Revolutionaries of Wellbeing: Breaking Burnout Culture
Revolutionaries of Wellbeing (ROW)
Times are tough right now, and nearly everyone is feeling the pressure - it’s universal. Whether you’re in a wellbeing role, a wellbeing champion, a people leader, or someone who believes wellbeing should and can be a core part of work, I hear you: the challenges are real and the cost is too high.
I’m Sarah McGuinness, founder and editor of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing (ROW) and a workplace wellbeing specialist with a background in psychology. I know firsthand what burnout feels like because I’ve been there. In 2020, I hit rock bottom, and recovery was a long road. Sharing my story opened my eyes to just how many others were fighting the same battle, and it became clear: something needed to change. That’s why I created ROW - to break burnout culture for good.
This podcast exists for you. If you’ve ever felt the burn of burnout or seen its impact on your team, this is your space to find support, solutions, and inspiration. With 57% of New Zealanders at high risk of burnout - and similar trends around the world - it’s clear we need fast, practical, evidence-based approaches. Each episode is designed to help you make a difference, with real stories, expert insights, and practical suggestions you can take away to improve the culture in your workplace and support your colleagues.
But it’s not just about burnout. We dive into the issues that matter most, like inclusivity, bullying, menopause, financial health, psychological safety, and more - all with the goal of helping you grow personally and professionally.
By tuning in, you’ll not only discover ways to boost your own wellbeing but also learn how to create lasting impact at work. And you’re not alone in this journey. ROW is a growing community of HR and health and safety professionals, people leaders, and wellbeing advocates just like you, working to transform workplace practices into real business success.
So join us as we tackle burnout culture and drive a revolution forward - one episode at a time. Together, we can do this.
I’m Sarah McGuinness, founder and editor of Revolutionaries of Wellbeing (ROW) and a workplace wellbeing specialist with a background in psychology. I know firsthand what burnout feels like because I’ve been there. In 2020, I hit rock bottom, and recovery was a long road. Sharing my story opened my eyes to just how many others were fighting the same battle, and it became clear: something needed to change. That’s why I created ROW - to break burnout culture for good.
This podcast exists for you. If you’ve ever felt the burn of burnout or seen its impact on your team, this is your space to find support, solutions, and inspiration. With 57% of New Zealanders at high risk of burnout - and similar trends around the world - it’s clear we need fast, practical, evidence-based approaches. Each episode is designed to help you make a difference, with real stories, expert insights, and practical suggestions you can take away to improve the culture in your workplace and support your colleagues.
But it’s not just about burnout. We dive into the issues that matter most, like inclusivity, bullying, menopause, financial health, psychological safety, and more - all with the goal of helping you grow personally and professionally.
By tuning in, you’ll not only discover ways to boost your own wellbeing but also learn how to create lasting impact at work. And you’re not alone in this journey. ROW is a growing community of HR and health and safety professionals, people leaders, and wellbeing advocates just like you, working to transform workplace practices into real business success.
So join us as we tackle burnout culture and drive a revolution forward - one episode at a time. Together, we can do this.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 2, 2023 • 40min
Episode 32: Case Study - Leading wellbeing through turbulence at Air New Zealand
In this episode, we’re joined by Liam Scopes, Air New Zealand’s Strategic Wellbeing Manager.
Few industries were as impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as air travel. International borders closed and the ability to move people and freight was significantly affected by the crisis.
Air New Zealand has been through a period of significant changes to its operations, headcount, and structure over the past few years. First, there was a rapid downsizing as the business shrank in response to the pandemic. And then, an equally rapid growth phase as normal operations resumed.
Liam shares his experience on the practicalities of managing the many wellbeing needs of a diverse, global organisation of around 10,000 employees through one of the most challenging periods imaginable.
So fasten your seatbelts and stow your bags as we talk about leading wellbeing through turbulent times.
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Apr 18, 2023 • 57min
Episode 31: Long Covid, disabilities and chronic illnesses
In this episode, we take a deep-dive on long Covid, hidden disabilities and chronic illnesses, and how workplaces can rethink work and be more supportive.
Invisible or hidden disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. They are typically chronic illnesses that impact day-to-day living. As many as one in 10 of us could have one.
They range from learning differences, deafness, autism, traumatic brain injury, bipolar disorder, diabetes, ADHD, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep disorders, and many more.
With Long Covid increasing, wellbeing managers are going to need to understand and plan for this emerging issue.
We're joined by UK-based disability advocate and author Ted Smith. Ted is the author of Hidden Disabilities and Conditions; Creating an Inclusive Workplace. Together, we discuss chronic illness management and how that impacts wellbeing in the workplace.
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Dec 6, 2022 • 42min
Episode 30: Yes, you can talk about mental health at work
Melissa Doman, a US-based Organizational Psychologist and author, joins the discussion to advocate for mental health conversations at work. She addresses common objections, like fear of saying the wrong thing, and outlines effective strategies for fostering supportive environments. Topics like combating wellbeing shaming, navigating toxic positivity, and promoting emotional maturity in the workplace are explored. Doman emphasizes the need for humanized leadership, encouraging open dialogues to enhance organizational health and employee wellbeing.
