Coffee with Mike: Wellbeing and Belonging for Leaders

Mike Veny
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Mental Health

Welcome to "Coffee with Mike: Wellbeing and Belonging for Leaders," a refreshing podcast immersion where leadership development meets the resonant human focus of workplace wellness. Join your host, Mike Veny, in each episode for a freshly brewed conversation that values and respects all perspectives on cultivating a healthier, more inclusive, and engaged work environment. Mike Veny is not just your usual podcast host; he's a dynamo in fostering growth and nurturing transformative spaces. As the CEO of Lovely Refinement, which owns The Training Refinery, he stands at the forefront of learning and development, offering insights gleaned from an organization lauded internationally for its sterling instructional standards. With the backing of accreditations from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), you know you are in trusted hands. But accolades only tell part of the story. Mike is an award-winning Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, recognized in Corporate LiveWire’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 Innovation & Excellence Awards. He also won NAMI New York State’s 2023 Leader Of Mental Health Awareness award. As a PM360 ELITE Award Winner, he was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the healthcare industry for his work with patient advocacy. His unique approach intertwines self-care, wellness strategies, and a profound understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and equality (DEI)—vital ingredients for a thriving workplace. In each "Coffee with Mike" episode, you'll gain practical tips, stirring interviews, and thoughtful discussions. These are all designed to percolate deep into the fundamental aspects of fostering and maintaining well-being at work. Whether you're a budding HR professional or a seasoned executive, the insights here will empower you to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging at work. Exploring topics like the intrinsic value of workplace wellbeing, the subtleties of leadership nuances, and the broad spectrum of belonging, Mike delves into the essence of what it means to be a leader who manages and genuinely elevates their team. You'll learn how to enrich your leadership toolkit with strategies prioritizing mental health and promoting an equitable and caring work culture. Several cups of joe might jumpstart your day, but "Coffee with Mike" will jumpstart your leadership journey towards a more profound sense of personal and professional fulfillment. This is the podcast for leaders who are ready to lead with empathy, inspire with integrity, and courageously navigate the evolving landscape of human resources. It's a journey that promises to inspire and transform. Sit at Mike's table, pour yourself a mug, and let's start the dialogue. Subscribe to "Coffee with Mike: Wellbeing and Belonging for Leaders," and join a movement redefining the fabric of leadership—one episode and one sip at a time.

Episodes

  1. Jul 8

    The Hidden Cost of Workplace Exclusion: Why Belonging Matters | 009

    Have you ever been in a room full of people and still felt completely alone? In this episode of Coffee with Mike, Mike explores workplace belonging, loneliness, and exclusion, explaining why feeling accepted and included is essential for employee wellbeing, leadership effectiveness, and healthy workplace cultures. Most workplace cultures don't intentionally exclude people. Yet many employees quietly wonder whether they truly belong. In this episode, Mike shares a personal story about feeling excluded within his own family and explains why those same emotions often show up inside organizations. Drawing on research from the CDC, Harvard Business Review, and BetterUp, he explores how loneliness, workplace ostracism, and subtle exclusion impact mental health, trust, engagement, and performance. You'll discover why belonging is far more than an HR initiative—it's a fundamental human need that influences how people think, contribute, and connect every day. Mike also shares four practical leadership strategies to help create cultures where people genuinely feel seen, valued, and included. If you're a leader, manager, HR professional, or anyone responsible for building healthy teams, this episode offers practical tools you can begin using immediately. "People do better work when they are not spending emotional energy wondering if they matter." What You'll Learn Why belonging is a basic human needHow workplace exclusion quietly damages mental healthThe difference between inclusion and simply being presentWhy loneliness impacts performance and engagementThe science behind workplace ostracismFour practical ways leaders can create belongingHow acknowledging people strengthens trustWhy inclusion begins before decisions are madeHow to repair exclusion after it happensWhy consistency—not perfection—builds belonging

