Is Closer to Burnout Than You Think?
What does it cost to hold it all together? This piece dives into the moments when the mask slips—and why showing emotion might be the most powerful thing a leader can do.
Ever wish you had someone to talk to at 3 am? This piece shares why I built a free tool that feels more like a wise friend than a chatbot—and how it can support you when you need it most.
If you’re a: ✔ HR Manager looking to boost morale and confidence in your team ✔ HR Director dedicated to fostering a mentally healthy workplace ✔ Business owner who truly cares about employee well-being … then this course is for you!
🌟 What learners are saying:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Mental Health First Aider course! It was not only informative but also empowering. The instructor, Mike’s expertise and engaging teaching style made the content relatable and easy to understand. Their ability to facilitate discussions while ensuring everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts was commendable. Thank you for such a transformative experience! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We deeply appreciate your efforts in delivering high-quality mental health training and the positive impact you’re making.”
This feedback exemplifies our core values at MHFA England, and we thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.
⏳ Seats are limited. Don’t be the one who walks away.
📚 What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To 🎧🎬
You know that feeling when a book, podcast, or film completely shifts your perspective? Or when you binge on something so good, you immediately want to tell everyone about it?
Well, this is that space. Whether it’s a mind-blowing book, a documentary I can’t stop talking about, or a podcast that made me rethink everything, here’s what’s been filling my brain (and occasionally distracting me from work).
Curious? Dive in. 👇
📚
The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
📖 Don Miguel Ruiz
A modern classic blending ancient wisdom with practical guidance. Four simple principles—✨ be impeccable with your word, 💬 don’t take things personally, 🤔 avoid assumptions, 🌟 always do your best. A clear path to more freedom and peace.
🎬
What I’m Watching
🎬 The Amateur
A desk-bound CIA cryptographer whose wife is killed in a terror attack takes justice into his own hands. Dark, tense, and a reminder of how grief can drive us past our limits.
🎧
What I’m Listening to
🎵 Bob Baldwin & Gigi – Looking at Me
Smooth jazz with a soulful groove. Been listening to this a lot on recent trips to London—perfect for unwinding on the go.
💫 That’s a wrap on this month’s journey.
From high-pressure leadership stories to vertical rollercoasters and soul-soaked soundtracks — I hope something here moved you, even just a little.
Maybe a blog struck a chord. Maybe a quote made you pause. Or maybe it was the reminder that discomfort, when chosen wisely, leads to growth.
Whatever landed — don’t keep it to yourself.
Hit reply, drop me a message, or share it with someone who might need it.
Until next time, take care of your mind, stay close to your tribe, and remember:
Real change starts with a single, brave step.
With strength and solidarity,
Mike
Let’s Stay Connected! 🔗💬
💡 Want more insights, updates, and mental health, resilience, and well-being discussions? Let’s connect!
Follow along, comment, or share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you! 💬🔥
