Fix the System, Not the People: Lessons from Jordan Friesen

Has work ever felt like dodging a storm of flying bricks?

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew is joined by Jordan Friesen, occupational therapist and President of Mindset Mental Health Strategy. Jordan draws on both lived experience and years of consulting with organizations across Canada to challenge a common assumption: that workplace mental health is something employees should manage alone.

Together, they explore why many well-being efforts fall short, what it means to take a systems-based approach to mental health, and how leaders can build environments where people aren’t just coping—but actually able to thrive. With a focus on systems, leadership, and accountability, Jordan offers a practical roadmap for making workplaces safer, healthier, and more supportive.

Key Takeaways:

• Supporting mental health at work starts with redesigning harmful systems—not offering more individual coping tools.
• Meaning and purpose can only flourish when people feel safe, supported, and not overwhelmed by structural stressors.
• Managers have as much impact on employee well-being as a spouse or partner—and need training to support that role.
• Emotional literacy, feedback, and vulnerability are essential leadership skills in today’s workplaces.
• Measuring impact—through story, data, or both—is critical to sustaining mental health initiatives over time.

Why This Episode Matters:

If we want people to find meaning at work, we need to start by eliminating the harm work can cause. This episode highlights how meaningful work starts with responsibility, thoughtful systems, and a commitment to well-being by design.

About Our Guest:

Jordan Friesen is the President of Mindset Mental Health Strategy Inc. He is a mental health expert with experience leading national programs and initiatives focused on workplace mental health. Jordan helps organizations take progressive action to support employee well-being—grounded in research, systems thinking, and his own lived experience of illness and recovery. A skilled educator and registered occupational therapist, he’s known for his pragmatic approach and ability to influence leaders at all levels.