CAROLINE RIBEIRO-NELSON

POWERHOUSE GLOBAL MAGAZINE (PGMAG) INTERVIEW WITH:

CAROLINE RIBEIRO-NELSON (CRN)

PGMAG: Caroline, so good to have you on today’s interview with Lady Anita.

CRN: Thank Lady Anita, it’s an absolute pleasure to speak with you and to share some of my perspective with your readers.

PGMAG: Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

CRN: Yes of course, I am a Diverse Mental Health & Well-Being Consultant. It’s hard for me to believe, that I’ve been working in the field of mental health and well- being for over 25 years now. My work focuses on the creation of good mental health through incorporating the essential connection with one’s lived experience and diverse background.

I have always been driven by my burning interest and passion in what drives us as human beings, what are the things in life which fulfil us, make us mentally healthy or unhealthy and bring us meaning? I am also a twin. This is a very special relationship. Having someone who is there for you, provides supports and accompanies you through your life’s journey is extremely powerful. This alleviates our natural condition of being alone in the world, it helps us to better cope and deal with the difficulties, which life throws at us. My fascination with the human condition, mental health and experience of being twin have shown me the huge importance, as well as the benefits of human connection, sharing, support and mutual understanding. Therefore, training as an Existential Psychotherapist, life coach and intercultural business trainer was simply a natural progression for me.

My moto is - Good Mental Health Needs Good DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).

PGMAG: We have seen the rise of mental health issues in the last 18 months due to the global pandemic. As an authority in ‘diverse mental health & well-Being’, what is your message for those whose mental health is being challenged?

CRN:

That’s a huge question, isn’t it? Yes, without a doubt the past 18 months has taken a substantial, physical, mental and social toll. We have had to confront, so many deep and difficult societal aspects, which have drastically impacted our mental health. I think for many people this was quite unexpected.

Sadly, we have witnessed the huge and painful loss of loved ones, increased financial difficulties, the drastic restriction in contact and movement, as well as strong insecurity and fear for the future. This has been accompanied by social injustice and inequity for Black, Asian, Muslim and other people from diverse backgrounds, all fuelled by blazing anger, blame, mistrust and violence towards certain groups. It’s no wonder, that the Covid-19 Pandemic represents a traumatic event, which is leading to what is being called a global mental health crisis.

This is tough; however, we humans are hugely resilient and resourceful. One of the most important factors for me is; people being pro-active rather than reactive. This gives us a greater sense of control and allows us to be intentional about how we approach a problem or threat.

Of course, recognising, investing in and continually caring for our mental health is essential. So, this involves actions such as; talking with others, seeking support, taking time out, engaging in relaxation and having fun. Also acknowledging our natural fear and anxiety and dealing with this in an open and productive way. It can certainly help, if we take things step by step, focusing on realistic expectations and not pressurising ourselves.

We have seen how structural, institutional and social socioeconomic status perpetuate discrimination, inequity, abuse, lack of inclusion and access. This has had a disproportionally detrimental impact on the mental and physical health for “BIPOC” and other people from diverse backgrounds. My message relates to the fact that, it is not possible to fully recognise understand, or fully meet people’s mental health needs without also addressing and meeting their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) needs. These go hand in hand, as they constitute an essential part of who we are and how we live. I think this really points to an essential need to acknowledge and meaningful address these fundamental factors.

Taking pause for thought and a step back, during crisis can be very powerful and valuable too. Allowing us time to reflect and assess our life and choices. We can get, so easily knocked off balance / track. It is then in these moments, that we can become glaringly aware of what is truly meaningful and important, motivating us to rearrange our priorities. What is more, is that we also have the huge opportunity to learn, adapt and grow.

PGMAG: What do you think are the role of women in shaping the future of business?

CRN:

Women naturally play a huge role. Women make up half of the world’s working population and their input is essential for future development and sustainability.

Throughout the recent pandemic, we have witnessed how female leaders, from around the world, have been able to make clear, strong and effective decisions in dealing with crises and managing their country’s progress. Women bring immense, innovation, skills, knowledge and power, to many things and this includes business. Their potential and value should never be devalued or underestimated.

PGMAG: Life is gradually returning to ‘normal’ after the lockdown in so many countries of the world, and also businesses are starting to welcome back their employees into the office. In your opinion as a leader, what are some of the measures that are needed to be in place in order to promote diversity and equality in the workplace?

