In this honest and vulnerable conversation, John Zettler and Alain Lefebvre dive into a topic that affects every workplace today: mental health. John opens up about his own recent struggles with stress and burnout, how it crept up over time, and what finally pushed him to take action. The discussion expands into the role of leaders in recognizing and supporting mental health—not just in themselves, but across their teams.

Whether you’re a senior executive, a frontline manager, or someone trying to balance all the roles life throws your way, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead with empathy.

What We Cover:

• John’s personal journey with stress, burnout, and seeking support

• How self-awareness tools can be a wake-up call

• Why vulnerability matters in leadership

• What signs leaders should look for in their teams

• Practical ways to open the door to supportive conversations

• The impact of trust and psychological safety in the workplace

• How leaders can model work-life balance

This Episode Is For You If:

• You feel like you’re carrying too much right now

• You want to support a team member who may be struggling

• You’re wondering how to bring more humanity into your leadership style

• You’re looking for practical, real-world advice on mental health in the workplace

Standout Moments:

"I was getting 17 out of 20 stress markers on the assessment I built for others. That’s when I knew I needed help too."

"We have to stop assuming disengagement means someone doesn’t care. It might mean they’re drowning."

"You can’t expect your team to open up if they don’t feel safe with you. Trust is the starting point."

Resources & Contact:Learn more about how Fairwinds Training helps leaders create psychologically safe, high-performing teams:
www.fairwindstraining.com
Contact: john@fairwindstraining.com | 902.818.9087

Thanks for listening. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with a colleague or leader in your network who might need to hear it today.