Description

Scott McGohan has spent over 35 years shaping leadership, culture, and mental health advocacy in the workplace as the recently retired Co-Chairman of McGohan Brabender, author of Culture Is an Inside Job, and founder of your newest adventure. One Morning, he’s on a mission to inspire self-awareness, authenticity, and real cultural change. A passionate believer in love, acceptance, and vulnerability, Scott is here to challenge how we think about leadership—from the inside out.

In this episode, Wendi and Scott discuss:

• How vulnerability, not ego, became Scott's greatest leadership tool
• Why storytelling is a powerful catalyst for mental health support in the workplace
• The birth of One Morning and its mission to humanize EAPs and drive cultural change
• The dangers of destructive heroes and how one employee’s honesty changed Scott’s life
• Practical leadership strategies to create belonging without sacrificing professionalism

Key Takeaways:

• Scott redefines vulnerability as the ultimate leadership asset—one that forges deeper trust, authentic relationships, and sustainable influence.
• Rather than being compartmentalized, mental health emerges as a vital thread in organizational culture, with acknowledgment and support proving transformative for morale, retention, and human connection.
• It’s emotional resonance—not raw data—that ultimately breaks barriers and dismantles stigma around mental health in the workplace.
• A single voice, unafraid to speak truth to power, can catalyze a leader’s awakening and reshape the cultural fabric of an entire company.
• Employees don’t crave perfection or relentless strategy—they yearn for leaders who slow down, show up, and offer hope in uncertain times.

“I believe vulnerability is probably one of the greatest gifts that we can give people, because everybody's dealing with something... and when we're vulnerable, we let other people know that they're not alone, and it allows other people to stand up taller. We give people a reputation to live up to.” - Scott McGohan

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Dial 988 or visit: https://988lifeline.org/ 

At the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are available for you. You are not alone.

Crisis Text Line

741-741 is the phone number for the Crisis Text Line, a free, confidential service that offers mental health support 24/7. You can text the Crisis Text Line from anywhere in the United States. How to use the Crisis Text Line

Text the keyword "HOME" to 741-741

Text the keyword "SUPPORT" to 741-741

Text the keyword "CONNECT" to 741-741

Connect with Scott McGohan:

Website: https://www.scottmcgohan.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcgohan-26b9797/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psmcgohan/ 

Email: scott@onemorning.com 

Connect with Wendi Swanson:

Website: etymongroup.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wendiswanson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557265653368 

Email: wswanson@etymongroup.com

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.