The 2020 InsideOut LeaderBoard

We are living through times that require strong leadership. Leaders who can step up and do the right thing for their organisations and their people. Leaders who we can look to at a time when we are feeling vulnerable, scared and uncertain about the future. Leaders who are role models.

We need role models right now

Never has their been a greater need for role models in relation to our mental health and wellbeing.

Social distancing, isolation, self-quarantine, loss of both social connections and routine will cause many of our employees to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for the first time. For those who already struggle with mental ill-health the situation may be amplified. Never have we more needed to see leaders who are open about the fact that they have a mental health challenge too and that it is OK to put your hand up and say:

I am struggling with my mental health right now and I need some help

Never more have we need to see our CEO's, CHRO's, CTO's, Founders, MP's, Vice Chancellors, Commissioners, Ministers, Generals and Bosses say:

It is OK. I struggle sometimes too.

Because when our leaders dare greatly and show this type of vulnerability it gives everyone else permission to do the same. And, boy, now more than ever we need that permission. We need to be able to fall and come back with greater self awareness. We need to feel comfortable in receiving support. We need that support to be available. We need strong leadership.

It is not 1 in 4 of us, it is all of us

We all have mental health and at times our mental health is challenged. Recognising that we all can struggle is the path to enlightenment. To a life where we can prioritise our wellbeing and promote positive mental health. To do this requires a positive workplace culture.

Without leadership engagement, this culture will be forever elusive.

"I’d love to see more CEOs and those in positions of leadership come out and talk about their mental health."

HRH the Duke of Cambridge

The InsideOut LeaderBoard

The LeaderBoard showcases senior leader role models who are open about their challenges of mental ill-health contributing to the movement of smashing the stigma.

The 2019 LeaderBoard featured 42 trailblazing role models. I am delighted to report that the 2020 LeaderBoard features 68 role models with lived or direct family member experience and 12 Allies who are making a difference on the mental health agenda. These are all new role models as we started at zero again. This growth in the LeaderBoard was really important for me to achieve. It is an indirect measure of stigma getting smashed.

It was also wonderful to see the ripple effect in full effect and I have seen some fabulous examples of the 2019 LeaderBoard inspiring 2020 role models to share their stories and advocate for positive change. Please take the time to have a look at these amazing humans who are literally saving lives. As my friend, Geoff McDonald, puts it:

Every story of mental ill-health shares is like a lifeboat being sent out to those who are suffering in silence.

Well, we have many more lifeboats patrolling our oceans right now.

I have been privileged to hear the stories of these 68 amazing humans over the last 12 months and I have been honoured to witness the actions that they are taking as a result of opening up. I am also very proud to see the impact that this is having on their workplaces and far beyond.

What next?

We will see a lot of activity on LinkedIn in the next few days. Please share with your networks and help these lifeboats reach the people who need help. Here are a few other things to think about:

1. We need UK role models for the 2021 LeaderBoard, Nominate or apply directly here. I would like to reach 80 role models with lived or family experience and 20 Allies.
2. We need role models for the 2020 US, Australian and European Leaderboards. Also nominate or apply here.
3. Watch this space for more territories coming online soon.
4. Think about signing up to the principles of the InsideOut Leadership Charter - 7 tangible actions that leaders and their organisations can sign up to. It is a strong commitment in these uncertain times.
5. InsideOut Role Models are available for panel events, roundtable and facilitated discussions. We are also able to offer this remotely via the InsideOut X platform. DM me for more detail. Think about this for Mental Health Awareness Week

View the full 2020 InsideOut LeaderBoard here.

Finally, I would like to thank my #wife, my #team at InsideOut and the 2020 Selection Panel.

Mostly, I would like to the all of the InsideOut Role Models for everything you do. You are needed more than ever now. Thank you.

Rob Stephenson, Founder of InsideOut