195. The truth about mental health at work, with Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO at Mind

Welcome back to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network. This week, we’re thrilled to bring you a raw, unfiltered conversation with Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind — one of the UK’s leading mental health organisations. With over 35 years in mental health and social care, Sarah is a fearless advocate for change. In this episode, she shares why mental health services are still failing those with the most serious needs, why surface-level “wellness” programmes won’t fix broken workplace cultures, and how poverty, inequality, and racism drive mental health crises. Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone navigating their own mental health journey, this conversation is packed with insights that challenge, inspire, and push us to think beyond box-ticking initiatives. 💥 Key Takeaways Mental health literacy has improved, but services for severe illness are lagging. Culture and leadership matter more than free yoga or mindfulness apps. Addressing poverty, racism, and inequality is essential to prevention. Leaders sharing their own struggles can transform workplace stigma. Young people need more than therapy — they need agency and action. 🔗 Links & Resources Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk Mental Health at Work Commitments: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk Sarah Hughes on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/drsarahhughes 🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe, rate, and share the show! And don’t miss our other Unfiltered episodes with Dr Ryan Martin, Prof Sir Cary Cooper, and Bruce Daisley. 🧡 Mental Health Support Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support Samaritans (UK, free helpline): Call 116 123 or email [e-mail] 💬 Stay Connected Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork Al Elliott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott Leanne Elliott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: [e-mail] Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat