Known for blending bold growth with deep cultural roots, Sticks’n’Sushi is no stranger to ambition.

With 30 restaurants spanning Europe — including 15 around London, 12 in Copenhagen, and three in Berlin — and a dedicated team of 1,500 staff, the premium dining brand has successfully scaled while staying true to its unique half-Japanese, half-Danish heritage.

However, at the start of 2024, following new private equity ownership, the company stepped into a new era of rapid expansion and organisational transformation.

To navigate this acceleration without losing its strong cultural DNA, Sticks’n’Sushi is investing in coaching-led leadership development.

We sat down with Sticks’n’Sushi’s People Director, Nick Eaton, to unpack how coaching and culture are helping to shape this next chapter of the company’s journey.

From family-owned to private equity-backed

Sticks’n’Sushi was founded in Copenhagen in 1994 by brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek Hansen and their brother-in-law, Thor Andersen. The original restaurant still operates today, and the brand has grown steadily, expanding into London in 2012 and Berlin in 2017.

Before 2013, Sticks’n’Sushi was privately owned and operated by its founders. Drawing inspiration from their half-Japanese, half-Danish heritage, they created a unique dining experience fusing sushi and yakitori — deeply rooted in tradition yet open to experimentation.

From steady steps to strategic leaps

In 2013, Sticks’n’Sushi sold a stake to Maj Invest Equity to support international expansion, particularly in the UK. Maj later increased its stake and guided the business through a decade of measured growth.

Then came a turning point. In January 2024, McWin Capital Partners bought a 95% stake from Maj Invest Equity for €76 million. It marked the end of a ten-year journey and the beginning of a bold new growth agenda.

“Maj helped us open one new restaurant at a time, build each business, and reinvest the profits into the next opening. McWin wants us to significantly expand over six years,” explains Nick. “It’s a transition from slow and sensible to rapid, exciting ambition — but it requires a shift in mindset. That can be quite scary for some people.”

Taking people on the journey

Sticks’n’Sushi prides itself on having people who have worked there for all 31 years, which is great for company culture and embedding brand DNA. However, ambitious growth requires a change in mindset. Nick’s leadership team needed to find a way to instil independent thinking and a risk-taking mentality throughout management.

He explains: “Our General Managers are vital to our success, but as we open in more cities, we won’t be able to support them in the same hands-on way we do now. We need to elevate them into leaders who can make decisions confidently, communicate clearly with their teams, set high standards, and work more remotely.”

“To achieve this, we’ve developed six leadership descriptors and outlined what great leadership looks like for Sticks’n’Sushi. Mindbeat has provided group coaching around these leadership credentials as well as one-to-one coaching.”

“For many General Managers, this will have been the first time they’ve experienced individual coaching. They now each have an eight-month programme that will take them from a day-to-day sales mindset to focusing on what they need to improve as future leaders.”

“As a leadership team, we also have to elevate ourselves to allow people to try new things, take risks, and make mistakes — so that they can learn and grow. Our CEO has also been working with Mindbeat to prepare himself for the broader challenges and decision-making we now face as an organisation experiencing rapid change.”

The importance of cultural identity

It’s no secret that McWin wants to make money from its investment. Its experience and expertise lie in ‘quick service restaurants’ like Burger King, Popeyes, and Pizza Hut — metrics-driven, KPI-focused businesses. But Sticks’n’Sushi is different. It has a deep-rooted cultural DNA, reflected in the way employees refer to things, how they speak with each other, and the words they use. McWin has bought into this.

Nick explains: “One example is that we refer to our staff as ‘fish’ and newcomers as ‘new fish joining the shoal.’ We have Japanese table numbers, so our staff have to learn basic Japanese to work here. Each restaurant has a wooden monkey, which is synonymous with almost every Danish household. If a child finds the wooden monkey in one of our restaurants, they are rewarded with a chocolate fish.”

As a result, staff retention at Sticks’n’Sushi is better than many other high-street restaurant chains.

“We find that the people who stay with us are curious,” Nick concludes. “They love the detail they have to learn. We need our ‘fish’ to know every element of every dish on the menu, plus the origins of where the ingredients have come from.”

“There are restaurant jobs that are much simpler for the same wage, but if you’re fascinated by cultural rituals and have a desire to understand the food you’re serving, then Sticks’n’Sushi is such a rewarding place to work.”

Final thought

In a world where rapid growth often leads to cultural dilution, Sticks’n’Sushi demonstrates that with the right leadership, growth and heritage can thrive together. 

By investing in coaching-led leadership development, the brand ensures that its cultural identity remains strong as it expands. It’s a powerful reminder that scaling fast doesn’t mean losing sight of what makes a brand unique — it’s about nurturing leaders who can grow both the business and its culture.

In today’s business landscape, we’re finding that 90% of our conversations with clients revolve around transformation and restructuring. 

Whether it’s reshaping business models, reorganising structures, downsizing, consolidating, or expanding into new markets, the pressure to adapt is significant. 

Navigating these changes and unlocking the power of leadership to guide through uncertainty with clarity and empathy plays a critical role in helping businesses not only survive but thrive.

To share some insights on the crucial role leaders can play, we turned to Steve Jefferys, one of our experienced executive coaches. With hands-on leadership experience at global marketing agencies including Proximity London, Kitcatt Nohr, and Havas Helia, Steve offers his perspective on how leaders can steer their teams through complex times.

Here are his top tips for leading through change.

Market conditions – both pre and post President Trump’s global tariffs – are providing an uncertain canvas in which many businesses are having to operate, adapt to and survive within. 

The human impact of this is far-reaching with restructures in response throwing certainty to chaos – with redundancies, role changes and areas of priority and focus having to pivot; almost overnight.

And while the change itself is hard enough to contend with, those left behind to make sense of their new landscape often do so without the safety net of the familiar –  long-established colleagues, team dynamics or leadership structures. 

That’s where leaders need to step in – and step up. 

In times of uncertainty, investing time, space and resources into people in the rocky times will be an investment worth making in the long-run. People remember and stand by those who heard them, supported them and stood by them – ensuring their long-term commitment and loyalty. 

There is no better time to get your leadership reps in than when the winds of change are blowing, and new ground is being broken.

There are three important strategies  to help you along the way in navigating this.

1. Invest time in just ‘being’ with your people

Time with your people with no agenda is not wasted, fruitless time. 

The best conversations happen when there is no fixed agenda or purpose. The knack, though, is in holding the line and allowing the time and space for this to feel a normal, safe and constructive environment. 

What do I mean by this? Go for a walk with your team members and just see where the conversation goes. If you’re remote, both walk and plug your earphones in over a phone call. Get away from a Teams screen. Don’t have a pen and paper anywhere in sight. 

Hear about what’s happening for them, what’s important to them and how things are being said. It’s amazing how many clues and insights you can gather to revisit and probe on in the moment, or at a later date. 

It’s interesting how often  the best insights from people come from that last moment – when you’re in the lift back up to the office and they casually mention something that’s crucially important to them.

Those casual moments can unlock a new way of helping them, or understand what’s really going on. All because they’ve been allowed the space to do so. 

Giving your people the gift of time and space – with no agenda – in times of flux is invaluable. 

Not only will you gain valuable insight, you’ll also strengthen trust and credibility. 

2. Tell people what you’re going to tell them. Tell them. Then tell them what you’ve told them.

Communication. 

When things are changing, tell people clearly, promptly and in a variety of ‘channels’. 

Never assume the first touchpoint does all the heavy-lifting. People hear different things in different ways and messages cut through at different times.

Be mindful of this. 

Communicate messages clearly and with authority in group settings, then ensure these messages are pushed home in one-to-one communications (meetings, emails, phone calls. Sometimes all three). 

Allow space for people to absorb new information, be aware of who your reflectors are and who are likely to have questions and ideas in the moment. 

Allow space for all communication styles and invite comments and opinions. 

After which, calmly acknowledge and address these in follow-up communications. It holds an authentic line. 

Adopting this approach will ensure you have a consistent thread of authority.

Even if the message you convey can’t deliver certainty, you can underline your credentials by being clear and authentic with your teams. 

And they’ll value and appreciate that.

3. Hold space for people to help themselves – instead of diving in to solve it for them.

People will build more and better resilience and capability if they are given space and time to develop it on their own terms and in their own way. 

As leaders, it’s our job to provide the environment where this becomes the rule, not the exception. 

This needs a mindset shift from:

‘I need them to get this done well now’ to 

‘I want them to become competent and capable based on what works for them –  their skills, learning pace, and even the mistakes they’ll make along the way’. 

Promoting empowerment not only builds stronger people, it underscores the trust they have in their leaders, and ensures they feel a valued part of the team because of who they are as well as what they deliver. 

And, as leaders, it’s essential to step back and allow others to take charge of their own growth. 

This enables leaders to guide from a distance while fostering trust and development.

While this isn’t a one-stop shop to ensure a seamless journey through the tougher times, the three strategies here do provide the keys to unlock a number of hidden doors in the weeds of business life, irrespective of industry. 

And while the choppier seas may take a while to calm, your ability as a skipper to tend the tiller will grow the more time you spend with your crew.

And they won’t forget you, either.

Your Turn

How are you ensuring that your leadership approach supports your team in navigating times of change? 

Reflect on these three strategies and consider how to integrate them into your leadership style.

How are retailers adapting to change and using AI to support the tools required to build resilience and navigate increased financial pressures? 

Changing market conditions and operational challenges are squeezing popular UK high-street retail brands. Many feel compelled to choose between shutting stores or restructuring their senior leadership, with some even opting for both. 

The situation hasn’t been helped by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ decision to raise employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) from 13.8% to 15%, effective next month (April 2025). 

The increase in NICs, revealed by the UK Government during its last Budget, has added substantial financial pressure on retailers, who are already grappling with rising operational costs and shifts in consumer behaviour. So much so that 81 retail CEOs wrote to the Chancellor in November to warn that her NIC hike would cost the retail sector an additional £2.3 billion.

However, the dam holding back the tides of change for high-street retail started leaking long before Reeves took her seat on the front bench of the House of Commons. 

Several of Mindbeat’s retail clients have been restructuring their UK operations since the end of the Covid pandemic in a bid to cut costs amid uncertainties around trade recovery, supply chains, and inflation. 

According to Mindbeat’s Partnerships Director, Val Kessell, retailers understand that they can’t keep shutting stores because they remain key revenue drivers. So, cost-cutting measures need to be part of broader organisational change instead. 

But what does that involve? And how can coaching help?

For one retailer, it may mean re-shaping functional structures, like combining digital teams with IT and giving senior leaders broader responsibilities outside their fields of expertise. This strategy asks for more multidimensional leadership. 

For others, it could see brand portfolio consolidation or transitioning manufacturing abroad to benefit from the diversity of labour and associated cost savings. 

The common theme, however, is ‘change’, and in times of transition and disruption, retailers require the tools to build resilience, support teams, and return their businesses to high performance. 

Val explains: “Coaching provides a vital holding space to emotionally work through what change means to somebody facing significant role changes or redundancy. It also helps those with new roles to reconnect the organisational dots and understand the new company landscape. 

“If onboarding new talent is taking place outside of the UK, coaching can help induct someone into a British company culture. We support both staff being outplaced, the onboarding of new hires, and those remaining team members who may feel insecure, demotivated, or unclear of the pathway back to high performance.”

A cost-effective way of helping financially-strapped retailers through organisational change is to blend one-to-one and group sessions with AI coaching support. 

AI-powered coaching allows for questions with non-judgemental responses and for leaders to role-play difficult conversations or scenarios anywhere, anytime and on any device. 

For example, AI coaching could help a senior leader practice a difficult upcoming redundancy conversation. By role-playing different scenarios with AI, the leader is better prepared for how the realm conversation may play out, leading to a more empathetic and productive exchange with the affected team members. 

By including AI coaching tools as part of modules designed to ‘Build Resilience in Times of Change’ or ‘Navigate Change within Teams, ’ Mindbeat empowers retailers to provide broader support and undivided attention to more people over longer periods – benefitting their wellbeing, retention and engagement. 

“It sends the right signal to leaders that despite the transitional change, the retail organisation is investing in the future of their professional development, getting them back on track, and supporting them for the way forward,” Val concludes. 

So whether it’s supporting an organisational restructure, managing redundancies, talent retention, or just providing a holding space for clear strategic thinking, Mindbeat is helping British retail beat the financial squeeze – ensuring it’s fit for a future, which has AI embedded at its core. 

If you’re a retail leader looking to navigate change and build resilience within your team, reach out to our Partnerships Director, [email protected] to learn how we can support your journey.

On 27th February, we’ll be bringing together Learning & Development (L&D) managers for a virtual event to discuss one of the most pressing workplace challenges – burnout – and exploring ways to combat it. Here we look at what causes burnout, the warning signs and what you can do to help.

As workloads pile up and uncertainty continues, employees are feeling the pressure more than ever. With redundancies, tight budgets and constant change becoming the norm, the demand to do more with less has never been more real. The result? Exhaustion, disengagement, and a talent drain that businesses can’t afford to overlook.

L&D leaders have a key role to play in preventing burnout and creating a company culture that values well-being and balance. Recognising the early warning signs and taking proactive steps can make all the difference.

What’s causing employees to burn out?

Employees are facing a perfect storm of pressures, with multiple factors contributing to burnout across the workplace. Here’s a look at some of the causes:

Workloads spiralling out of control: Employees are being asked to do more due to redundancies and hiring freezes.

Budgets being squeezed: Tight budgets mean no extra hands to share the load.

Constant change and uncertainty: Restructures, shifting priorities, and economic stress create ongoing instability.

The ‘always-on’ culture: Technology has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, making it harder to switch off – especially in remote and hybrid setups.

Lack of recognition: When hard work goes unnoticed, motivation drops.

Unclear priorities: Ever-changing goals and expectations leave employees feeling lost and overwhelmed.

The warning signs

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight, but the signs are often glaring once you know what to look for. Here are a few red flags:

Increased absences: More sick days or staff struggling to complete tasks on time.

Drop in productivity: More mistakes, slower work, and a general decline in quality.

Disengagement: A once-motivated employee becoming withdrawn or indifferent.

Emotional shifts: Rising frustration, anxiety, or tension in everyday interactions.

Avoidance of collaboration: Pulling back from meetings, team discussions, or projects.

Physical symptoms: Complaints of headaches, exhaustion, or sleep issues linked to stress.

What L&D leaders can do to help

L&D leaders aren’t just in a position to manage burnout when it happens, they can help build a workplace culture that prevents it. Here’s how you can lead the way:

Push for realistic workloads: Advocate for fair task distribution and challenge unrealistic demands.

Equip employees with time management skills: Help teams prioritise effectively to avoid overwhelm.

Encourage healthy boundaries: Create a culture where late-night emails and weekend work are exceptions, not the rule.

Train managers to recognise burnout: Provide leaders with the tools to spot stress and offer meaningful support.

Foster open conversations: Build an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing workload pressures.

Provide mental health support: Offer access to well-being resources, stress management training, and employee assistance programmes.

Recognise and reward effort: A simple ‘thank you’ or public recognition can go a long way in making employees feel valued.

By addressing burnout at its roots businesses don’t just retain talent, they create a culture where people can truly thrive. The cost of ignoring it? A workforce running on empty, with a business that suffers as a result.

Join us at our virtual event – The Burnout Cure: Strengthening Workplace Relationships – on 27th February from 12 pm to 1.30 pm (GMT) to learn more.

To secure your place, register here.

Johanna H. Lundgren, an ICF-certified executive coach with over 15 years of experience, will discuss her concept of Relationship Debt and its impact on employee burnout as part of our virtual event on 27 February. In this article, we introduce the idea, and how effective leadership ensures that  Relationship Debt doesn’t spiral out of control. 

Burnout has become a significant concern in the workplace, with alarming statistics highlighting its widespread impact. According to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2025, 91% of adults in the UK reported experiencing high or extreme stress over the past year. One in five employees has taken time off work due to stress-related burnout, with younger workers (aged 18–24) being the most affected. Despite the severity of the issue, many employees remain hesitant to discuss their struggles with managers, which further exacerbates the problem.

While much of the discourse around burnout centres on excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and insufficient resources, Relationship Debt is a new concept that highlights a significant yet often overlooked factor: Interpersonal Dynamics. 

ICF-certified executive coach Johanna H Lundgren introduced the concept of Relationship Debt in her recent research paper, Relationship Debt and Its Impact on Employee Burnout in Private Western Technology Companies

She suggests that Relationship Debt accumulates when workplace conflicts, broken promises, and unfair treatment go unresolved, making it increasingly difficult for employees to trust and collaborate. Heavy workloads and emotional exhaustion further contribute, leaving little energy to foster positive relationships. 

When communication falters and trust diminishes, these issues escalate, resulting in stress, burnout, and disengagement. Over time, teams struggle, productivity declines, and the workplace becomes toxic. Addressing Relationship Debt promptly through open discussions and fair treatment encourages a healthier and more supportive work environment.

Unlike workload stress, which is immediate and quantifiable, Relationship Debt accumulates gradually. It manifests through persistent, unresolved interpersonal tensions, ignored feedback, and employees feeling undervalued or unheard. Initially, these conflicts may seem minor, but over time, their cumulative effect can lead to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and disengagement—key precursors to burnout. 

Leaderships role in managing Relationship Debt 

Effective leadership ensures that Relationship Debt does not spiral out of control. In workplaces where leaders are proactive about resolving conflicts, fostering open communication, and creating an environment where employees feel valued and heard, the levels of Relationship Debt tend to be lower, and the risk of burnout is reduced. 

Leaders need to create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns, knowing that those concerns will be heard and addressed. When Relationship Debt is allowed to build, it erodes trust, and trust is the foundation of a healthy workplace culture.

Addressing Relationship Debt: A proactive approach

Addressing Relationship Debt is not just about employee well-being; it is a strategic imperative for organisations that aim to enhance productivity and sustain a healthy workplace culture. 

The good news is that Relationship Debt can be addressed, but it requires proactive leadership and a focus on rebuilding team trust and resilience. 

Johanna H Lundgren stresses the importance of early intervention – leaders need to tackle interpersonal conflicts before they escalate. This could involve regular one-on-ones, feedback sessions, or creating safe spaces where employees can voice concerns without fear of reprisal. 

Johanna H Lundgren will share more about how Relationship Debt impacts burnout and discuss practical strategies to rebuild trust and team resilience at our virtual event – The Burnout Cure: Strengthening Workplace Relationships, on 27th February from 12 pm to 1.30 pm (GMT).

To secure your place, register here.

A new year often brings change, which can be unsettling and requires strong, focused leadership. We asked five Mindbeat coaches what they would say to leaders being asked to implement transformation as part of organisational strategy in 2025. This is what they had to say. 

Mindbeat coach, Pam Kingsland

My top tips for driving a meaningful transformation are to ensure you start with defining a clear, compelling vision that resonates with all stakeholders. This vision should encapsulate the desired future state and guide all transformation efforts. It is also crucial to involve key stakeholders from the beginning. Their input, support, and buy-in are essential for successful transformation. Regular communication and transparency can help build trust and collaboration.

Where possible, use data to drive decisions. Gather insights from various sources to understand current challenges, identify opportunities, and measure progress. Data-driven strategies are more likely to be effective and sustainable. Ensure you retain flexibility and develop a flexible plan to adapt to changing circumstances. Set short-term goals to achieve quick wins, but remain open to adjustments as new information emerges.

Crucially, foster a culture of empowerment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute. Provide the necessary resources, training, and support to enable them to drive transformation initiatives. Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. Regularly assess and refine strategies, processes, and practices to ensure ongoing growth and development.

Finally, celebrate successes! Recognise and celebrate achievements, both big and small. Celebrations can boost morale, reinforce positive behaviour, and maintain momentum throughout the transformation journey.

Mindbeat Coach, Gill Simpson 

When leading change, we often focus exclusively on the future, inspired by the possibilities and eagerness to engage others with a vision of what lies ahead. However, this can lead us to overlook an essential aspect: acknowledging what people are being asked to give up and leave behind. 

Without addressing what is ending, individuals may remain attached to existing ways of doing things, relationships and dynamics. If they feel ‘forced’ into new approaches, these attachments may resurface later, manifesting as resistance, defensiveness, and frustration. 

Take time to reflect—both as a leader and with your teams—on what is coming to an end and what needs to be let go of. What would a thoughtful and meaningful ending look like for this chapter? 

Only by fully closing one chapter can you release the energy needed to move forward into the next.

Mindbeat coach, Colleen Lightbody

In December I travelled to Antarctica, the coldest, driest, highest, windiest, most inhospitable and most beautiful continent on the earth, To get there, you have to cross the feared and treacherous Drake Passage. A two-day crossing over a stretch of wild water (pictured) facing the ‘Roaring Forties’, ‘Furious Fifties’, and ‘Screaming Sixties’ (40, 50 and 60 degrees latitude), swift currents and colossal waves. Fortunately, we had an unflappable captain. Captain Todd McBain.

2025 already feels like being on the Drake Passage. Dramatic and rapid tech advancements, unexpected shifting social norms, significant global challenges and complexity – if ever there was a moment that demands leadership, this is it.

Change requires wise navigation, is your leadership transformative, survivalist, or disastrous? Over 800 ships have met their demise in the Drake.

The human brain is wired for predictability and efficiency. When faced with the unprecedented pace of 2025, the brain can perceive change as a threat, triggering the amygdala’s fight-or-flight response.

Great Leaders never underestimate the impact that uncertainty has in creating primitive brain responses (think global pandemic and the shutting down of entire countries). So be like Captain McBain:

* Create Psychological Safety – open and reassuring communication from the bridge.

* Harness Neuroplasticity – he expected open and courageous mindsets to face the challenge

* Lead with Vision – we were constantly reminded of the magnificence of the destination

* Teamwork and bonding – we were encouraged to talk, support and feel like we owned a collective identity facing the dragon.

