Depression in the Workplace: How Geoff Is Breaking Stigma and Inspiring Change

What happens when a top corporate leader opens up about depression? For Geoff McDonald, a former global vice president at Unilever, sharing his story became the catalyst for breaking stigma and inspiring change in workplaces around the world.

In this powerful episode, Geoff discusses his own experience with anxiety and depression, the tragic loss of a friend to suicide, and why silence around mental illness is deadly. He also shares how a chance moment with then–Prime Minister David Cameron led him to the Royal Family’s Heads Together campaign, and how he now leads the Minds@Work Movement, helping companies prioritize mental health.

Geoff’s story is a reminder that talking about depression doesn’t just save lives—it transforms cultures, families, and workplaces.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Geoff’s personal experience with depression and panic attacks
• How stigma prevented his friend from getting help—and led to suicide
• Why talking about mental illness openly saves lives
• The role of business leaders in breaking stigma at work
• How Geoff influenced the UK’s Heads Together campaign
• Creating mentally healthy workplaces through the Minds@Work Movement
• Purpose, vulnerability, and the power of sharing stories

Timestamps:

00:10 Introduction to depression and stigma
 01:11 How Lady Gaga, Prince William, and Prince Harry opened conversations on mental health
 02:17 Geoff’s chance meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron
 03:27 Advising the Royal Family’s Heads Together campaign
 03:47 Why conversations about depression matter in the workplace
 04:47 Geoff’s personal struggle with depression and panic attacks
 05:22 The stigma that cost a friend’s life to suicide
 06:04 Why stigma kills—and how sharing saves lives
 06:36 Depression touches everyone, including workplaces
 06:50 Why employees still fear asking for help at work
 07:17 Geoff’s journey from corporate VP to mental health advocate
 08:05 The Minds@Work Movement and building healthy workplaces
 08:56 Closing reflections and gratitude

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