I’m fine. The most dangerous lie in leadership


I’m fine. The most dangerous lie in leadership

Why pressure hides in plain sight — and how to lead through it without burning out.

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” Joseph Campbell

Hi Reader,

“You can’t grow in a comfort zone — and you sure can’t lead from one either.”

It’s June, and the themes of pressure, boundaries, and living truthfully are calling loud and clear.

Between Men’s Health Month, Infant Mental Health Week (9–15 June), and World Refugee Day (20 June), there’s a powerful thread running through everything:

Connection protects wellbeing—whether you're a man owning his mental health, a parent supporting a child’s emotional start, or a leader navigating stress and isolation.

Here’s what’s inside this month’s edition:

✍️ From the Blog

I’m Fine” – The Lie That’s Quietly Breaking Your Best People
Burnout, emotional masks, and why pretending everything’s OK is costing us more than we think.
Includes 5 subtle signs someone’s not fine—and what to do about it.

The Magic ‘Mike’ Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
From vertical rollercoasters to firewalks—this one’s about facing fear, choosing discomfort, and rediscovering what makes you feel alive.
Includes a glimpse at my “bucket list of sorts.”

Mental Health Under Fire

What Burkina Faso’s 37-year-old president teaches us about resilience under relentless pressure—contrasted with Britain’s new PM, Keir Starmer.
It’s not about politics. It’s about pressure, presence, and purpose.

🌍 New Feature: Global News Spotlight

Each month, we’ll share stories you won’t see on the front page—but you’ll feel in your bones.

This Month:
Resilience at the Edge — Ibrahim Traoré leads without a safety net. What can his story teach us about mental stamina and self-leadership?

📅 MHFA Training – July

21–22 July – 2‑Day Online Mental Health First Aid Course
23 July – Refresher Session

These aren’t just courses — they’re real communities building cultures that care.

💬 A Final Thought

You don’t have to lead a country to feel like everything’s on your shoulders.
But this month, maybe the question isn’t “Am I fine?”

Maybe it’s:
Where can I show up more truthfully—and who’s in my corner when I do?

With strength, honesty, and a little fire,
Mike

Current articles

🌪 “I’m Fine” — The Most Dangerous Lie in Leadership

We say it on autopilot. But behind the mask? Burnout, stress, and silent struggle. This piece is a wake-up call for anyone leading on empty — and a guide to spotting what’s often hidden in plain sight.

🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️

🔥 The Magic ‘Mike’ Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone

What do steel bars, cliff jumps, and emotional breakthroughs have in common? This piece explores the moments that test us—and why discomfort might just be the key to your next big shift.

🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️

🌍 Global News Spotlight

Each month, we spotlight powerful, untold stories shaping mental health and wellbeing around the world.

🌍 Mental Health Under Fire

Two leaders. Two extremes. One powerful message. This blog explores what Burkina Faso’s youngest president and Britain’s new PM reveal about resilience, boundaries, and leading under pressure.

🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️

🧠 Could You Look Them in the Eye and Say, “I Didn’t Know What to Do”?

🚨 Become the Person Who Shows Up When It Matters Most — Not the One Who Walks Away


A colleague breaks down in front of you.
A friend confides in you — quietly, desperately.
Someone close is spiralling… and you don’t know what to say.

Most people freeze. Not because they don’t care — but because they were never taught how to respond.

This is your chance to change that.

The Mental Health First Aid 2-Day Course is designed to equip you with the tools, confidence and clarity to support someone through a mental health crisis — and beyond.

✅ Spot the signs most people miss
✅ Start safe, supportive conversations that make a difference
✅ Become a certified Mental Health First Aider (MHFA England®)
✅ Feel equipped, not helpless

📅 Date: Monday – Tuesday, 21st – 22nd July 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💻 Format: Live, Online & Interactive

If you’re a:
✔ HR Manager looking to boost morale and confidence in your team
✔ HR Director dedicated to fostering a mentally healthy workplace
✔ Business owner who truly cares about employee well-being
… then this course is for you!

🌟 What learners are saying:

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Mental Health First Aider course! It was not only informative but also empowering. The instructor, Mike’s expertise and engaging teaching style made the content relatable and easy to understand. Their ability to facilitate discussions while ensuring everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts was commendable. Thank you for such a transformative experience! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We deeply appreciate your efforts in delivering high-quality mental health training and the positive impact you’re making."
This feedback exemplifies our core values at MHFA England, and we thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.

📞 Call 01142 670 081
✉️ Email hello@mikelawrence.co.uk

Seats are limited. Don’t be the one who walks away.

📚 What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To 🎧🎬

You know that feeling when a book, podcast, or film completely shifts your perspective? Or when you binge on something so good, you immediately want to tell everyone about it?

Well, this is that space. Whether it’s a mind-blowing book, a documentary I can’t stop talking about, or a podcast that made me rethink everything, here’s what’s been filling my brain (and occasionally distracting me from work).

Curious? Dive in. 👇

📚

What I’m Reading

📖 Jim Kwik – Limitless 🧠

Brain coach Jim Kwik reveals how to unlock your mind's full potential with speed reading, memory hacks, and unstoppable focus. A game-changing guide to thinking bigger, learning faster, and living without limits. 🚀✨

🎧

What I’m Watching

Straw – Netflix 🎭

A gripping psychological thriller from Tyler Perry, Straw follows Janiyah (Taraji P. Henson), a single mother pushed to her limits on one chaotic day—eviction, job loss, relentless stress—and ends up in a tense bank hostage situation.

🎬

What I’m Listening to

Change – “Unconditional Love” 🎶

From the group that once featured Luther Vandross comes a smooth, soulful return to form. Unconditional Love blends classic Change vibes with fresh vocals from new members — and it’s a groove that hits just right.

💫 That’s a wrap on this month’s journey.

From high-pressure leadership stories to vertical rollercoasters and soul-soaked soundtracks — I hope something in this issue moved you, even just a little.

Maybe a blog struck a chord.
Maybe a quote made you pause.
Or maybe it was the reminder that discomfort, when chosen wisely, leads to growth.

Whatever landed — don’t keep it to yourself.
Hit reply, drop me a message, or share with someone who needs it.

Until next time, take care of your mind, stay close to your tribe, and remember:
Real change starts with a single, brave step.

With strength and solidarity,
Mike

Let’s Stay Connected! 🔗💬

💡 Want more insights, updates, and mental health, resilience, and well-being discussions? Let’s connect!

Follow along, comment, or share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you! 💬🔥

Millhouses Business Centre 2-4 Abbeydale Road South , Sheffield, South Yorkshire S7 2QN
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👉 Mike Lawrence | Health & Wellbeing Consultancy 🌱

📢 For creators in personal development, mental health, and workplace wellbeing. My UK audience of 2.5K+ HR leaders, executives & small business owners seeks expert insights on resilience, stress, burnout & coping strategies. As an award-winning consultant & author, I share science-backed & holistic strategies that deliver real results.💡 Resilience, stress management & burnout prevention—blending science, experience & complementary therapies. Join 2.5K+ professionals who receive actionable tools, expert insights & proven techniques to stay calm, focused & in control. Subscribe today—because success shouldn’t come at the cost of wellbeing.

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