Mental health is coming out from the shadows and being talked about at last. A large number of celebrities, sportspeople and high-profile stars have come forward this year to talk about it. In one sector of life, the business sector, mental health remains a topic rarely broached.
As a result, entrepreneur and co-founder of Oystercatchers, Suki Thompson, has launched a book, Let’s Reset, with photographer and director, Rankin, published by Rankin Publishing Ltd. More than eighty from top business, marketing leaders and entrepreneurs have shared their personal revelations and tips for wellbeing in Let’s Reset – Dame Carolyn McCall, CEO ITV; Sarah Harbon, GM Benefit Cosmetics; Steve Parish, chairman, Crystal Palace FC; Lady Nicola Mendelsohn CBE, VP EMEA Facebook; WPP UK country manager & chancellor Portsmouth University, Karen Blackett OBE; former England Rugby star and TV commentator, Ben Kay; trans businesswoman and co-founder MHBC, Antonia Belcher; author and comedian, Russ Kane; Publicis Groupe UK CEO, Annette King; Neville Koopowitz, CEO, Vitality and actress, activist, model, Rose McGowan, among them.
Thompson also shares her own transformation story, with top tips and practical advice around mental health, wellbeing and resilience, highlighting the importance of positive mental health for business and commercial success.
Specially commissioned portraits of all contributors to the book have been taken by Rankin. They aim to show the real selves behind the people and explore the modern preoccupation with issues such as FOMO [Fear of Missing Out] in both professional and public lives.
Thompson stated, “Over the years, I’ve been inspired and encouraged by conversations with so many business leaders and experts. I’ve listened to their personal stories of resilience and wellbeing. Some made me cry, others made me gasp in awe, but always I have seen the individuals in a different light, a better light. I think it’s time reset the way we work in business, so we have brought together leaders with challenging mental health issues who have achieved prominent roles, companies brilliantly promoting workplace wellbeing and mental wellness programmes, leading practitioners in the mental health arena, and, the next generation entering the workplace.
“My wonderful and brilliant friend, Rankin, who has an ability to see into the soul of every human being, has worked with me on this project. Our collaboration of breath-taking photography and real-life stories brings to life why there is a need for companies to reset their attitudes to mental health, wellbeing and resilience and the success this can bring not only at home, but in work as well. We are grateful to Vitality UK as our main partner in this book and to many other businesses who have helped us with the creation, development and launch of the Let’s Reset initiative. ”
Stories in Let’s Reset, are grouped into five themes: poignant stories of leaders who have overcome adversity while rising to high-flying roles; leaders who talk about how they have developed their own resilience and wellbeing and how they support colleagues and staff; entrepreneurs who have balanced mental health and wellbeing with the pressures of starting a business; the experts, charities and companies all working in the industry to support, measure and promote wellbeing; and finally, a few of the future generation talking about how they are building strategies of their own in education, in early business and beyond.
Rankin noted, “Let’s Reset is meant to inspire us to think differently about the way we work, and how to be brave enough to bring our whole selves to every conversation. There are top tips on how to build your own resilience and wellbeing, and, an opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes at what creates a successful business leader.
“If we all take the time to stop and listen, the workplace can be better, happier, and more effective.”
Let’s Reset was published by Rankin Publishing Ltd. on November 28 and priced £40, with some of the proceeds going to the Mental Health Charity, Mind.