CRN: That’s the big question, isn’t it? DEI is now higher on the agenda for many organisations. We can see this is how far businesses are openly stating their commitment. People are being hired in DEI positions, in order to lead the way in bringing about a change in company culture. However, for this to be effective tokenism and performative allyship needs to end. Genuine and significant commitment is required, along with on-going investment from leadership and others throughout the organisation Ensuring appropriate representation of diverse groups, along with fostering engagement and continuous communication are essential for understanding and creating a culture of inclusion. However, listening and talking is not enough, intentional action and enacting significant changes, are vital. These must be clearly demonstrated in meaningful steps towards a clear and desired goal.

We talk about navigating a new course following crisis. If people and businesses are to move forward, prosper and respond successfully to the demands of the situation, then actively carrying out an employer’s duty care is required. This involves real investment and support for people’s mental, physical and economic health. This must ultimately involve an individual’s diverse background and experience. An openness to different ways of doing things is an absolute necessity. Progress can be held back by insisting on sticking to a rigid course and not adapting.

PGMAG: Please tell us more about your business.

CRN: I founded Free Choices – Diverse Mental Health in 2015. My passion and vision were driven by my mission is to create a new hybrid culture, which incorporates mental health with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), as essential and valuable aspects of who we are, as well as how we live and work. I head a great team of professionals, supporting organisations to build healthy, diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces, where everyone can grow.

My Diverse Mental Health Approach incorporates how the particular experience of women, Black people and individuals from diverse groups negatively impacts their Mental Health.

I work together with organisations in recognising and understanding these factors, supporting them to develop specific and effective strategies for gaining significant improvements.

I thrive on engaging and supporting people and businesses, through consultation, training, coaching and providing psychological health and diverse mental well-being services. I focus on working together to align and effectively meet the needs of both employers and their diverse employees.

My strong belief is that “Your people constitute the life blood of your industry invest and take care of them and they will take care that business flourishes”

PGMAG: Who would be your ideal lunch date and what would be the topic for discussion?

CRN: Wow, that’s such a great question. This would have to be Viola Davis OR Michelle Obama. I’m sorry it’s not possible for me to stick to just one. These are women who represent the greatest qualities I admire. They are able to use their voice to speak out and passionately support what they believe in. They express courage, strength, deep morals and ethics, brillant focus, immense integrity and generosity towards others.

PGMAG: What were the top three books that changed your life?

CRN: These would be all classics, which I read many, many years ago in my early - mid twenty’s. All profoundly shaped and broadened my self-awareness, as well as understanding of the choices we make, the meaning in life we create, the perspective and context, through which we view the world and the importance of our will, beliefs and the strength of our human resilience.

R.D Laing & A Esterson - Sanity, Madness and the Family Victor Frankl - Man’s search for Meaning.

George Orwell - 1984 Maxwell Maltz -PsychoCybernetics.

Oh, that’s four not three and there are so many more.

PGMAG: What is your message for the youth?

CRN:

Don’t let others define who you are or what you can achieve in life. Believe in yourself and your great potential. Respect and value yourself and others and go for your dreams.

PGMAG: What would you say to your younger self?

CRN: Follow your gut, it was always right, don’t stop letting it guide you.

PGMAG: Finally, what other opportunities do you seek to find in the year 2021?

CRN: I’m a lifelong learner, collaborator and love bringing people together. I‘m planning to build some great collaborations, which foster a diverse and inclusive culture, on-line and off, which truly represents diverse interests and supports mental health and well-being in a sustainable way.

I’m also looking forward to working with more organisations, who are ready to invest in taking meaningful steps in creating our new diverse mental health hybrid culture, which thrives through healthy wellbeing, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

PGMAG: Thank you for your time – much appreciated.

CRN: Thank you for having me.

PGMAG: Please share your links with us.

CRN: www.freechoices.co.uk https://www.freechoices.co.uk/ caroline.html https://www.linkedin.com/ in/caroline-ribeiro-nelsona2398a48/ https://brandminds.live/author/ caroline-ribeiro-nelson/ https://www.thehrdirector. com/were-not-just-workingfrom-home-covid-19/ https://www.eapa.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2014/02/ UK-EAPA-Factsheet-MentalHealth-in-the-workplaceFINAL.pdf