Join Vera for an insightful conversation with Mike Chan, Chief Operating Officer for Microsoft ASEAN, on the State of Mind podcast. Mike, a 24-year veteran of Microsoft, shares his personal experiences and practical tactics for maintaining mental well-being in a high-pressure role.
Mike opens up about:
The importance of recovery: Why prioritising breaks and recovery is crucial for mental health and career longevity.
Balancing work and family: How to be present and engaged with your family while managing a demanding career.
The role of adventure: Discovering how physical activities and adventure can provide mental clarity and a fresh perspective.
Tune in to learn valuable strategies for managing stress, prioritising your well-being, and achieving a fulfilling work-life balance.
Find Mike Chan online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mchan/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates on the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
Dive into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on society in this episode of the State of Mind podcast. Vera sits down with Lee Hickin, AI Technology & Policy Lead for Microsoft Asia, to explore the complex landscape of responsible AI.
Lee, with over 30 years of experience in the tech industry, shares his unique perspective on:
The intersection of technology and policy: Discover how Lee bridges the gap between complex AI concepts and the need for clear, ethical guidelines.
Navigating difficult conversations: Learn how Lee approaches discussions about AI's impact on jobs, humanity, and the future.
The power of empathy: Understand why empathy is crucial when discussing AI's role in shaping a more inclusive future.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of AI's potential, the importance of responsible development, and how we can all contribute to a brighter technological future.
Find Lee Hickin online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehickin/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates on the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
Discover the power of joy in the workplace with Pip Arthur, Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft Asia, on the State of Mind podcast. Vera returns with Pip, who shares her inspiring journey and practical insights on cultivating joy, fostering inclusion, and leading with authenticity.
Pip delves into:
The importance of self-care: Why prioritising sleep, nutrition, and movement is crucial for finding and sustaining joy.
Diversity and inclusion in action: How everyday actions and behaviours can create a more inclusive and joyful workplace.
Leading with purpose: Connecting to your purpose at work to enhance joy and fulfilment.
Tune in to learn how to cultivate joy in your own life and inspire those around you, while also gaining valuable perspectives on leadership, diversity, and creating a positive workplace culture.
Find Pip Arthur online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pip-arthur-34a199/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates on the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
Explore the importance of prioritising well-being and taking courageous career breaks in this episode of the State of Mind podcast. Vera's back with a conversation with Kevin Wo, Chief Partner Officer for Microsoft ASEAN, as they discuss mental health in the context of leadership and personal growth.
Kevin shares his personal experience of taking a sabbatical, highlighting:
The power of a reset: How stepping away from work can provide clarity and renewed focus.
Overcoming stigma: Addressing the cultural challenges of discussing mental health in Asia.
Leading with authenticity: The importance of prioritising well-being to be your best self and effectively support your team.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on building resilience, managing stress, and creating a culture of well-being in the workplace.
Find Kevin Wo online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wo/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates on the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
Welcome to the State of Mind podcast, where we delve into stories of strength and well-being with inspiring leaders. This time, Vera dives deep with Mark Sparvell, Director of Global Education Marketing for Microsoft Worldwide, to explore the power of emotional intelligence in navigating today's challenges.
Mark, a renowned expert in well-being and emotional intelligence, shares his personal journey and insights on:
The importance of emotional intelligence: Why it's a "tough skill" and how it unlocks motivation and learning.
Practical strategies for managing emotions: Learn how to reframe your thinking and develop healthy habits for emotional well-being.
The BeWell initiative at Microsoft: Discover how Microsoft champions holistic well-being for its employees, encompassing emotional, financial, and physical health.
Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on cultivating emotional intelligence, fostering kindness, and building resilience in the face of adversity.
Find Mark Sparvell online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sparvell/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates on the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
Join Vera for a candid conversation about mental health with Ahmed Mazhari, the former President of Microsoft Asia, on the State of Mind podcast. In this insightful episode, Ahmed shares his personal journey and leadership perspectives on prioritising mental well-being in the workplace and beyond.
Ahmed opens up about:
His evolving view of mental health: From personal well-being to recognizing its profound impact on workplace dynamics and productivity.
The importance of leadership: How leaders can advocate for mental health awareness and create supportive environments for their teams.
Practical strategies for a healthy mind: Discover the role of sleep, exercise, gratitude, and open communication in fostering mental well-being.
Tune in to gain valuable insights from a leader who champions mental health and discover how we can all contribute to a happier and healthier workplace culture.