Captain, our Captain, transformed our experience of the Dreadful Drake! Be that Captain of your ship this year.

Mindbeat coach, Anita Sauvage

Leaders are the architects of an organisation’s future and that’s why they need to set a meaningful tone for its transformation path.

One element that will influence success is their ability to communicate the ‘what’, “why” and ‘how’ in a clear and understandable way. Without it, one might not get the employees’ buy-in.

Collaboration is also crucial to achieve great results. Encouraging cross-functional collaboration and enabling risk-taking will support a sense of belonging and promote harmony. This is an integral part of a transformational process.

But above all, leaders need to show that they are authentic and empathic (the foundations of Emotional Intelligence). A research by the Harvard Business Review found that leaders with high emotional competency are six times more likely to carry out successful transformation projects within their organisations. Their ability to manage emotions helps to improve communication, collaboration, but also conflict resolution or resistance to change.

Emotionally intelligent leaders know how to listen, inspire, create trust, guide and support their teams through the change process. They foster a more harmonious and motivating working environment, which is vital to create a meaningful and successful transformation.

Mindbeat coach, Gerard Delagarde

Having decided what change to aim for, leaders then have to drive it.  Arguably, that’s what they’ve always done – so why will the second quarter of this century require a different approach?  

Above all, because of digital technology. Whilst that’s not new, the reach and capacity of AI, machine learning, and automation will present new opportunities and risks, significantly surpassing even 2024. Leveraging the opportunities will be part of most businesses’ transformational goals.  It should also be part of how they drive those goals – as a tool for agile innovation and enhanced communication, informed decision-making, and evaluation of progress.  

The leader’s role is to develop, inspire and empower others to identify and implement such enhancements. Managers can’t assume that everyone understands the potential of AI for example, even amongst young people. This means (a) encouraging growth mindsets by promoting continuous learning and investing in employee development programmes and (b) creating an environment where creativity and experimentation are valued.  

What will distinguish transformational leaders is their ability to do all the above, including using AI, whilst still communicating with human empathy and authentic passion.   

Mindbeat coach, Tariq Janmohamed

Support the emotional journey during the transformation.  Even if people are bought in and support the change in principle, they will likely experience a range of emotions during the transformation before finally accepting and succeeding in the new environment (or in some cases deciding to leave).  Acknowledging and supporting those emotions therefore eases the transformation journey.  This can be done in a variety of ways including facilitated plenary sessions, smaller group sessions or if necessary, one-to-one support.

Generate short-term wins.  If people see some of the benefits of transformation quickly then it will likely lead to a virtuous cycle in which the change can be more easily, swiftly and successfully instituted.

 

Did you know that 15-20% of employees worldwide are neurodiverse? Despite this, many still face significant challenges in workplaces that aren’t designed with their needs in mind.

“People aren’t well-informed about neurodivergence,” says neuroscientist-turned-executive-coach, Vida Skreb. “Most people aren’t educated on the topic. They need the right support and tools to help them understand it better.”

Drawing on her scientific expertise and personal experience as a neurodivergent person, Vida coaches companies on building environments where neurodivergent employees can truly thrive. 

In this Q&A, she shares practical insights into how businesses can create inclusive workplaces where everyone can do their best work and enjoy the benefits of a more diverse, engaged team.

How would you describe neurodivergence in simple terms?

Neurodivergence is just a natural variation in how human brains are built, and it’s genetic. It’s not a problem or disorder, it’s a different way of processing the world. The key thing to understand is that neurodivergent individuals often have ‘spiky profiles’, meaning they excel in certain areas but may find others more challenging. For example, someone might have extraordinary creative thinking but struggle with starting tasks.

What challenges do neurodivergent people face in the workplace?

Around 15-20% of people are neurodivergent, so while it’s a large group, it’s still a minority. That means the world – including workplaces – isn’t typically designed with them in mind.

Neurodivergent individuals often have to adapt constantly, which can be exhausting. It’s a bit like living in a foreign country, speaking a foreign language, all of the time. This ‘masking’ process can lead to feelings of shame, misunderstanding, and burnout.

Can you share an example of a situation where you have faced challenges in the workplace as a neurodivergent person?

Hot desking was very difficult for me. I was completely disoriented. The noise, people passing by, and not knowing where my things were made it hard to focus and work. I ended up secretly going home to do the work, and then coming back for client meetings. I was lucky to live close enough to make that possible. But I didn’t feel comfortable admitting that I couldn’t work in a hot desking situation. The embarrassment of saying that was huge. This shows how some things that may seem easy for others can be incredibly difficult for neurodiverse people.

