In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert Dr Richard Chambers to explore how leaders can thrive—not just survive—in today’s hyper-connected, high-expectation workplace.We begin with Richard’s origin story: how his early struggles with focus and anxiety led him in 1999 to discover mindfulness, eventually building a career supporting senior executives in performance, wellbeing and leadership.From there we pull apart two critical themes:Imposter Syndrome & Self-Worth in LeadershipMany high-performers land in leadership roles with minimal preparation—and the result is a constant cycle of trying to prove rather than lead. Richard and I discuss how mindfulness and self-compassion offer practical tools to step out of the “only-if-I-prove-my-worth” loop. We also talk about how organisations can foster psychological safety so that leaders and teams can speak honestly, delegate effectively, and avoid burnout.Digital Detox, Silence & Sustainable PerformanceIn a culture obsessed with busyness and connectivity, one of the most radical moves for a leader is to disconnect. Richard walks us through his “silent commute” experiment, how limiting passive tech and prioritising deep-work time rewires the brain for clarity and impact, and why the idea of mindfulness isn’t just about “quieting the mind” but about freeing it to make better decisions under pressure.Throughout the conversation you’ll pick up evidence-based tools (not just theory), including:How to build deep-focus blocks (and protect them) within leadership schedulesSigns that your leadership model is spinning into survival mode rather than strategic modeThe structural (systemic) as well as personal levers for better workplace wellbeingIf you’re a leader, high-potential, or executive wondering how to lead without losing yourself … this episode’s for you.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------• Visit Richard’s website where you’ll find free meditations, online courses and leadership-resources... https://www.drrichardchambers.com• Connect with Richard on LinkedIn...https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrichardchambers • Watch his TEDx talk “Mindfulness: defeating distraction and amplifying awareness” for a strong intro to his thinking...https://youtu.be/9QjI8nMiwJw?si=7Mqi_bLYbvtW4MSo🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe and hit the bell so you won’t miss future conversations on leadership, wellbeing and performance.As always, Real InSight would not be possible if not for the support of @CorsairSolutions and @MyLumens 📥 Let us know in the comments: When was the last time you scheduled “silence” in your day?

Chapters

0:16 Origin Story of a Mindfulness Expert

1:24 The Rise of Mindfulness in Leadership

3:14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

7:17 The Importance of Practical Skills

8:39 Insights from a TED Talk Experience

17:09 Embracing Self-Compassion

29:19 Navigating Workplace Well-being

34:00 The Balance of Responsibility

43:18 The Power of Silence

47:39 The Impact of Digital Detox

53:12 Final Reflections and Advice

“It’s not always depression. Sometimes it’s divorce. Sometimes it’s debt. Sometimes it’s no access to your kids. So it's not all about mental illness, that’s a system problem.”

Released to mark Men’s Mental Health Week in Australia, this powerful episode features Rae Bonney OAM — counsellor, speaker, and relentless advocate for the emotional wellbeing of men and boys.

Rae joins Myke to share her personal and professional journey with unfiltered honesty — from growing up in a violent household to confronting her own destructive patterns and ultimately choosing accountability, therapy, and advocacy over silence.

This episode is a deep dive into mens mental health, We look at the real reasons men shut down, break down, or check out. From self-harm and addiction to perfectionism and shame, Rae challenges the culture that tells men to “man up” and offers powerful alternatives rooted in curiosity, connection, and care.

🧠 If you're a father, a partner, a teacher, or a man navigating your own mental health — this one will shift something in you.

What you’ll hear:

- How Rae’s childhood in a violent, patriarchal household shaped her mission

- The damaging impact of fatherlessness and systems that alienate men from parenting

- Why male suicide is often situational — not just a “mental illness” problem

- The invisible epidemic of male loneliness, especially post-40- How self-harm, disordered eating, and “functioning” behaviours often mask emotional collapse

- Why the lack of male-specific mental health services is costing lives

- How Men’s Sheds, jiu-jitsu, and grassroots communities create safer spaces

One of the most striking moments? Rae recounts counselling young people who self-harm — not with judgement, but with presence. “It wasn’t about telling them to stop. It was about keeping them safe while they got through it.”

If you’re raising boys, supporting men, or just trying to make sense of your own story, this conversation is one of the most honest you’ll hear. Men’s lives are at stake — and the way forward starts with listening, not lecturing.

Rae Bonney doesn’t just talk about men’s mental health — she lives it, works in it, and fights for it.

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🌐 Connect with Rae: https://raybonney.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/raebonney

📺 Watch more episodes:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAEay_1WvE2q95NOsLvXHrvHxelFjAryj&si=K2R6ATiJANF2SfeV

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🏚️ Find out more about Mens Shed:

https://mensshed.org

—Please note this episode openly discusses self harm and suicide. If you or anyone you know may be struggling please reach out for help at any of the below public services:

https://www.beyondblue.org.auhttps://www.lifeline.org.au/https://www.neveralone.org.au

#RaeBonney #MensMentalHealth #Masculinity #MaleSuicide #RealInSight #SupportNotStigma #GenerationalTrauma #Neurodiversity #ADHD #MentalHealthWeek #InvisibleStruggles #SelfHarmAwareness #ParentingBoys #maleloneliness

0:05 Mental Health Perspectives

1:26 Childhood Experiences of Violence

4:42 The Role of Male Role Models8:26 Parenting and Self-Management

13:02 Generational Trauma and Responsibility

17:08 The Loneliness Epidemic

23:48 Gender Conversations and Safety

26:21 Community Support for Men

32:58 Building Male Connections

37:18 Recognition and Advocacy

40:37 Understanding Male Responsibility

45:23 The Importance of Support Networks

In this episode of Real InSight, we sit down with the inspiring and sharp-minded Associate Professor Li Ping Thong, a powerhouse of intellect, creativity, and leadership in the fields of design, culture, and education.As the Associate Dean of Digital Design at RMIT, Li Ping’s work spans far beyond the walls of academia. She’s a leading voice in how we teach, interpret, and live design. From shaping curriculum to challenging cultural norms, she brings a bold, human-centric approach to everything she does.In this deeply engaging conversation, Li Ping shares her journey — from her early days as a curious thinker to becoming a respected academic and change-maker. We explore the realities of working in academia through the lens of someone who brings cross-cultural insight and leadership to the field, and how empathy, representation, and creative freedom are essential to building more inclusive futures.We also dive into her thoughts on how education can be a force for change when we equip students to adapt to evolving technologies, critically shift design methods, and rethink systems.Whether you’re a student, educator, designer, or just someone curious about how creativity can change the world — this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and a healthy dose of inspiration.✨ Listen now — and don’t forget to share your own takeaways in the comments.#DesignLeadership #HigherEducation #RealInSight #CreativityAndCulture #RepresentationMatters #DesignJusticeLi Ping Thong – Publications (RMIT University)https://academics.rmit.edu.au/liping-thong/aboutGive Li Ping a follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lipingthong/0:09 ⁠Welcome to Real Insight⁠1:29 ⁠Journey into Academia⁠4:53 ⁠Exploring Research and Impact⁠10:30 ⁠Gamification in Education⁠16:21 ⁠The Future of AR and VR⁠21:16 ⁠Designing User Experiences⁠25:15 ⁠Bridging Technology and Education⁠30:09 ⁠The Role of AI in Design⁠38:19 ⁠Cultural Influences on Design⁠43:42 ⁠Finding Balance in Farm Life⁠47:59 ⁠Leaving a Legacy Through Design