Find Ahmed Mazhari online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-mazhari-7717773/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates on the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this enlightening episode of the State of Mind podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Bondy, Vice President at Microsoft Asia for Small, Medium, and Corporate Businesses. With over 25 years of experience at Microsoft, Rachel has not only excelled in her career but also successfully balanced her professional ambitions with motherhood.
Rachel shares her personal journey, which started in a small Australian town and led to a remarkable career at Microsoft. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced in starting a family, highlighting the importance of open communication about fertility issues and the need to destigmatize these discussions in the workplace.
As a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, Rachel emphasizes the significance of women sharing their experiences and stories, fostering a supportive community. She underscores the importance of finding a role with purpose and offers insights into how individuals can navigate their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Rachel's wisdom and passion serve as an inspiring reminder that, with the right support and mindset, women can excel in their careers while nurturing their families. Join us in this engaging conversation about empowering women and promoting equality in the workplace.
Find Rachel Bondi online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-bondi/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this episode we delve into an enlightening conversation with Fred Thiele, Vice President for Global Benefits and Mobility at Microsoft. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Microsoft places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, especially mental health. Fred discusses how Microsoft approaches employee well-being, benefits, and mental health.
Fred highlights the importance of open communication around mental health and the need to destigmatize discussions about it in the workplace. He shares how Microsoft launched a campaign with the slogan "It's OK not to be OK," which significantly impacted the company culture by encouraging employees to be their authentic selves and seek help when needed.
Additionally, Fred discusses the role of managers in promoting employee well-being and how Microsoft is providing training to help managers have supportive conversations with their team members. He emphasizes the company's continuous improvement approach in the well-being space, particularly in the realm of mental health. The episode underscores the importance of proactive well-being initiatives and destigmatizing mental health struggles in the workplace.
Find Fred Thiele online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-thiele-4a664a/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this episode we delve into a profound conversation with Julie de Widt-Bakker, Chief of Staff at Microsoft Western Europe, who shares her remarkable journey through career ambitions, burnout, and the importance of mental well-being.
Julie's story unfolds in two chapters, each marked by a burnout. In her first burnout, she grappled with overworking and the pressure to constantly prove herself, highlighting the danger of losing oneself in the quest for success.
The second burnout occurred as she juggled a demanding career and motherhood in an era of flexible remote work. Julie candidly discusses the challenges women face in striking the right balance between their careers and family life.
Throughout her journey, Julie emphasizes the significance of self-care and being attuned to one's boundaries. She encourages open conversations about mental health and vulnerability, shedding light on the need to normalize discussions around well-being in the workplace.
Julie's story serves as a reminder that it's okay to prioritize mental health and seek support when needed. As we navigate the complexities of our careers, her experiences offer valuable insights into staying resilient and taking care of our well-being.
Find Julie de Widt-Bakker online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedewidtbakker/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this episode, we sit down with Richard Koh, Customer Success Lead and CTO for Microsoft Singapore, who shares insights from his impressive career spanning nearly 30 years in the technology industry.
Richard discusses his career path, which took him from Silicon Valley to Singapore and back again, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and learning from diverse experiences. Richard also provides valuable career advice, emphasizing the significance of networking, staying open to different perspectives, and being prepared for unexpected opportunities. He dispels the myth of blindly following passion and encourages listeners to approach their careers with an adventurous spirit, always willing to learn and adapt.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Richard Koh as we explore the twists and turns of his career journey and gain valuable insights into navigating your own path in the dynamic world of technology.
Find Richard Koh online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardkoh/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this episode of the State of Mind podcast, Vera talks to Lesley West, Consulting Director at Kantar, a marketing data and analytics company, and a competitive amateur triathlete. Lesley shares her journey of becoming a mom, focusing on her experiences during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal depression, all while training for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
Lesley candidly discusses the emotional toll of becoming a parent and feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities. She shares her struggles with sleep deprivation, isolation, and the pressure to return to her triathlon training. The episode delves into Lesley's gradual recovery from postnatal depression, her decision to seek professional help, and her realization that her identity and priorities had shifted as she became a mother. She highlights the importance of reaching out for support, talking openly about mental health, and accepting that every individual's journey through parenthood is unique.
Lesley also emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the importance of seeking help when experiencing postnatal depression or any form of mental health struggle. She encourages new parents to accept help from others and to take breaks for self-care, even if it means letting someone else care for their baby temporarily.
In summary, this episode provides a candid and insightful conversation about the challenges of becoming a parent, dealing with postnatal depression, and finding one's identity in the midst of significant life changes. Lesley's story serves as a reminder that seeking help and talking openly about mental health are essential steps toward healing and recovery for new parents.
