Truth, Lies, and Work is an award-winning psychology podcast from the HubSpot Podcast Network, hosted by Chartered Occupational Psychologist Leanne Elliott and business owner Al Elliott.

This episode is part of our Unfiltered Series, where we bring you the full, unedited conversations with the greatest minds shaping workplace culture today.

Previously, we featured Rory Sutherland and Professor John Amaechi—two giants in their fields. Now, we’re thrilled to present Professor Sir Cary Cooper, one of the world’s leading experts in organizational psychology and workplace well-being.

🗓️ Episode Overview:

Professor Sir Cary Cooper shares his unparalleled insights on workplace well-being, financial health, and effective leadership. From redefining the role of line managers to fostering open conversations around financial stress, Sir Cary offers actionable advice for businesses looking to build healthier, more productive workplace cultures.

This unfiltered episode includes exclusive content not featured in our previous conversations with Sir Cary, providing an in-depth look at his groundbreaking work.

🎧 Key Topics Covered:

The True Cost of Financial Insecurity

• How financial stress affects employee productivity, mental health, and overall well-being.
• Why organizations must address financial health as part of their duty of care.

Fixing Line Management

• Sir Cary discusses the critical role of line managers in supporting employee well-being.
• The importance of emotional intelligence and people skills in management.

Creating Open Cultures

• Breaking down the stigma around financial and mental health conversations at work.
• How open communication and empathetic leadership can transform workplace dynamics.

Evidence-Based Interventions

• Insights from the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work’s financial well-being report.
• Real-world examples of organizations implementing strategic well-being programs.

The Future of Work

• How younger generations are reshaping workplace expectations.
• Why organizations must adapt to attract and retain Gen Z talent.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Addressing financial well-being isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.
• Emotionally intelligent managers are essential for fostering trust and openness.
• Employee voices must guide organizational changes for well-being initiatives to succeed.

🎧 What’s Next in the Series:

Join us next week for the fourth episode in our Unfiltered series, featuring an unmissable conversation with Dr. Audrey Tang. We’ll explore leadership, resilience, and how to build lasting workplace cultures.

💡 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Find the financial well-being report from the National Forum for Health and Wellbeing at Work in the show notes—it’s free to download and packed with actionable insights.

General Support with Mental Health and Well-being

If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful.

Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World)

Connect with Al and Leanne

Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/

Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/

Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne

Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com

Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://oblonghq.com/book/