  2. Jun 22

    The hidden grief behind workplace change | 008

    What if the biggest obstacle to change isn't resistance... but grief? Most leaders are trained to manage performance. Far fewer are taught how to manage loss. When organizations restructure, roles change, teams dissolve, leaders leave, or familiar routines disappear, employees often experience something many organizations fail to recognize: Grief. In this episode, Mike explores the emotional side of workplace change and explains why people often struggle during transitions, even when the change itself is positive. Drawing on research, leadership experience, and practical workplace examples, Mike explains how grief can appear as disengagement, frustration, confusion, reduced motivation, or what leaders mistakenly label as resistance. You'll learn why acknowledging loss creates trust, how emotional intelligence improves change management, and why leaders who create clarity during uncertain times help teams adapt more successfully. If you lead people through change, this conversation is essential. Key Takeaway Quote"Do not mistake grief for resistance." What You'll Learn in This Episode Why workplace change often triggers griefThe hidden losses employees experience during transitionsHow grief can be mistaken for resistanceThe connection between change management and emotional intelligenceWhy acknowledging loss improves trust and engagementHow uncertainty impacts employee wellbeingFive practical ways leaders can support people during changeWhy closure rituals matter during organizational transitionsHow leaders can create clarity during uncertaintyStrategies for helping employees rebuild identity after change

  3. May 25

    Behind the Podcast: Mental Health, Business, and Building Coffee with Mike with Chrysa Stoiloudi | 007

    What really happens behind the scenes of building a podcast, a business, and a meaningful brand? Most people only see the final product. The polished clips. The episodes. The thumbnails. The social media posts. But behind every podcast, business, or creative project is a process most people never see. In this episode, Mike and Chrysa pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to produce Coffee with Mike — from podcast planning and content strategy to editing, systems, communication, experimentation, and mental wellness. Chrysa shares how producing podcasts focused on mental health and wellbeing changed the way she thinks about entrepreneurship and creative work, while Mike opens up about why mental health and belonging are central to the mission of the show. Together, they discuss why business owners often neglect mental health, the importance of systems and communication, how perfectionism slows creators down, and why experimentation matters more than having everything figured out from the beginning. This is an honest behind-the-scenes conversation for creators, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and leaders trying to build something meaningful without losing themselves in the process. “People who follow you for the long run are the people who truly connect with your message.”🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode What goes into producing a professional podcastWhy mental health is often overlooked in entrepreneurshipThe importance of systems and communication in productionWhy creators should prioritize consistency over perfectionHow experimentation helps businesses and podcasts growThe difference between short-form content and long-term audience buildingWhy podcast research and audience clarity matter before launchHow leadership, belonging, and mental wellness connectBehind-the-scenes lessons from building Coffee with Mike 📚 Resources & Mentions Connect with Chrysa: https://chrysastoiloudi.com/

  4. May 11

    Work-Life Harmony: Why Balance Isn’t What You Think | 006

    Is work-life balance actually possible — or are we chasing an unrealistic ideal? We hear the phrase “work-life balance” constantly. But what does it actually mean in real life? In this episode, Mike and Chrysa have an honest conversation about the challenges of managing business, leadership, family responsibilities, delegation, stress, and shifting priorities during different seasons of life. Chrysa shares her perspective as a business owner, mother, and creative professional navigating the demands of entrepreneurship while raising a toddler and building sustainable systems behind the scenes. Together, they explore why high achievers often overestimate what they can handle, why flexibility matters more than perfection, and how systems, communication, and delegation can reduce overwhelm without sacrificing quality. This episode is a grounded conversation about creating work-life harmony in a way that feels realistic — not performative. Quote“Life will always find a way to surprise you — even when you have systems.” What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why work-life balance is different for everyoneThe difference between balance and harmonyHow high achievers overestimate their capacityWhy delegation requires communication and trustThe importance of flexibility during stressful seasonsHow systems improve efficiency and reduce overwhelmWhy planning alone is not enough during life transitionsThe connection between leadership, quality, and boundariesPractical insights for managing work, family, and business Resources & Mentions Connect with Chrysa Stoiloudi: https://chrysastoiloudi.com/

