In this powerful episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong sits down with Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa and a judge for 'the mentl awards 2025'.
Filmed at the stunning Folly Brasserie – the official venue for this year’s awards – this conversation explores how mental health, leadership and culture intersect in a fast-paced, high-performing region like the UAE.
Leah shares deeply personal stories and professional insights, from managing burnout and leading with empathy to Cigna’s award-winning 5% pledge and why trust is at the heart of thriving workplaces.
Whether you're a CEO, people leader, or just passionate about wellbeing, this one is not to be missed.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and share if this conversation resonates with you.
🌟 LEARN MORE:
Enter the mentl awards 2025: mentlawards.com
CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome to Folly Brasserie & Leah Cotterill introduction
01:09 – What does mental health mean to Leah?
04:24 – How’s your mental health today?
06:56 – Balancing leadership and wellbeing as a CEO
09:15 – “I don’t have an off switch, but I have a dial” – managing energy
11:46 – Why executive coaching changed Leah’s leadership
13:43 – How becoming a parent reshaped her mindset
16:37 – Where leadership is failing (and how to fix it)
21:10 – What derails leaders? Lessons from psychological assessments
26:06 – UAE paradox: High energy, high burnout
30:10 – Cost of living, social isolation and the loneliness epidemic
32:38 – What employers must do differently
36:28 – Why some leaders still don’t believe wellbeing drives performance
39:07 – Inside Cigna’s 5% pledge and coaching initiative
51:35 – ROI of empathy and investing in people
58:54 – The power of niche mental health support
1:05:46 – Gen Z, wellbeing-first careers & the future of leadership
1:10:38 – Why wellbeing is not a compromise – it's a performance driver
1:13:02 – “Assume good intent. Be kind.” – Trust as the secret to culture
1:15:30 – Closing thanks & call to action for the mentl awards