Marc Caulfield is an inspirational speaker and a passionate well-being advocate, having battled with his own personal issues throughout a rollercoaster 30-year career.
We caught up with Marc to find out more about his passion for improving mental health in the workplace and his journey to becoming an influential speaker.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and the mental health consulting service you provide.
My name is Marc Caulfield and I have worked in the mental health consultancy space for the past 6 years. Prior to this I spent 28 years working in the advertising agency world. During my time in the relentless and fairly brutal advertising world my mental health crumbled due to crazy work hours, relentless stress and too much hard playing and working. I eventually had a breakdown as anxiety and depression took a hold on me. I spent 5 years in psychotherapy and continued in the advertising world for another few years…a big salary can be a massive trap. I finally realised I had to follow my raison d’etre…working with organisations to put people’s mental health at the front and centre of their businesses.
My business is about speaking, writing, and consulting. I have done 2 TEDx talks on Collaboration and Resilience, well, my view on them anyway! Much of my work is with people managers, training them to learn to recognise issues in their team and themselves before they happen. How to talk and listen effectively to people who are struggling and working with Boards to ensure they are focusing on the legal, financial, performance, recruitment, retention and allowing their people to reach their full potential…and be happy!
2. What is your top tip to improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace?
For this to work it must be from top down. The Board must buy into it and role model an open, judgement free environment. My best clients are ones where CEO / MD level people have been brave enough to share the fact that they are invincible, are human and struggle themselves sometimes. People are scared to speak up for fear of looking weak, being overlooked for promotion or managed out of the business. Prove to people this isn’t the case!
3. What has been the most rewarding part about starting your own business?
Steering my own path. Making my decisions. Saying no to things that aren’t right. Making a difference. Doing what I love, it makes such a difference.
4. What is the greatest challenge you’ve come across in your business?
Feast or famine can be tricky. Keeping focused working from home…I was diagnosed with ADHD at 47 which explains an awful lot!! Staying focused can be tough. Military like discipline with my to do list is key.
5. What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Have someone you are answerable to, even if just to keep you on track. Stick to your vision and ethos no matter what. Integrity and authenticity are everything. Be brave and don’t be scared to fail. As Kobe Bryant said you learn from your mistakes not your successes.