  5. Apr 28

    Purpose-Driven Leadership: Finding Your Why and Leading With Clarity | 005

    What if burnout isn’t caused by being too busy — but by losing your sense of purpose? Many leaders feel busy, overwhelmed, and stretched thin — but not always fulfilled. In this episode, Mike explores the power of purpose-driven leadership and explains why having a clear sense of purpose is essential for preventing burnout, building trust, and creating meaningful impact. Through personal stories and leadership insights, Mike explains the difference between passion and purpose, and why purpose — not pleasure — is what sustains leaders through difficult moments. You’ll hear real examples of how staying anchored to values helped Mike refocus during challenging situations and guide his team toward meaningful outcomes. This episode also introduces practical daily habits that help leaders reconnect with their purpose and stay aligned with their mission. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - What purpose-driven leadership really means - The difference between passion and purpose in leadership - Why clarity of purpose improves resilience and motivation - How values guide decision-making in difficult situations - The connection between purpose and employee engagement - Daily questions that help leaders reconnect with their why - How reviewing mission, vision, and values builds focus - Why repeating the purpose strengthens organizational alignment Resources & Mentions: - 365 Ways to Become a Millionaire — Brian Koslow - Deloitte Global Insights Report on Purpose-Driven Organizations - Fortune.com Article on Purpose-Driven Leadership - Greenwood Lake Roasters Coffee

  6. Apr 13

    Emotional Intelligence: The Leadership Skill That Matters More Than IQ | 004

    What if emotional intelligence mattered more than IQ when it comes to leadership success? In this bi-weekly episode of Coffee with Mike, we explore emotional intelligence, why it drives leadership performance, and practical tools leaders can use to build stronger relationships, manage stress, and respond instead of react. Growing up, Mike struggled to manage his emotions. Small triggers felt overwhelming, relationships were difficult, and emotional reactions often created distance between him and others. What changed everything? Understanding emotional intelligence. In this episode, Mike shares his personal journey from emotional reactivity to emotional awareness and explains why emotional intelligence is one of the most important leadership skills in today's world. We explore why emotional intelligence matters more than technical intelligence, especially in high-pressure environments where communication, empathy, and relationships determine long-term success. This episode also highlights the growing importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, teamwork, and navigating a rapidly changing workplace environment. Quote: "Emotional intelligence is being smart about feelings — both yours and other people's." What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - What emotional intelligence really means in leadership and relationships - The difference between IQ and emotional intelligence - Why emotional intelligence drives leadership success and workplace performance - How emotions influence communication and conflict resolution - Five practical strategies to improve emotional intelligence - Why pausing before reacting improves decision-making - How listening builds trust and emotional connection - Why empathy is essential in leadership and teamwork - How emotional intelligence can be developed with daily practice Resources & Mentions: - Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ — Daniel Goleman - TalentSmart Emotional Intelligence Research - Harvard Business Review Leadership Research - The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People — Stephen Covey

