Psych in Business

Building Resilience: A Strategic Approach for Leaders with Dr. Marie-Helene Pelletier

In this episode of the Psych in Business podcast, host Dr. Ernest Wayde engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a psychologist and senior leader with over 20 years of experience in various sectors. Dr. Pelletier, also known as MH, introduces her new book, “The Resilience Plan,” focusing on the strategic integration of psychology into work performance and mental health.

Dr. Pelletier shares her unique journey from Quebec City to the west coast of Canada, emphasizing her experiences in telehealth research and the evolution of her career into leadership roles. As a bilingual psychologist with a systems mindset, she sheds light on the challenges and insights gained from working in diverse sectors, such as corporate, insurance, governance, and healthcare.

The conversation delves into the intersection of psychology and leadership, highlighting the importance of understanding the demands and context that leaders face. Dr. Pelletier emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to resilience, debunking the misconception that it’s a dichotomy between high performance and self-care. She advocates for a personalized resilience plan tailored to individual values, sources of supply and demand, and the current context.

The podcast explores real-world examples of leaders applying the resilience plan, showcasing tangible strategies for optimizing resilience. Dr. Pelletier shares a case study of a leader struggling with remote work and diminishing energy levels. By identifying values, sources of supply, and implementing strategic pillars like setting boundaries, the leader successfully revitalized their engagement and passion.

The episode concludes with Dr. Pelletier’s valuable tip for business leaders—encouraging them to have someone or something in their corner for self-reflection and self-awareness. She underscores the importance of creating space for mental clarity amid constant emands.