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Kathleen Prendiville speaking to Deloitte’s Emily Cromwell about mental health in the workplace, P.E.A. Awards Evolution of Sustainability event, 2024
The tech world is a whirlwind of pressure and performance. For Kathleen Prendiville, a successful account executive at Google, this world was all she knew.
Kathleen thrived on the challenge, but beneath the surface lay a hidden struggle: the pressure to project an image of unwavering strength.
‘Over the last decade at Google, I became fixated on showing everyone just how strong I was’, Kathleen admits. ‘Invulnerable. Unbreakable.’
Two years ago a phone call shattered Kathleen’s world. Her younger sister, Sarah, had taken her own life.
This devastating loss forced Kathleen to confront the fragility of life and the limitations of her own perceived strength.
Initially, she sought refuge in the familiar rhythm of work, but the pain was relentless. Finally, Kathleen made a life-changing decision: she took a leave of absence.
Stepping away from the demands of the corporate world, Kathleen found herself in the unfamiliar territory of silence and stillness. It was terrifying and liberating all at once.
Without the constant noise, she could finally begin to process her grief and confront the emotions she had been suppressing for so long.
‘It was like coming up for air after being underwater for years’, Kathleen reflects. ‘I realised that true strength wasn’t about hiding my pain, but about acknowledging it.’
This profound realisation marked a turning point; Kathleen began to prioritise her mental and emotional wellbeing, embracing vulnerability and self-compassion.
She discovered that true strength lay not in suppressing her emotions but in honouring them.
Kathleen’s journey has taught her that we live in a world that often equates strength with stoicism, but she knows firsthand that this is a dangerous misconception.
‘Suppressing your emotions is like trying to hold a beach ball underwater’, she explains. ‘It takes a tremendous amount of energy and eventually, it’s going to pop back up.’
For Kathleen, true strength lies in acknowledging our mental health needs, in seeking help when we need it and in prioritising self-care. It’s about recognising that we are all human.
Driven by her new-found purpose, Kathleen sought ways to share her story and help others. She discovered OMMM, a global organisation dedicated to holistic wellbeing, and was immediately drawn to its mission.
OMMM wasn’t just another organisation; for Kathleen, it was a reflection of her own transformed self.
The emphasis on blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices resonated with her new appreciation for inner strength and self-care.
The focus on unity and interconnectedness spoke to her desire to create a world where people felt safe to share their struggles and support one another.
And the commitment to personal transformation mirrored her own journey from a woman who projected an image of invulnerability to one who embraced her authentic self – vulnerabilities and all.
As an ‘OMMMbassador’ Kathleen doesn’t just talk the talk – she walks the walk, too. She shares her story with unflinching honesty, her vulnerability creating a ripple effect that empowers others to open up about their own experiences.
Kathleen doesn’t shy away from the hard truths; she uses data and research to illuminate the very real impact of mental health on individuals and organisations.
And she doesn’t leave people hanging, either. She offers practical tools and strategies for prioritising wellbeing, fostering empathy and building a culture of support in the workplace.
But perhaps most importantly, Kathleen issues a powerful call to action: she challenges us to redefine strength and to reject the outdated notion that vulnerability equals weakness.
She encourages us to question the status quo, to demand better for ourselves and for those around us. She empowers us to believe that we can create lasting change, one conversation, one action and one compassionate choice at a time.
Kathleen’s story isn’t just about personal transformation; it’s about inspiring collective change. It’s about creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond her own life, touching the hearts and minds of individuals and organisations alike.
Already, her vulnerability has sparked countless conversations both online and in real life. Women in tech, long feeling the pressure to project an image of unwavering strength, reach out to Kathleen to share their own struggles and express their gratitude for her honesty.
They speak of feeling seen and understood for the first time, of finding the courage to prioritise their own wellbeing.
In boardrooms and leadership meetings, Kathleen’s voice is making a difference, too.
CEOs, inspired by her story and practical strategies, are implementing new initiatives to foster a culture of support and prioritise mental health in the workplace.
Employees are feeling heard, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.
The results speak for themselves: increased productivity, higher employee retention and a more positive and collaborative work environment.
‘It’s incredible to see the tangible impact my story is having’, Kathleen shares. ‘When I hear from people who have found the courage to seek help, or when I see companies making real changes to support their employees’ mental health, it fuels my passion even more.’
Kathleen’s vision extends beyond individual stories and organisational shifts; she’s on a mission to normalise conversations about mental health on a societal level.
‘I want people to feel comfortable talking about their struggles, just as they would any other health issue’, Kathleen explains. ‘We need to break down the stigma and challenge the outdated notion that vulnerability equals weakness.’
Kathleen’s not just talking about mental health; she’s actively working to effect positive change.
Through workshops, speaking engagements and her work with OMMM, Kathleen is creating safe spaces for dialogue, providing education and resources and empowering individuals to become advocates for their own mental wellbeing.
‘My biggest aspiration’, Kathleen continues, ‘is to see a world where mental health is prioritised and celebrated. A world where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the support they need to thrive.’
Kathleen’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of vulnerability.
By embracing her own pain and redefining strength, she has become a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a world where mental health is prioritised and celebrated.
Her work as an OMMMbassador exemplifies her unwavering commitment to creating a world where everyone feels empowered to live their lives to the fullest.
Citrix Systems’ P. O. Johansson and John Moody explore what the pandemic revealed about wellbeing at work.
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OMMM co-founder Michelle Narciso makes the case for implementing conscious leadership in business.
Dr Tina Karme explores the complexity of modern leadership, and how different styles can enable or disable progress.
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