Lessons to be Learned on World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10)

By Jim Leahy 

Three years ago, I found myself at the final stage of an interview process for a Vice President, Human Resources opportunity with an exciting 700-person startup.  The final interview started by meeting with the Chief Executive Officer.  We spent an hour together learning about one another.  For my final I was scheduled to speak with their Chief-of-Staff.  This person would operate as a peer to whomever they hired for the role.

During the interview, the Chief-of-Staff sat across from me and asked me a number of basic questions regarding my career.  This interview felt more like a check-the-box type of interview, but I was happy to oblige.  I was curious about the person I would potentially collaborate with to help the business find even more success.  It wasn’t until fifteen minutes into the interview that the interviewer challenged me.

“What book inspired you early in your career?  What book compelled you to pursue Human Resources?” he asked.

I shared with him that a former Chief People Officer I reported to had purchased me a copy of Tony Hsieh’s, Delivering Happiness.  Tsieh’s book illuminated the importance of customer service and company culture in building a successful business.  The gentleman immediately pushed back.  “Tony’s contributions are invalid due to his poor decision and obvious mental health issues.”  I was stunned.  The words stung as they hit my ear.  “There’s certainly no room at our company for people with mental health issues,” he shared.

I paused. This man sitting across from spoke with such conviction about people with mental health challenges.  I aimed to regain my composure.  I shared with him that his reaction had made me uncomfortable.  He continued to push back.  “At least no place on our Leadership team or within Human Resources.”  I sat in disbelief. This situation had never happened to me before.

It was quite clear to me that the stigma surrounding mental health was alive and well.  My shock turned into shame, but then quickly turned to anger.  I shared with this person that not only was his line of questioning inappropriate, it was potentially illegal.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with mental health conditions from discrimination in the workplace. This includes protection from being fired, rejected for a job or promotion, or forced to take leave.  I thanked him for his time.  I informed him that I would no longer like to be considered a candidate for this opportunity.

Hsieh’s book played a critical role in shaping how I, a human resources professional, could deliver on behalf of my customers, prospects, candidates, and employees.  Early in my career, I wrote to Hsieh and let him know that Delivering Happiness had become my go-to guide to build an authentic culture that people believe in.  Three weeks after I wrote to Tony, I received a hardcover, 335-page book, signed by Hsieh that highlighted all of the facets that made up Zappos culture (Hsieh was the Chief Executive Officer at Zappos.)

In his pursuit to deliver happiness for others, it’s possible that Hsieh may have neglected his own mental health.  His struggles with addiction were well documented and after his tragic passing in 2020, many of his peers shared the darker side of his endeavors.

When that former leader handed me Hsieh’s book, I remember the woman looked at me and said, “I think you’re going to enjoy this book.  My only piece of advice, if I were to share with the author, is to focus less on happiness and more on engagement.  Happiness is temporary but engagement has a long-lasting impact on your journey.”  

I’ve reflected on what Hsieh shared in his book, the wisdom that my former leader imparted upon me, and my own lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression.  In order to go above and beyond for others, in order to show up and be present, you have to first practice self-care.  I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for more than 30 years now, but I’ve learned that when I invest in myself, I can then invest in my career, in my friendships, and in my future.  And when I invest in myself, no person can invalidate my story, and no amount of stigma can stop me from achieving my goals.