Jason Finucan

This interactive session will focus on how employers can improve their response to the specific challenges raised by workplace mental illness and stigma. Participants will be given the opportunity to consider case studies and data collected through surveys, as well as work in breakout groups. Much of this session is based on the research findings of a whitepaper co-authored by Jason Finucan, which was published in the Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences and focuses on the ROI of reducing mental illness stigma in the workplace. (Visit https://stigmazero.com/whitepaper/ to review the executive summary or full version of the whitepaper.) The work environment created by leadership, human resources professionals and employees has a powerful influence over how well or how poorly workplace mental illness challenges are handled. By addressing the issue of workplace stigma head-on, and by providing a comprehensive understanding of mental illnesses in general, this session will provide tools to reduce the challenges caused by employees either hiding a mental illness or discriminating against others who fall ill. This session, which offers some of the content found in The StigmaZero Online Training Academy programs, also includes an exploration of the role both empathy and emotional intelligence (EI) play in the battle against mental illness stigma in the workplace. Often-overlooked, EI is a vital skill for employees and managers to develop and unlike IQ, EI can be improved. In addition to his expertise regarding workplace mental illness and stigma, Jason Finucan will bring considerable personal experience to this session. Jason has had the unique experience of being diagnosed with both a major physical illness (heart defect leading to open-heart surgery) and a mental illness (bipolar disorder). It was in comparing the two experiences, both personally and professionally, that he realized the destructive power of stigma - which is very prevalent with respect to mental illness and yet non-existent with other, more known illnesses. As an expert storyteller, professional speaker and member of CAPS (the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers), Jason shares his impactful personal experiences in a way that leaves attendees with a new, positive and empowered understanding of mental illness and stigma. Attendees will learn: Mental health/illness literacy, personal growth (empathy and EQ), appropriate action and response, promotion of psychologically safe workplaces, appropriate action and response as a manager, and the sustainable development of policies. Usable tools: Case studies, sample policies, guidelines for internal communications

In Jason's signature keynote, his expert storytelling abilities are on full display as he shares his battle with mental illness at home and in the workplace. As well, he illustrates how having a major physical illness as a boy (a heart defect requiring open-heart surgery) helped him to overcome stigma in his late twenties. This powerful and moving keynote includes some of the inspirational stories Jason shares in his book, Jason: 1, Stigma: 0 My battle with mental illness at home and in the workplace. Included in this keynote are key takeaways to help individuals and employers improve mental health, better respond to mental illness and ultimately, eliminate stigma.