What are some simple adjustments workplaces can make to support neurodivergent employees?

Adjusting for neurodivergence doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Quite often, it’s minor things that need to be a little bit different to make life much easier, such as:

  1. Provide noise-cancelling headsets and quieter workspaces for those with sensitivity to sound
  2. Avoid harsh fluorescent lighting or create areas with adjustable lighting for those sensitive to light
  3. Encourage open communication.  People must feel safe enough to share their needs without fear of judgment. Once that communication is open, you can make tailored adjustments that don’t require significant effort or resources.

How can coaching help neurodivergent individuals and their teams?

Coaching is helpful on two levels:

  1. It helps neurodivergent individuals develop self-awareness and self-acceptance, reducing the shame they might feel from being misunderstood or judged.
  2. It provides practical strategies to harness their strengths while managing challenges. This might include using specific apps, adjusting workflows, or finding ways to work that align better with their natural preferences.

How can leaders create a culture that supports neurodivergent employees?

It all starts with understanding and acceptance. A workplace culture that encourages open communication, curiosity, and non-judgment is essential. The goal isn’t to focus on labels but to understand how individuals work best.

Ask individuals about their needs, trust their responses, and don’t assume difficulties are exaggerated. Neurodivergence doesn’t always look like what we expect. Once leaders embrace this, they can unlock the full potential of their neurodivergent team members, leveraging their creativity, innovation, and unique strengths to benefit everyone.

Many companies still hesitate to hire neurodivergent individuals. What would you say to them?

There’s a reason we’re all a little bit different, each of us has something unique to contribute to the whole. Everyone brings a different perspective and strength. If leaders can leverage those strengths and build good communication, rather than trying to make everyone fit in and conform, there’s a huge benefit for both the organisation and its culture.

How can companies make the recruitment process more inclusive for neurodivergent candidates? 

I think it’s about running the whole process through the lens of neurodivergence. Things that help include:

  1. Using clear, direct language,
  2. Setting clear role expectations
  3. Highlighting that the workplace is welcoming and open to discussing neurodivergence, even though many people may choose not to disclose it.

When it comes to interviews, not everyone has the skill set to perform well in them. The same goes for tests. Consider practical assessments or work assignments instead to see if the person can actually do the job. This way, you’re focusing on their ability to perform the role, rather than how they might present in an interview or test. 

Does remote working make things harder for neurodivergent people?

The answer is yes and no. For many neurodivergent people, flexible working is beneficial because it allows them to adjust their environment, social needs, and tasks, helping them do a great job with that little bit of freedom. However, some people really need the buzz of the office, the connection, communication, and the ability to ask for help and build relationships. So, it’s all about figuring out what works for each person and navigating the workplace to optimise for it.

The start of a new year is a great time to motivate and energise teams. Any tips for doing this effectively?

Absolutely, what’s often overlooked is not leveraging strengths. Generally, we’re used to looking for what’s not working instead of strengthening what is working.

So I think in motivating others, there’s something in really picking up on what they are great at, what they are interested in, and honing those skills.

Any final thoughts for companies and leaders wanting to create a more inclusive workplace?

Adjusting for neurodivergence doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Often, it’s about small changes and creating an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

When you prioritise understanding, communication, and flexibility, the benefits – for individuals and the organisation – are immense.

Our experienced trainers and coaches can help neurodiverse people flourish in your organisation. Get in touch to find out how. 

Mindbeat was proud to support Save the Children UK’s Christmas Jumper Day 2024.

Didn’t we all look fabulously festive!

To find out how your workplace can make the world a better place with a sweater on, visit: https://lnkd.in/dch_AGW

World Metal Health Day took place earlier this month, themed around workplace mental health. Mindbeat’s partnerships director, Val Kessell, looks at the role of group coaching in fostering a supportive and empathetic work environment. 

In recent years, mental health has emerged as a central focus in workplace wellness. Poor mental health can affect productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. So, fostering a culture that prioritises mental health is not just beneficial for employees, but for an organisation as a whole. 

Group coaching, in particular, is an effective tool to help both leaders and employees cultivate a supportive and empathetic work environment. According to the International Coaching Federation, group programmes can transform team dynamics, drive a positive workplace culture, and provide an ROI (return on investment) of up to seven times the cost. 

Understanding workplace mental health

Workplace mental health encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of employees. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave. When employees experience good mental health, they are more likely to handle work stress effectively, maintain positive relationships with colleagues, and contribute productively. Conversely, poor mental health can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and absenteeism.