49 snips
Nov 1, 2022 • 31min
Episode 29: Defining wellbeing: what is it, how do we measure it, and where are we going as a profession?
In this discussion, Chris Jones, Chief Safety and Wellbeing Officer at Ara Poutama, shares his expertise on defining and measuring wellbeing in the workplace. He emphasizes that wellbeing goes beyond mere health and safety. Chris introduces frameworks like the dual continuum model and the PERMA framework to illustrate wellbeing's complexity. He also highlights the importance of supportive organizational systems, particularly in challenging environments like corrections, and discusses strategies to effectively promote wellbeing initiatives.
Oct 25, 2022 • 41min
Episode 28: Providing first-level workplace support for psychological trauma and PTSD
We’re delighted to be joined by Adele Saunders, Manager of Psychological Health and Wellbeing at St John. In this episode, we talk through the massive influence that managers and peers have in providing first-level mental health and psychosocial support, and insights from a workplace where things like psychological trauma and PTSD are real risks that need to be actively managed.
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Aug 16, 2022 • 32min
Episode 27: Inclusive wellbeing from a Māori worldview
Stacey Morrison, a prominent New Zealand broadcaster and author, discusses inclusive wellbeing from a Māori perspective. She emphasizes the significance of fostering a diverse workplace culture that enhances belonging and productivity. Stacey explores the power of karakia for unity and tackles misconceptions about wellbeing programs. Highlighting the importance of the Māori language and identity, she critiques cultural load in corporate settings. Through personal stories, she advocates for visibility and education on Māori perspectives, emphasizing the need for genuine engagement with cultural values.
Jul 29, 2022 • 38min
Episode 26: Inclusive wellbeing from a sexual and gender identities perspective
Over the next little while, we’ll be exploring diversity and inclusion as part of our podcast series. This episode explores inclusive wellbeing from a sexual and gender identity perspective.
When it comes to workplace wellbeing, inclusivity is important. An inclusive, diverse workplace culture fosters a sense of belonging, safety, and purpose for employees, which in turn helps to increase wellbeing and productivity. It improves social connectedness and belonging; and reduces discrimination, prejudice and harassment. It supports people to bring their whole self to work.
Joining us is José Taiapa from Rainbow Tick. Rainbow Tick is about accepting and valuing people in the workplace, and embracing the diversity of sexual and gender identities. A supportive work environment that is accepting of peoples’ differences benefits everybody in your organisation.
We’ll be exploring some of the cornerstones of wellbeing from this perspective, along with barriers and myths in the workplace and the actions workplaces can take to ensure wellbeing programs are truly inclusive.
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Mar 29, 2022 • 45min
Episode 25: Managing psychosocial risk at work
In this conversation, Professor Bevan Catley from Massey University sheds light on psychosocial risk factors in the workplace. He discusses how the pandemic has transformed these risks and the vital role organizations play in addressing them. Drawing from the New Zealand Barometer research, Bevan offers insights into creating holistic wellbeing strategies that go beyond superficial solutions. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, improved management practices, and frameworks like ISO 45003 to foster a thriving workplace culture.
Dec 1, 2021 • 41min
Episode 24: How to build mental health literacy with Jimi Hunt
In this episode, we're joined by mental health advocate Jimi Hunt to explore the concept of 'mental health literacy' and why language matters.
While mental health awareness has improved over the years - there is still a gap between knowing about mental health and taking actions towards better mental health.
We discuss how to obtain and maintain positive mental wellness, how to understand mental health problems and seek support, and how to decrease stigma in the workplace.
Our guest: Jimi Hunt
Jimi is the co-founder of the charity Live More Awesome and is most well known for his work in reducing the stigma around mental health in a distinctly colourful way. He is a Guinness World Record holder, two times TEDx speaker, a regular panellist on morning radio/TV shows and has been the subject of a documentary and two feature episodes of a major US Network show highlighting his unique and highly successful exploits into raising awareness of mental health.
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Nov 16, 2021 • 34min
Episode 23: Case study - wellbeing at Mitre 10
In this interview, we take a look at a workplace wellbeing case study. Our guest is Nicky Primrose, Health, Safety & Wellbeing Business Partner at Mitre 10.
Mitre 10 has been a part of New Zealand's home improvement culture since 1974. It is New Zealand-owned and operated, and is New Zealand's largest home improvement and garden retailer.
As a co-operative spread from Kaitaia to Invercargill, Mitre 10 is committed to the wellbeing of its team of over 5,000 people.
Of course, recent events with COVID-19 have meant the operations support team has needed to come up with new and innovative ways to support their people, manage risk and sustain the business.
Nicky shares the Mitre 10 wellbeing journey, including insights, lessons learned, and what's ahead for the community-minded business.
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