The Mental Health Advantage

Leading by Example: How HR Leaders Can Prioritize Mental Health & Drive Change

In this episode, Journey founder Stephen Sokoler sits down with Elisha Engelen, VP of Aon’s U.S. Health Transformation Team, to unpack how HR leaders can drive lasting change by prioritizing mental health — from the top down.
With a unique blend of clinical mental health expertise and corporate well-being strategy, Elisha offers a thoughtful perspective on how leadership behavior shapes culture, why systemic support matters, and what it takes to truly engage employees in mental health initiatives that stick.
Key Takeaways:
// Why leadership behavior is the #1 driver of workplace mental health adoption// How to go beyond offering benefits to create systemic, culture-level change// Common barriers to mental health engagement—and how to overcome them// What it looks like when leaders promote and use digital tools themselves// Journey’s take on proactive support—and why it drives 10x more engagement// Elisha’s advice for any HR leader working to lead by example
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The Future of EAPs and Wellbeing Programs

In this episode, Journey founder Stephen Sokoler sits down with Erin Young, Director of Health, Equity & Wellbeing at WTW, to explore what the future of workplace mental health looks like — and how companies can start building toward it today.
With a background in clinical social work and years of experience guiding large employers on behavioral health strategy, Erin shares powerful insights on where current programs fall short and what’s needed to create inclusive, proactive mental health support that truly works.
Key Takeaways:// The current state of mental health at work — and what’s changing// Why psychological safety is the foundation of any effective well-being strategy// One big misconception employers have about their existing programs// What proactive support looks like in real life// How to design benefits that blend digital tools with high-quality human care// Erin’s vision for a well-balanced, accessible mental health strategy
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Shaping the Future of Workplace Mental Health: Insights from Mercer's Mental Health Leader

This episode of "The Mental Health Advantage" explores how organizations can take a data-driven, proactive approach to mental health, embedding well-being into workplace culture beyond traditional reactive measures. Stephen Sokoler, founder and CEO of Journey, is joined by Dr. Wolfgang Seidi, Partner and Workplace Health Consulting Leader at Mercer.
Wolfgang has been a global thought leader in mental health, shaping strategies that integrate well-being into business performance. With experience across clinical psychology, insurance, and HR consulting, he has a unique perspective on how organizations can move beyond awareness to measurable impact.

Beyond the Employee: How US Foods Supports Mental Health for Families and Loved Ones

This episode highlights how US Foods has extended mental health support beyond employees to include their families and loved ones, creating a more inclusive and proactive mental health culture. Stephen Sokoler is joined by Joe Toniolo, Senior Director of Health and Welfare Plans at US Foods, to discuss their innovative approach, the impact on employees, and lessons for other organizations.

Leading with Heart: How Claude Silver is Redefining Workplace Mental Health at VaynerMedia

In this episode of The Mental Health Advantage, Stephen Sokoler, Founder & CEO of Journey, sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia. As the first-ever Chief Heart Officer in the advertising industry, Claude has redefined what it means to build a people-first culture, focusing on empathy, inclusivity, and personal development.
Together, they discuss how organizations can create safe and inclusive workplaces, particularly for LGBTQ+ employees, different generations in the workforce, and high-pressure industries like advertising.

Mindfulness at Scale: How Google’s gPause Program Supports Mental Health and Sustainable Success

This episode explores Google’s innovative gPause program, how it scales mindfulness to support mental health and resilience across a global workforce, and its lessons for organizations seeking sustainable success.