Find Lesley West online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-west-02a73427/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this episode, Vera engages in a heartfelt conversation with Imane Jamal Eddine, Chief of Staff to the President of Microsoft Asia. Imane opens up about her experiences as a working mom of two boys and the challenges she faced when returning to the workforce after maternity leave. She discusses how she used her leadership skills in parenting and her empathy as a parent in her leadership style.
Imane shares her personal journey, highlighting the importance of company culture and policies that support working parents. She talks about the need to dispel insecurities and normalize conversations around motherhood and career growth. Imane's story serves as an inspiration to working moms, emphasizing the significance of taking the time to fully embrace motherhood while also pursuing one's career goals.
This episode sheds light on the importance of supportive workplaces and empathetic leadership in creating a conducive environment for working parents. Tune in to gain insights into Imane's remarkable journey and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more inspiring stories like this one.
Find Imane Jamal Eddine online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanejamaleddine/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In this episode, Vera engages in a deeply personal and inspiring conversation with Brett Shoemaker, the Chief Sustainability Officer at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. Brett's journey is driven by a profound personal story: his daughter, Emeline, was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the pandemic. He shares his family's struggles, resilience, and how this life-altering experience shifted his career and perspective.
The podcast opens with Brett reflecting on his motivation to make the world a better place for his children, particularly Emeline. He discusses the pivotal moment when her cancer diagnosis occurred and the challenges they faced throughout her 18-month-long treatment journey, which included rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and other therapies.
As Brett transitioned back to work at Microsoft in a different role as Chief Sustainability Officer, he grappled with the emotional and mental toll of his family's ordeal. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and highlights how he uses storytelling as a powerful tool to inspire action and engagement in sustainability efforts. He believes in focusing on the human impact of climate change and sharing stories to drive meaningful change.
Throughout the podcast episode, Brett's compelling narrative reveals the depth of his personal journey, from a father coping with a life-threatening diagnosis to a leader dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. His story serves as a reminder of the power of resilience, empathy, and the ability to find purpose in the face of adversity.
Find Brett Shoemaker online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettshoemaker/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
In the first episode of Season Three, Vera welcomes back Steven Miller, Chief Marketing and Operations Officer for Asia at Microsoft. Stephen reflects on his previous appearance on the podcast over a year ago, where he shared his story of loss, grief, and optimism. He discusses the changes he has witnessed in the workforce regarding mental health and the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic workplace culture. Steven emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize the well-being of their teams and shares insights from his experiences, including the importance of vulnerability and empathy in leadership.
Throughout the episode, Steven highlights the progress made in normalizing mental health conversations in the workplace and society. He also discusses the importance of setting boundaries, both personally and professionally, to ensure self-care and prevent burnout. Vera and Steven explore the role of empathy and vulnerability in leadership and stress the need for ongoing efforts to make mental health a fundamental part of workplace culture. The episode encourages listeners to continue pushing for positive changes in the realm of mental health support and awareness.
Find Steven Miller online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenmiller2/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates of the State of Mind episodes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/verasiertsema/
As we head into the new year I hope we can all look back on 2022 with love, happiness, and increased comfort to open up, be vulnerable and check in with one another. This has been another turbulent year, and as time passes we will continue to be challenged by life - good and bad.
With this in mind, I am sharing the final episode of State of Mind: Season 2. It is a short 20-minute compilation with key learnings I took away from each episode, featuring each one of my inspiring guests. I love this episode and I hope it will inspire you to stay true to yourself and prioritize your mental health every day in 2023.
Thank you to my lovely guests for openly and vulnerably sharing your stories throughout this season! Your unique journeys are an inspiration, and one of the key reasons why I feel this podcast is so special.
If you missed any of my episodes from Season 2 and would like to listen to them now after hearing one of the segments in this highlight episode, you can find the links to each full episode below:
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates and short snippets of the State of Mind episodes on:
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Tony van Eck is the Customer Success Regional Lead - ASEAN at MuleSoft, but the most important title he holds is that of my husband. He shares a bit of his backstory before revealing an exciting announcement I've been eager to share with you all: Tony and I are expecting a baby boy!
In all my podcasts I finish with "we all have a story, and every story matters". With that in mind, I thought it was only suitable to share our own family planning and pregnancy journey. It is something that heavily impacted our mental health, both positively and negatively, and we expect this to be the case for many (aspiring) parents.
