In this episode of Inside Out: Mental Health at Work and in Life, I'm joined by Andy Coley, leadership development trainer & keynote speaker, and experienced NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Trainer.

We explore what makes a mentally healthy workplace when leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence are at the centre. Drawing on Andy's work supporting teams and leaders across multiple industries, this conversation unpacks why emotional intelligence matters more than frameworks, how difficult conversations become easier when approached proactively, and why culture is defined by the lowest tolerated behaviour, not the values on your website.

We talk about the four pillars of emotional intelligence, why learning equals knowledge plus experience, and how feedback culture determines whether teams grow or stagnate. Andy shares practical tools from NLP and why deep breathing and state management are some of the most underused resources people already have.

🔑 Key Topics

• Emotional intelligence and its four pillars
• Why culture is the lowest tolerated behaviour
• Having difficult conversations sooner, not later
• State management: breathing, movement, and perspective
• Why leadership is a skill, not a superpower

💡 Did You Know?

You can access your body's parasympathetic nervous system through deep breathing: breathe in for four, out for eight. Just three to five repetitions can shift you from fight-or-flight to calm.

📝 Actionable Takeaways

• Give feedback in real-time, not just at annual reviews
• Approach conversations future-focused, not blame-focused
• Change your physical state (walk, breathe, music) before tackling frustrating tasks
• Ask "Why am I talking?" (WAIT) before jumping in with solutions

🗣️ Join the Conversation

What would change in your workplace if leaders approached every interaction as a chance to learn, not just to direct? Share your thoughts and connect with us on social media.

Connect with Andy: LinkedIn | Website | Buy the Book (Signed Copies)

1. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andycoley/
2. https://www.leadershipisaskill.com/
3. https://www.leadershipisaskill.com/book