  7. Mar 30

    Burnout to Balance: 5 Strategies for Sustainable Leadership | 003

    Are you feeling burned out but still expected to lead effectively? In this bi-weekly episode of Coffee with Mike, we explore burnout to balance strategies and practical tools for sustainable leadership and stress management. Burnout is one of the biggest challenges facing leaders today. In this episode, Mike shares his personal experience with burnout and explains how stress affects the central nervous system, leadership performance, and overall wellbeing. Research shows that 66% of employees are experiencing burnout in 2025, making it critical for leaders to understand how to regulate stress and model healthy behaviors for their teams. Mike walks through five practical strategies for sustainable leadership, including boundary-setting, nervous system regulation, micro recovery moments, and redefining success. This episode is a practical guide for leaders who want to perform at a high level without sacrificing their health. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What burnout really means and how it developsWhy your central nervous system regulates stressThe four stress responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawnHow daily regulation improves leadership performanceWhy learning to say no prevents burnoutHow micro recovery moments restore clarityWhy redefining success supports sustainable leadershipFive practical leadership strategies to reduce burnout Timestamped Chapters 00:00 – Introduction and burnout reflection 01:00 – Burnout statistics and workplace trends 02:00 – What burnout really means 03:00 – Modern leadership stress challenges 04:30 – Key drivers of burnout 07:30 – Your central nervous system explained 08:30 – Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn 10:00 – Regulation vs reaction 11:00 – The Rocket Boots story 13:00 – The power of saying no 14:30 – Boundaries and leadership 15:00 – Micro recovery moments 16:00 – Redefining success 17:00 – Final leadership takeaway Resources Mentioned Moodle Workplace Burnout Study (2025)The Power of a Positive No — William UryBoundaries — Dr. Henry CloudGreenwood Lake Roasters Coffee About Mike Viney Mike Viney is a corporate wellness specialist, CEO, and workplace mental health speaker helping leaders manage stress, prevent burnout, and build sustainable leadership cultures. Subscribe & Share Subscribe to Coffee with Mike, a bi-weekly podcast, for conversations on leadership, stress management, and workplace mental health. Share this episode with a leader who needs practical burnout prevention strategies.

  8. Mar 16

    Is your workplace toxic? One action you can take as a leader | 002

    Half of CEOs and one in three employees say their workplace is toxic. If you’re a leader, this episode might challenge you — and equip you — to change that starting today. In this powerful episode of Coffee with Mike: Mental Wellness & Belonging for Leaders, Mike Veny breaks down what a toxic workplace really looks like, why psychological safety drives performance, and the #1 leadership behavior that determines whether your team thrives or shuts down. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What defines a toxic workplace (and subtle signs you may be missing)What psychological safety really means — and why it fuels innovationThe shocking data linking toxic workplaces to mental health strugglesWhy productivity skyrockets in psychologically safe environmentsThe most important leadership action you must take first7 practical steps you can implement within 24 hours 💡 Key Takeaways ✔ Toxic workplaces are defined by dysfunction, fear, poor communication, and low trust. ✔ Psychological safety means people can speak up without fear of punishment or embarrassment. ✔ Leaders must model vulnerability first — without it, nothing else works. ✔ Teams with psychological safety report: Higher performance (91% vs 69%)Higher productivity (74% vs 43%)Greater pride in their work (97% vs 87%) ✔ Leadership starts in the mirror — both the problem and solution begin with you. 📚 Resources Mentioned Business Solver 2024 State of Workplace Empathy StudyAmerican Psychological Association – 2024 Work in America Survey If this episode resonated 1️⃣ Subscribe to Coffee with Mike on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode on leadership, belonging, and workplace mental wellness. 2️⃣ Share this episode with a leader who needs to hear it — because psychological safety starts at the top.

  9. Mar 2

    Leaders Are Burning Out – The Power of the Pause (How to Reset Without Slowing Down)|001

    What if the most powerful leadership move you could make today… is to pause?In this episode of Coffee with Mike, Mike Viney dives into a reality many leaders are quietly facing: mental and emotional exhaustion. Recent research shows that nearly half of leaders — and more than half of CEOs — reported struggling with mental health in the past year. The pressure is real. The pace is relentless. And the “always on” expectation is taking a toll. Mike shares his own story of living in what he calls “rocket boots” mode — constantly moving, building, producing — until his body forced him to confront the cost of nonstop hustle. What he discovered changed everything: our brains and nervous systems are not designed for continuous go-go-go. Without intentional pauses, stress compounds, emotions get buried, and performance eventually suffers. This episode explores: Why hustle can quietly become an emotional escapeWhat chronic stress actually does to your brain and bodyThe connection between pausing and sustainable high performanceA simple 60-second reset you can start using todayThe three questions that build emotional awareness and resilience Mike also shares how learning Transcendental Meditation — and committing to 20 minutes twice a day — didn’t slow him down… it multiplied his effectiveness, deepened his relationships, and clarified his leadership. If you lead people, this conversation matters. Because sustainable leadership isn’t built on constant acceleration. It’s built on awareness, regulation, and intentional recovery. Pause isn’t weakness. It’s strategy. Resources MentionedBusiness Solver 2024 State of Workplace Empathy StudyThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkGreenwood Lake Roasters Coffee If This Episode ResonatedSubscribe for weekly conversations on employee wellness, leadership, and workplace mental health. Share this episode with a leader who needs permission to pause. And if you found value here, leave a review — it helps more leaders discover the conversation.

