Transcription

Welcome back to another episode of Supercharge Your Soul’s Transformation podcast.

Today, we are tackling a topic that’s key to both personal well-being and workplace success: how leadership can elevate employee engagement and mental health.

We know that great leaders do more than just push for performance. They foster a culture where people feel valued, connected, and supported. But how can leaders, especially in today’s fast-paced world, really make that shift?

To help us break it down, I am so excited to announce our guest, who is here for the second time today. I have interviewed him in the past, and his name is Ebrima Abraham Sisay. He’s the founder and Chief Empathy Officer at Freedom Project, a multicultural impact creative agency on a mission to guide a billion people to mental health breakthroughs, all with a unique twist.

Abraham has an incredible background, having worked as a fractional marketing and distribution executive for startups and creating content for big names like Marvel Studios, Shake Shack, and Uber. He’s also deeply passionate about mental health, responsible AI, and healthcare, and has been creating powerful storytelling experiences. So welcome to the show, Ebrima!

“I’m so excited that you’re here today for the second time in a row.”

“Yeah, thanks for having me. I feel like I’m a whole different person since the last time we spoke, so I’m excited to hear your story as well and everything new in your life.”

“Of course! We loved having you the first time when you shared your story. I think most men don’t want to speak up about mental health, and that’s why we brought you back on the show. Every time a guy can just open up and express his feelings about mental health, it’s a big deal, right?”

“Absolutely. I actually just had an opportunity a week ago to ask the Lieutenant Governor of Missouri about the mental health crisis in our state because it’s really bad here. Missouri ranks 50th when it comes to access to mental health care, and it’s a serious issue. When I asked him about it, he admitted that he and his office are learning to accept mental health as a priority, which was an honest and refreshing answer. The stigma around mental health is still huge, and while we’re talking about awareness, we need to focus on the real action that’s needed.”

“Exactly! In my world, I’ve been talking a lot about mental health, especially in the workplace. Leadership plays such a huge role in how teams perform and, more importantly, how they feel. When people are burnt out or disengaged, it shows in their work. So, how can leaders take things to the next level and keep their teams productive and genuinely well? I want to hear your thoughts on this and also about your new endeavor!”

“Thank you for the question. To answer it, we need to establish the problem first. We have multiple generations working together—Gen Z, millennials, and others—all being managed by people who might not be fully prepared to lead such a diverse workforce. Almost 70% of employee engagement is determined by front-line managers, which is a stat from Gallup. So, the responsibility of employee happiness largely falls on these managers, not the CEO or executives. If the managers are burnt out, the employees will be too, and that leads to issues like quiet quitting and disengagement. Corporate America is starting to talk about it, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

“I’ve seen exactly what you’re describing while teaching yoga in tech companies. Most managers come to yoga because they are burnt out. If they’re not well, how can they help their teams? Do you think there’s a direct link between how a leader operates and the overall well-being of their team?”

“Absolutely! The culture a leader sets directly impacts their team’s well-being. Leaders need to create a strong, flexible culture that allows managers to bring their own style while maintaining a solid foundation. If a leader is rigid and forces a vision that doesn’t resonate with the team, it leads to burnout. Employees start to check out because they don’t believe in the vision, and that’s when toxic environments emerge.”

“That makes so much sense. So how can leaders create a work environment where people aren’t just doing their jobs but actually feeling good about it?”

“One key thing is creating space for feedback, both positive and negative. Employees need to feel like they can make mistakes without fear of punishment. Trust is crucial—without it, a company’s culture crumbles. When employees don’t trust their leaders, it creates walls between departments, and people just do the bare minimum to get by.”

“Exactly. Listening seems to be another crucial trait for leaders. What other leadership qualities help people feel motivated and happy at work?”

“Listening is everything. I used to micromanage a lot when I first started, and it was a huge mistake. It’s important for leaders to listen intentionally, not just to respond but to understand. Another key quality is transparency—being open and honest with your team builds trust and makes them want to work for you, not just because they have to.”

“Such great advice! Leaders who don’t like going to the gym can try yoga too—it’s a relaxing way to move your body. Now, tell us about your new endeavor. You’re working with managers and companies, and I’d love to hear more about how you came up with this idea.”

“Sure! I founded The Freedom Project, and now it’s evolved into Helia. Helia focuses on elevating managers’ wellness, with quarterly in-person wellness experiences like yoga, sound baths, and more. We also have an ongoing digital dashboard that helps managers maintain their well-being daily. It’s all about teaching leaders to take care of themselves so they can take care of their teams.”

“That sounds amazing. What final tips do you have for leaders who want to boost their team’s wellness?”

“My biggest tip is to manage conflict effectively. Stay neutral, set clear expectations, and create a safe space for discussion. It’s crucial to listen to both sides and ensure that your team feels heard. The way you handle conflict will set the tone for your company’s culture.”

“Powerful tips! Where can our listeners find you?”

“You can find me at Abraham Advocates on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter (though I suggest avoiding Twitter!). I’d also love to have listeners on my podcast to discuss leadership and wellness.”

“Thank you so much for being on the show, Ebrima. For all of our listeners, always remember—metamorphosis, not medication. Namaste! And if you have any questions, feel free to book a 20-minute consultation with me. If you loved this episode, please leave us a review on iTunes. See you on the next episode!”