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FOUNDER DIARIES - Joe O’Mahoney on People-First Leadership, Mental Health, and Rebuilding a Life

1 hr 8 minWatch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

About this episode

Nitin speaks with Joe O'Mahoney, a change management leader and coach with experience at major organisations including E.ON, Hastings Direct, and Three Mobile. Joe discusses the critical distinction between managing tasks and leading people, exploring how culture, psychological safety, and empathy drive organisational performance. He examines why employee engagement surveys often fail and how AI-driven analysis offers new possibilities.

Beyond leadership theory, Joe shares his personal journey navigating mental health challenges, including a 20-year struggle with bipolar disorder that went undiagnosed and triggered by medication, and the experience of losing everything before rebuilding his life. He reflects on the emotional toll of change on teams, the importance of genuine listening, and how leaders can support people through uncertainty during high-velocity growth.

This conversation addresses the human side of leadership and organisational change, offering insights for founders, leaders, and HR professionals navigating both professional transformation and personal resilience.

Key takeaways

  • Leaders must prioritise leading people over managing tasks, addressing a widespread organisational failure.
  • Psychological safety and empathy directly shape organisational culture and performance outcomes.
  • AI-driven analysis of engagement data offers better insights than traditional employee surveys.
  • Supporting teams through change requires acknowledging emotional costs and building genuine listening into leadership.
  • Personal resilience and rebuilding after failure are essential lessons for leaders navigating uncertainty.

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