  10. 08/22/2025

    Welcome to Coffee with Mike: Wellbeing and Belonging for Leaders

    Welcome to Coffee with Mike. I'm Mike Veny, a certified corporate wellness specialist and award-winning mental health speaker, and today I'm sharing why this show exists: to help leaders build cultures where mental wellness and belonging actually thrive. I invite you to join me over a cup of coffee as I delve into the crucial topics of mental wellness and workplace belonging for leaders. By tuning in, you'll explore the deep connection between mental health and people issues, gain valuable insights for your personal and professional growth, and learn innovative ways to improve mental wellness within your organization. You’ll learnWhy mental health issues and people issues are inseparable—and what that means for everyday leadership. How a simple “coffee meeting” habit jump-started Mike’s career and why he’s turning that spirit into this podcast. The mission behind Mike Veny Inc.: helping people discover the gift of emotional wellness through unique learning experiences. What current data says: burnout is rising, most employees feel stressed, and belonging measurably boosts performance and retention. A personal challenge for you: define the future of mental wellness and belonging in your organization over the next 3–5 years. Join us for enlightening conversations and actionable advice designed to enhance your emotional wellness and leadership skills. Don't forget to subscribe and find additional resources at https://mikeveny.com/

  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Coffee with Mike: Wellbeing and Belonging for Leaders," a refreshing podcast immersion where leadership development meets the resonant human focus of workplace wellness. Join your host, Mike Veny, in each episode for a freshly brewed conversation that values and respects all perspectives on cultivating a healthier, more inclusive, and engaged work environment. Mike Veny is not just your usual podcast host; he's a dynamo in fostering growth and nurturing transformative spaces. As the CEO of Lovely Refinement, which owns The Training Refinery, he stands at the forefront of learning and development, offering insights gleaned from an organization lauded internationally for its sterling instructional standards. With the backing of accreditations from the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), and the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), you know you are in trusted hands. But accolades only tell part of the story. Mike is an award-winning Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist®, recognized in Corporate LiveWire’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 Innovation & Excellence Awards. He also won NAMI New York State’s 2023 Leader Of Mental Health Awareness award. As a PM360 ELITE Award Winner, he was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the healthcare industry for his work with patient advocacy. His unique approach intertwines self-care, wellness strategies, and a profound understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and equality (DEI)—vital ingredients for a thriving workplace. In each "Coffee with Mike" episode, you'll gain practical tips, stirring interviews, and thoughtful discussions. These are all designed to percolate deep into the fundamental aspects of fostering and maintaining well-being at work. Whether you're a budding HR professional or a seasoned executive, the insights here will empower you to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging at work. Exploring topics like the intrinsic value of workplace wellbeing, the subtleties of leadership nuances, and the broad spectrum of belonging, Mike delves into the essence of what it means to be a leader who manages and genuinely elevates their team. You'll learn how to enrich your leadership toolkit with strategies prioritizing mental health and promoting an equitable and caring work culture. Several cups of joe might jumpstart your day, but "Coffee with Mike" will jumpstart your leadership journey towards a more profound sense of personal and professional fulfillment. This is the podcast for leaders who are ready to lead with empathy, inspire with integrity, and courageously navigate the evolving landscape of human resources. It's a journey that promises to inspire and transform. Sit at Mike's table, pour yourself a mug, and let's start the dialogue. Subscribe to "Coffee with Mike: Wellbeing and Belonging for Leaders," and join a movement redefining the fabric of leadership—one episode and one sip at a time.

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