Mark Simmonds
I’ve enjoyed a long and varied career in the world of business and was lucky enough to find my calling early on when I discovered the delights of management training. I’ve worked with a large number of the corporate giants across the globe, including Unilever, HSBC, Tesco, GlaxoSmithKline, Philips, Pernod Ricard and Astra Zeneca. I’ve also had stints working for small agencies and currently run my own boutique agency called GENIUS YOU.
However, throughout my life. I have struggled with anxiety which has always been close by my side, buzzing around like an irritating little fly that refuses to leave you alone! In my thirties, this led to a nervous breakdown, brought on by pressure at work which culminated in a failed attempt on my own life. I have always been pretty good at stress!!
The combination of all the above has now encouraged me to focus my attention on the world of mental health, specifically stress in the workplace. It’s a big topic right now, high up on society’s agenda, and I want to do whatever I can to help.
On the personal front, I have a wonderful wife called Mel and three terrific, grown-up children – Will, Emily and Jack, as well as two pets, a cat called Maisie and a dog called Peggy, both slightly bonkers!
Bespoke talks and workshops for companies
“Mark delivered a thought-provoking session which focused specifically on the dangers of excessive stress. He drew extensively from his own experiences of work-related stress and introduced a number of very practical frameworks from his book. Mark also managed to deliver a heavy topic in a way which made it easy to digest.”
Katie Torode, Unilever
“Mark’s workshop gave me a great sense of relief - it’s ok, and you’re not alone, and also a great sense of understanding and empowerment - here’s some simple logical steps you can take. Thank you Mark, an exceptional and liberating experience.”
Dr Jo Jolly, Environmental Agency
Which core elements make up the book?
A true story. A biography of my professional career, detailing my close relationship with stress, anxiety and depression. Warts and all.
Other people’s lived experiences. 10 individuals, one per chapter, share their own experiences of mental health in the workplace.
Mental health facts. Statistics from a range of research studies provide information about different aspects of mental health.
Pauses for thought. Timeouts in every chapter where I invite the reader to stop and consider the status of their own mental wellbeing.
Help yourself. A section at the end of every chapter where a framework or checklist is introduced, enabling the reader to apply the theory to themselves.
Professional input. The book has been edited and audited by Melissa Doman, MA. She is an Organizational Psychologist, former Clinical Mental Health Therapist, and Author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work (Here’s Why and How To Do It Really Well).
Stress bank - videos and press articles
I’ve enjoyed a long and varied career in the world of business and was lucky enough to find my calling early on when I discovered the delights of management training. I’ve worked with a large number of the corporate giants across the globe, including Unilever, HSBC, Tesco, GlaxoSmithKline, Philips, Pernod Ricard and Astra Zeneca. I’ve also had stints working for small agencies and currently run my own boutique agency called GENIUS YOU.
However, throughout my life. I have struggled with anxiety which has always been close by my side, buzzing around like an irritating little fly that refuses to leave you alone! In my thirties, this led to a nervous breakdown, brought on by pressure at work which culminated in a failed attempt on my own life. I have always been pretty good at stress!!