Throughout our pregnancy journey, Tony and I were often surprised, as there are quite some topics that people rarely speak about. We decided to open up about some of these, including the process of conceiving, fertility, and morning sickness. We hope that sharing our story will bring awareness and support to (aspiring) parents, and those surrounding them.
From Tony's perspective, he shared some of the fears and mental challenges he experienced on our journey of starting a family. He revealed how he suffered through thoughts of doubts and uncertainty throughout the 1-year process. Tony also shared a few details about his experience of visiting a fertility specialist.
Tony and I also shared a few more details about our experience, including:
Find Tony online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonvaneck/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates and short snippets of the State of Mind episodes on:
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Jean-Philippe Courtois is the Executive Vice President and President of National Transformation Partnerships at Microsoft. He is also one of the most inspirational figures I've come across; he can often be found hosting a passionate, heart-touching discussion on the role purpose plays in moulding our lives.
Jean-Philippe begins our episode with a nostalgic walk down memory lane. He shares a brief glimpse into his early childhood along the idyllic Nice riviera. He discovered the magic of software early with a start-up company that developed payment software for Apple 2. Jean-Philippe joined Microsoft shortly after as only the 11th employee in France. He has now worked with the company for over 38 years and established himself as a strong leadership figure.
However, that time hasn't been completely smooth and trouble-free. Jean-Philippe shares a few events that both challenged him and helped him identify his purpose. Some of the definitive moments he shares include:
Find Jean-Philippe online:
Listen to his podcast, Purposeful Leadership: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1798971
Learn about the Live For Good Foundation: https://live-for-good.org/fr/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates and short snippets of the State of Mind episodes on:
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Cia Ai Eng is Chief Legal Counsel for the Marubeni Corporation, a major energy company. Since her childhood, Cia has always identified as an introvert. But at the peak of the covid pandemic in 2020, Cia shocked her close friends when she decided she wanted to start hosting dinner parties.
What began as a closed tradition among friends quickly grew into so much more as Cia realized how much she enjoyed hosting dinner parties. Cia reflected on her own self-identification as an introvert and felt a spontaneous urge to challenge it. Suddenly not wanting to limit herself to a label, she made a bold decision.
In one of her most un-introverted moments, Cia started reaching out to total strangers over LinkedIn. Battling fears of failure and rejection every step of the way, Cia was shocked to discover how positively her initiative was received.
Cia Ai also shares:
Find Cia Ai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cia-ai-eng-黄家爱-44131715a/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates and short snippets of the State of Mind episodes on:
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Erika Drolet is the Co-founder and CEO of the Salty Souls Experience / Salty Club. She describes her business as a travel agency for women, but as she discusses it on the show it quickly becomes obvious that what the Salty Souls Experience offers is so much more. To paint an accurate picture of what Erika aimed to achieve with the Salty Souls Experience, she first describes the experiences that led to her deciding to launch the company.
Before the Salty Souls Experience and its sister company, the Salty Club, Erika was already a successful entrepreneur with her jewellery design company, Jane & Rye. Even while attending some of the biggest fashion shows in the world, Erika felt out of place encouraging people to buy more stuff. She sought to create an environment that encouraged people to create more memories instead.
Erika shares more on how her experiences travelling helped shape the Salty Souls Experience and, later, the Salty Club. Some of these key experiences include:
Check out Salty Souls Experience: https://saltysoulsexperience.com/
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates and short snippets of the State of Mind episodes on:
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For more than 35 years, Cameron Hardiman protected the streets in his role as a police officer for the Victoria Police Force. Drawn into the career by an exciting advert that featured car chases and many other scenes that thrilled his young, 19-year old self, Cameron served as the frontline against crime while barely realizing he was following in his father’s footsteps, who was also a police officer.
Cameron shares some of the pivotal experiences that have shaped his career, tracing a remarkable story that goes from being a uniformed police officer to patrolling the skies as an air observer before finally serving his nation as a federal officer. From drunk drivers to drug smugglers and counterfeiters, Cameron has been face to face with all kinds of people and faced some of the most stressful, life-or-death situations imaginable. Cameron shares how his career only came to an end after his work had worn into him and he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Cameron also opens up about some of the most traumatic experiences in his career. Somse of these events stretch back as far as 1985, but the one that really stands out is the tragic story of a lost sailor in the “Shipwreck Coast”, the notorious stretch of ocean between Victoria and Tasmania.
You can listen to the full episode for the full story, and also find out:
Follow the host Vera Siertsema for more updates and short snippets of the State of Mind episodes on:
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#PTSD #posttraumaticstressdisorder #mentalhealth