The modern workplace is fast-paced, competitive, and often stressful. This makes it crucial to create environments where mental health is openly discussed and actively supported. Yet, many employees, particularly target-orientated employees, may feel uncomfortable speaking about their mental health concerns due to a fear of being judged.

Group coaching provides a structured environment where employees and leaders can come together to build supportive relationships, improve communication skills, and address mental health concerns collaboratively. 

Unlike one-on-one coaching, group coaching involves small groups of individuals working through common challenges together. It encourages open dialogue, trust, and shared problem-solving, which are all vital components of a positive workplace culture.

Effective and empathetic communication

One of the primary benefits of group coaching is its focus on communication, both from leaders and between colleagues. Communication in the workplace is often task-oriented, leaving little room for emotional and empathetic interactions. Group online coaching sessions, however, emphasise the importance of both effective and empathetic communication, which is crucial for addressing mental health.

Leaders and employees alike are taught to listen actively, express understanding, and communicate in ways that promote emotional safety. For instance, instead of reacting to stress or conflict with frustration or impatience, leaders can learn to approach situations with empathy, asking open-ended questions and offering support where needed.

Empathetic communication encourages employees to voice their concerns without fear of judgment, helping to create an environment where mental health challenges can be addressed before they escalate. It also fosters mutual respect and understanding, both of which are key to building trust within teams.

Spotting signs of mental health issues

A crucial aspect of mental health awareness is learning how to recognise when a colleague may be struggling. Digital coaching can provide leaders and employees with the tools to spot early signs of mental health issues in themselves and others.

Some common signs include:

  • Withdrawal from colleagues or a noticeable decrease in social interaction.
  • Changes in work performance, such as a drop in productivity, missed deadlines, or increased absenteeism.
  • Emotional changes, such as irritability, mood swings, or uncharacteristic behaviour.
  • Physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, or frequent illness, may indicate stress or burnout.

Group coaching often focuses on raising awareness of these signs and discussing strategies for supporting a colleague in a non-invasive, respectful manner. 

Leaders are trained to approach the individual privately, offering help rather than making assumptions. Creating an open culture where employees know they are supported is crucial in managing workplace mental health effectively.

The benefits of group coaching for leaders

Leaders play a critical role in setting the tone for workplace culture. Through coaching, they can develop the emotional intelligence necessary to manage their teams more effectively. 

Group coaching helps leaders:

  • Improve emotional regulation: Leaders learn how to manage their own emotions in stressful situations, preventing reactive behaviour that can negatively impact team morale.
  • Develop active listening skills: By learning how to truly listen to employees’ concerns, leaders can address issues before they become larger problems.
  • Foster inclusivity and trust: Leaders who are empathetic and supportive create an environment where employees feel valued and respected. This inclusivity strengthens team cohesion and fosters open communication.

Group coaching also encourages leaders to model vulnerability and self-care, which normalises the idea that everyone, including those in leadership roles, can experience mental health challenges. This can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage employees to seek help when needed.

Creating a positive and safe workplace culture

Group coaching fosters a workplace culture where mental health is valued and protected. This culture encourages open communication, reduces the stigma surrounding mental health, and provides employees with the tools they need to thrive. 

When both leaders and employees are equipped with the skills to communicate empathetically and address mental health proactively, it creates a workplace that feels safe, supportive, and conducive to both personal and professional growth.

Mindbeat held its inaugural L&D Manager Networking Event at the end of last month to help attendees create strategies to strengthen their leadership fundamentals. 

A dozen L&D Managers from brands such as Costa Coffee, the BBC, Bloomsbury and Linklaters attended the breakfast session to hear insight, research, and some of the innovations currently being trialled within organisations. 

Some of the latest research discussed during the event included McKinsey’s ‘Reimagining people development to overcome talent challenges’ report. It states that the most challenging imperatives to implement are ‘Providing a state-of-the-art learning experience’, ‘going leader-led’ and ‘empowering the learner’. 

Mindbeat’s two female co-founders Elisa Krantz and Joanne Payne showcased best practice examples of programmes that conquered these challenges, along with innovations like Deloitte’s use of AI, Walmart incorporating Augmented Reality into its leadership development training, and Standard Chartered’s Talent Market Place. 

Attendees then held group discussions around key issues and challenges and shared ideas and solutions. 

Mindbeat’s Joanne Payne says: “The energy in the group was great. Attendees appreciated spending time with other L&D Managers to discuss problems and challenges and hear ideas. We’re already planning a second one and I’m sure it will become a regular series of occasions where people can connect face-to-face.”