Episode 57: HR Voices with Mike Pagan — Building Mental Wealth and Breaking Executive Isolation

HR Voices Podcast

A podcast for independent HR and people professionals, and the businesses they support.

Hosted by Mary Asante of HR Independents, HRi. 

DATE: 1st September 2025

Episode 57: HR Voices with Mike Pagan — Building Mental Wealth and Breaking Executive Isolation

Guest: Mike Pagan, Executive Coach, Author & Mental Wealth Advocate

🎙️ In this episode:

Mary Asante is joined by executive coach and performance expert Mike Pagan to explore the concept of mental wealth—and how isolation at the top levels of leadership can quietly erode wellbeing and effectiveness.

From solopreneurs to C-suite executives, many leaders struggle with executive isolation, often silently. Mike offers practical tools, real stories, and powerful strategies for building support networks that protect and enhance our personal and professional wellbeing.

This is a must-listen for HR professionals, consultants, and business leaders looking to support themselves and their people more meaningfully.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

🔓 What Is Mental Wealth?

• The difference between mental health and mental wealth
• Why isolation equals mental poverty—and how to avoid it
• The importance of having a proactive support team around you

👥 Executive Isolation & Why It’s So Common

• Why asking for help still feels like weakness for many leaders
• Why HR professionals often look after everyone except themselves
• How hybrid work can increase (not decrease) isolation

💬 How to Build Your Support Network

• The “mental wealth team” audit: who truly has your back?
• Understanding the 1–10 scale of support—why most people have few (if any) 8s, 9s or 10s
• It’s okay if relationships aren’t equal—support goes both ways, but not always evenly

🏗️ Creating Cultures of Connection

• The role of psychological safety in encouraging openness
• Bringing back meaningful team time—not just for work, but for relationships
• Why isolation can happen in any setting—even an open office

📞 Small Actions with Huge Impact

• Why you should pick up the phone—not just send a text
• The ripple effect of checking in on someone
• Human social responsibility: the HSR that matters more than CSR

✨ Key Takeaways:

✅ Mental wealth is about investing in relationships that support your growth and wellbeing ✅ Executive isolation is real—but it doesn’t have to be inevitable ✅ HR needs to model and protect its own self-care, not just deliver it for others ✅ A strong peer network is critical, especially in hybrid and solo work environments ✅ One phone call can change (or even save) a life—don’t delay it

🔝 Top Tips from Mike Pagan:

1. Audit your mental wealth team – Write down who’s in your support network, and score them 1–10 for commitment. Do this regularly to track and grow your “wealth.”
2. Create psychological safety – Build spaces at work where people can ask for help without fear or shame. Start with yourself.
3. Pick up the phone – Don’t wait. If someone’s on your mind, call them. Your timing might be more needed than you’ll ever know.

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📩 Have a question or want to suggest a topic? Email: [e-mail] 🌐 Discover more episodes and resources: www.hrindependents.co.uk