Mark O'Grady

My world of work has changed quite significantly over the last number of years. Having spent almost eighteen years working in the private sector, it was about five years ago when my work life, and personal life collided. Workplace stressors became unmanageable and that, coupled with a sequence of personal life events is what led me to where I am today.

I fully understand what it’s like to be part of a driven organisation that expects only the very best from its people. I’ve worked in highly pressurised, fast paced environments, steered heavily by key targets, and performance indicators. Responsibilities included line management, training and mentoring in addition to revenue growth and maximising profits. Resilience was a key attribute and there was very little room for failure.

In 2017 I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. My work/life balance was completely off kilter and my mental health bore the brunt of this. As part of my recovery I found myself retraining to become a Mental Health First Aid facilitator and what followed was a complete change in career with many new pathways opening up before me.

Drawing on both personal and professional lived experience, I take pride in making all facilitations as interactive and interesting as possible. I have a good understanding of the challenges faced by commercial organisations, their leaders and their people.