In this conversation, Stephen Sokoler unpacks the evolving definition of mental health and its impact on the modern workplace. As founder and CEO of Journey, Stephen challenges the outdated, reactive approach to mental well-being and calls for a proactive, daily integration of mental health practices into both our personal and professional lives.

He explores the mental cost of multitasking, the illusion of balance, and how burnout stems from environments that ignore the emotional lives of employees. From the stigma of older generations to the openness of today’s workforce, Stephen emphasizes how leadership can foster cultures of trust, support, and psychological safety.

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Additional Resources:

Stephen Sokoler Stephen is the Founder & CEO of Journey, the leading proactive mental health solution for modern companies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensokoler/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/

Key Takeaways:

1. Mental health isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about strengthening what’s already working.
2. The workplace should support your well-being every day, not just after burnout hits.
3. Multitasking isn’t efficiency — it’s emotional self-sabotage.
4. Leaders who model emotional openness create cultures of trust and resilience.
5. Proactive mental health is the new baseline for sustainable performance.