Supporting introverts in engineering teams (Brad Jayakody | Pleo)

Mental Health at Work Podcast | Oliva features company leaders & employees sharing the mental health stories that shaped them and their workplaces.

?? Subscribe to this biweekly newsletter to receive each new episode as it’s released.

?? Want to be a guest on the pod? Get in touch with Simon Dumont.

In this episode...

Having worked in tech for over 25 years, Brad Jayakody knows the unique mental health challenges engineers face in a dispersed, often introverted, team. So when an employee comes to him wanting to talk, he clears his calendar.

A vocal wellbeing advocate at work and beyond, he regularly volunteers as a mental health first responder at Burning Man—in between playing with the flamethrowers. The experience has taught him that it’s not about solving people’s issues. It’s about being there in the first place.

You’ll hear how Brad’s volunteering helps him lead his engineering team with honesty & empathy, the best ways to offer feedback in a remote workplace, why knowing your limits is key to protecting your own wellbeing.

Listen right here ??

Want to listen elsewhere?

About the guest

Brad Jayakody is VP of Engineering at Pleo . He started volunteering aged eight and continues to give back wherever he can, always with a mental health focus. He’s previously led engineering teams at Motorway , Smart Pension , and Expedia Group .

Are you a senior leader, HR person, or manager?

Check out Tough Conversations: a content platform by Oliva for managers & HR folks who want to get the hard stuff right.

Learn how to navigate sensitive topics like salary chats, periods & work, letting people go, and much more ??