Covid-19 has transformed our everyday lives. It has impacted businesses, economies, and global connectivity. However, besides the positive impacts such as remote opportunities, it has some negative spillovers such as mental health issues.
Some family business owners, especially in the automotive industry, have too much on their plate. They are working under the hood, maintaining operations while ensuring that the business ends up as their multigenerational legacy. This stress can cause a shift in the business owner’s focus and slow growth.
Unfortunately, most auto shop owners ignore it because they may not be equipped to deal with it or may not even recognize what it is.
Michelle E. Dickinson joins Matt DiFrancesco in the Your Business, Your Life podcast. She is a Workplace Mental Health Strategist & Consultant and TEDx speaker. Together they talk about how to identify these invisible disabilities in the workplace. In addition, what toolsets business owners can use to help their employees/family members get help related to their mental health issues.
If you are overwhelmed with the financial performance of your business or thinking of planning a succession plan, then it’s essential to get in touch with an expert. Schedule a free 20-minute conversation with Matt DiFrancesco to know different options and formulate a roadmap that can lead you to your vision.
About Our Guest
Michelle E. Dickinson grew up caring for her mother, who had bipolar disorder. Throughout the years, she became more aware of what it’s like to love someone with a mental illness and how challenging it is to love them. She eventually started sharing her story and understood how powerful it could be to open up a conversation and make other people feel less alone.
She gained experience leading a mental health employee resource group for a Fortune 500 company. Her experiences taught her what it takes to shift cultures and what can be done to create stigma-free environments in the workplace. Years later, Michelle decided to leave the corporate world, start her own company, and become the difference she wanted to see in the world.
She now works as a Workplace Mental Health Strategist & Consultant at Trifecta Mental Health, providing interactive workshops to help employees with their emotional and mental well-being. In addition, Michelle published her memoir, “Breaking Into My Life,” hoping that the story will help those who suffer better understand, accept, and treat mental illness.
Mental Health and The Pandemic
Many people deal with mental health issues within their families and businesses. But, unfortunately, a lot of times, they can’t recognize them. Before the pandemic, research said that one in five Americans would be diagnosed with a mental health challenge. Since this pandemic, it’s now said that one in three Americans are currently dealing with depression or anxiety.
In addition, 42% of the global workforce has experienced a decline in their mental health since the pandemic began. This is because there are so many facets that are affecting our mental health.
Everybody deals with it according to their plan because it’s rooted in past traumas and life experiences. Since everyone has different challenges and problems, we should never compare ourselves with anyone.
Why Bring in An Expert?
A business owner brings somebody in and adds tremendous value to the business. It has a snowball effect. A leader consults an expert and surfaces the issues that might be hindering their performance. They start thinking about their problem areas and the other issues that must be addressed.
Mental Illness a Stigma
We live in 2022, but mental illness still has a significant stigma. Since every organization is a part of a specific society and is formed with people with a set of beliefs, you can’t just expect a culture in a company to change on a dime.
Some people are very private. Everyone Talks about mental health from their own biases and experiences. For example, they might have horrible situations in their childhood or past life, due to which they might not feel comfortable talking about them in the workplace. Not talking, sharing, or getting expert help can exacerbate anxiety.
It is essential to normalize the narrative around mental health. The way you speak about it as a leader matters a lot. Make sure that you can relate to people. Start shifting the narrative in the workplace and make people aware of resources available for them to get supported.
Matt’s Virtual Family Office
The goal is to be a focal point for businesses where they can seek all kinds of information and discuss situations that are impacting their life. Imagine it as the “411” and “911” for owners. At HighLift Financial, we have developed a network of resources over the last 30 years. We have industry experts and professionals in a lot of different areas. In addition, the team includes therapists and counselors that can engage with the business owners and listen to their struggles.
Contact Michelle
Michelle primarily works with organizations. She teaches resilience tips to ensure employees are centered. Many people are struggling coming out of the pandemic. The aim is to keep them healthy and engaged in their lives and jobs.
She also offers a Leaders Program. The program is designed to help leaders have more confidence and talk to their people if they notice something is up. The best way to connect with her is on LinkedIn.
In addition, you can follow her on Instagram at @michelledickinson71. Her company web page is careforyourpeople.com. To get a free chapter of her book, go to breakingintomylife.com.
Contact HighLift Financial Today!
Our mindsets control our behaviors and belief systems. We can have a firm grip on our business and life by addressing our mental health issues. Covid has had a significant impact on businesses. Find out why Covid has made “going virtual” a necessity.
In addition, my businesses have pivoted during the pandemic. Learn what they are doing differently that has added to their value proposition, making them more profitable. Schedule a free 20-minute conversation with Matt DiFrancesco to discuss your financial situation and know which options you can explore to turn your auto body shop into a competitive, multigenerational business.
Disclaimer
The information compiled and posted here solely represents the opinions and views of the guest. It might not be similar to the opinions and views of High Lift Financial. It is not a substitute for tax or legal advice or professional investment.
Always consult your financial advisor with any personal or business planning queries. DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC. d/b/a HighLift Financial is a Registered Investment Advisor registered with the State of Pennsylvania and subject to the State of Pennsylvania’s regulatory oversight.