This Movember, we’re shining a light on men’s wellbeing and the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health.
Tom, our Chief Operating Officer, shared his thoughts on leadership, wellbeing, and creating a supportive environment for everyone At Phoenix.
How do you look after your own wellbeing as a leader?
I’m fortunate to have a strong Team around me who I can rely on, and who aren’t afraid to ask if I’m not quite myself.
As my wife also works in the sector, this makes a big difference as she understands the pressures that come with it.
We have young children, which brings its own challenges, so it’s important for us to recognise the need for time for ourselves, whether that’s doing something non-routine together or just me going down the pub with friends!
What advice would you give to men at Phoenix about balancing work and health?
Wellbeing looks and feels different for everyone. What works for one person won’t always work for another, so it’s about finding what genuinely helps you switch off, reflect, and reset.
This means building good habits and making time for them when things are going well, not waiting until things feel too much.
Are there any habits or routines you’ve adopted that help you manage stress or stay grounded?
Those who work closely with me know that I like to be organised and structured.
This isn’t just a personal preference but something I’ve come to learn: when work becomes busier, more consuming, or just more stressful, that’s when I need to stay organised and structured to avoid feeling like I’m being pulled under.
What role do you think leaders play in normalising these conversations?
The role leaders play is critical. We all underestimate the impact we can have on one or many People through how we act or what we say.
Each of us experiences stress or anxiety differently and will experience different levels based on our roles or circumstances.
How can we encourage more open dialogue about mental health across all genders and Teams?
In education and care, reflective practice and teamwork already give us a strong foundation and language to share how we feel.
Even with societal progress in recent years, talking about mental health still isn’t easy for everyone. We need to keep creating moments where those conversations feel natural and without judgment.
How can we celebrate Movember in a way that feels inclusive and meaningful for all our Team Members and the People we support?
Given not all of us can grow impressive moustaches, Movember should be about more than that.
It’s a reminder to check in properly with each other, have real conversations, and look after ourselves and those around us.
Asking “how are you really doing?” is a good place to start.
Tom’s reflections remind us that wellbeing starts with self-awareness and connection. Taking time to talk, reflect, and support one another builds stronger Teams and a healthier culture.
Movember gives us all an opportunity to pause and make those meaningful conversations part of everyday life, not just for a month, but throughout the year.
Together, we can continue to create a workplace where every Person feels heard, valued, and supported.