WellFest speaker spotlight: Gian Power, founder, TLC Lions

Gian Power is the founder of TLC Lions, a company that connects organisations with speakers whose real-life stories help to spread the word about wellbeing and inclusion in the workplace.

Gian previously worked at Deutsche Bank and PwC, where he witnessed first-hand some of the wellbeing and inclusion issues that need to be tackled in the corporate world.

In 2015, an unexpected family tragedy changed Gian’s life forever. When returning back to work, he saw the power of sharing his emotions and bringing his whole self to work. Recognising the power of storytelling, and wanting to encourage others to share their stories, he founded TLC Lions.

Gian has hit the headlines across the world, having worked across 57 countries. His work is supported by Westminster and he hosts own roundtables in the House of Lords to drive forward the workplace wellbeing agenda.

Gian joins WellFest for our panel discussion ‘Authenticity in Action: bringing your whole self to work’ alongside Jennifer Healy, Carrie Birmingham and Rishi Dastidar.

Here, Gian reveals the business benefits of workplace wellbeing and inclusion, as well as his tips for a quick boost at work.

Why are you taking part in WellFest?

Mental wellbeing is an area close to my heart. Being involved in WellFest allows me to share my learnings, hints and tips with a new industry outside of my traditional professional services background.

I believe that everyone has a story and I hope through WellFest I’ll be able to inspire others to speak up about how they’re feeling, to share their stories and to support others in and around their workplaces.

Why do you think workplace wellbeing is important?

On average we spend 75% of our lives at work. It’s paramount that employees feel supported during this time. If employers put support in place, it allows employees not only to survive in difficult times but to thrive. Secondly, there is a clear business case for looking after staff – it has direct links to employee productivity. A recent study by Deloitte showed that every £1 invested in employee wellbeing can yield up to £9 in return. For me, these are two key reasons why workplace wellbeing should be a board level discussion point.

What are you and your organisation doing to promote good wellbeing?

Following my time at Deutsche Bank / PwC and a personal tragedy in my own life, with the murder of my father in 2015, I founded TLC Lions. At TLC Lions I’ve brought together 25 ordinary people with extraordinary stories in a mission to ignite emotions and highlight the importance of wellbeing in the corporate world through storytelling. I’m proud to support more than 75 organisations with their wellbeing agendas, helping to equip their employees with tips and tools to look after their own mental wellbeing and that of their teams. We support companies including MasterCard, Warner Music, Amazon, and GSK.

I’m proud to have reached 57 countries through our work, allowing us to understand the various cultural challenges that multinationals face across varying geographies.

Using only three words, describe work.

Fulfilling. Exciting. Impactful.

Getting away from your desk. Discuss.

Taking time out allows for a clearer mind and often a more productive working day. A few of my tips are:

• Take a walk around the building and listen to uplifting music.
• Find a colleague who you know will make you laugh.
• Take 10 minutes out for meditation.

What place does emotion have in decision-making?

Many of us make decisions based on emotion. I’ve learnt the importance of responding rather than reacting in the moment and taking time out during big decisions. Yet, at the same time I’ve learnt to trust my gut and see my instant as a powerful tool.

Meditation, for me, has been an invaluable technique to tune in to how I feel, helping me to make decisions with a more balanced mind and clearer judgement.

Are you better at what you do, because you work where you work?

For me, I tend to work in different places depending on the task in question. For example, for inspiration and innovation I need to leave London, whereas at other times I’ll be working with a team in an office environment. I’ve actively taken time out over the last 12 months to understand my own working style. Adapting my morning routine has a huge impact on my working day and productivity.

Who was your greatest ever colleague and why? What about them, if anything, do you bring to your work and team?

Jason Higgs and Issy Gross are both directors and partners at PwC who both saved me in some of the most difficult times. They would take time out in their busy diaries to simply listen. Listening to understand, not to respond. If it wasn’t for these two individuals I don’t know where I would be today. This kind leadership style and emotional connectedness is something I now try to embrace myself, being there for my own team when they’re faced with challenges, be it personally or professionally.

Does the reward reflect the work put in?

At TLC Lions, I’m proud that our work has had the ability to change people’s lives and to even save some lives. We encourage people to speak up and get the support they need at the time they need it.

For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than listening to people’s stories and ensuring they get the right support.

Diverse teams make stronger teams. Discuss.

We know that diverse teams can add up to 30% to the bottom line, yet still so many people do not fully understand the benefits. Having a diverse team means new ways of thinking and new styles of working. Embracing diverse teams allows companies to reach new markets and audiences they otherwise wouldn’t have.