294: The Realities of Leadership Mental Health with Melissa Doman

Who supports the mental health of leaders in your workplace?

In the latest episode of the Happier at Work podcast, Aoife O'Brien welcomes back organisational psychologist and leadership mental health expert Melissa Doman. This honest and eye-opening conversation explores why it’s crucial to support not just employees, but leaders as well. Melissa reveals how leaders are often expected to have it all figured out and endlessly support others, while their own mental health needs are overlooked. Drawing on research and her forthcoming book "Cornered Office," Melissa explains the hidden pressures leaders face, the human cost of dehumanising leadership roles, and tangible strategies to help leaders show up authentically at work.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

1. The myth that leaders naturally have better mental health and don’t need support is untrue and harmful.
2. How workplace systems and society often perpetuate the idea that leaders should be strong, have all the answers, and not show weakness.
3. The SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness), and how it helps leaders and employees identify workplace triggers and address unmet needs.
4. Practical coping methods for leaders, including emotional awareness, open communication, appropriate boundary-setting, and knowing when to seek external support.

Related Topics Covered:

Power Dynamics at Work, Stereotypes, Boundaries at Work

Connect with Aoife O’Brien | Host of Happier at Work®:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn
3. YouTube

Connect with Melissa Doman | Organisational psychologist and leadership mental health expert:

1. Website
2. LinkedIn

Related Episodes You’ll Love:

Episode 242: Transforming Mental Health Conversations at Work with Melissa Doman

About Happier at Work®

Happier at Work® is the podcast for business leaders who want to create meaningful, human-centric workplaces. Hosted by Aoife O’Brien, the show explores leadership, career clarity, imposter syndrome, workplace culture, and employee engagement — helping you and your team thrive.

If you enjoy podcasts like WorkLife with Adam Grant, The Happiness Lab, or Squiggly Careers, you’ll love Happier at Work®.

Join Aoife O’Brien for weekly insights on leadership, workplace culture, career clarity, imposter syndrome, and creating work that works for you.

Editing by Amanda Fitzgerald.

Website: https://happieratwork.ie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifemobrien/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HappierAtWorkHQ

Mentioned in this episode:

Thriving Talent book

Book