Lesley Cooper on stress and pressure at work

28/10/2025 15 min
Lesley Cooper on stress and pressure at work

Listen "Lesley Cooper on stress and pressure at work"

Episode Synopsis

Workplace pressure can be detrimental to growth, development and wellbeing. In this episode of What Matters, we discuss wellbeing at work, including the issues of fear-based cultures and psychological safety. Lesley Cooper is a management consultant with nearly 30 years of experience in the design and delivery of employee wellbeing programmes. In 1997, she founded WorkingWell, an award-winning specialist consultancy. Other issues we explore include:What employers can do to help people manage stress and pressure at work?The leadership skills that can help to mitigate a stressful environment.How to move to positive high energy emotions and strong performance.Self-awareness, resilience and self-regulation.The importance of building trust and creating a culture of openness.Lesley is also the co-author with Vicky Smith of Brave New Leader: How to Transform Workplace Pressure into Sustainable Performance and Growth. Built around incremental, achievable steps, Brave New Leader covers the tools, mindset, and courage required to turn a damaging tide of pressure and fear into enhanced engagement contribution, fulfilment and wellbeing.