Kathy Gregory  0:00  
It's not good enough anymore just to have a wellness, like have just sort of this general wellness program, you really have to have someone who is in charge and embedded in your culture of your company.

Hello and welcome to love as a business strategy, a podcast that brings humanity to the workplace. We're here to talk about business. But we want to tackle topics that most business leaders shy away from. We believe that humanity and love should be at the center of every successful business. I am your host, Jeff Ma. And as always, I'm here to have conversations and hear stories about real people, real businesses real life. And my guest today is Kathy Gregory. Kathy is a workplace wellness specialist who is deeply committed to fostering healthy and flourishing work environments for organizations. Armed with a robust background in health and wellness, she crafts strategies aimed at developing comprehensive wellness programs, and fostering healthy behaviors to enhance employee morale and productivity. Cathy's overarching mission is to instill a culture of wellness that empowers individuals to enact positive transformations, both personally and professionally. And she tirelessly serves organizations by devising tailored approaches to optimize the health and well being of their workforce. Through the implementation of multifaceted wellness initiatives, encompassing elements such as physical activity, promotion, nutritious eating, advocacy, stress mitigation techniques, and many other beneficial lifestyle modifications. Kathy endeavours to cultivate an atmosphere of wellness, ultimately yielding a workforce that is not only physically healthier, but also happier, more fulfilled and more productive. And who wouldn't want that. So I'm excited to have join us, Kathy, how are you doing, Kathy? I'm

Kathy Gregory 1  2:05  
doing great. It's a beautiful Thursday here in The Woodlands, Texas. Awesome,

Kathy Gregory  2:12  
wonderful, wonderful. And, you know, talking about having done this for so long talking about love and culture and all these things, you know, a theme that always pops up is this idea of self self help self love, self care, being able to only love others as much as we love ourselves and take care of ourselves. And I can't help but be excited about this topic that you bring today. Because usually, we're really, really stuck in the kind of mental and cultural emotional side of that, that self help. But also, there's there's a larger picture to that, that I'd love to dive in with you today. So I'm super excited. But I want to just kick it off first just centered on you, Kathy, I'm wondering, what is your origin story when it comes to your passion here with your work in wellness? What got you here?

Kathy Gregory   3:10  
That's a great question. So it's it was back in 2013 I had gotten to a super unhealthy place. In my own life, I was working a job that I was really pretty burned out in and really didn't have those words, though. Like I just didn't, I was feeling anxious, really, probably borderline depressed. I wasn't showing up well, for myself at work for my family. I mean, things just were not working. And, you know, finally, I think a lot of us get to the end of our rope, we're like, Okay, enough is enough. I need to start making some changes in my life. Because, you know, I don't I don't want to just survive, I want to thrive. I mean, to me, that's the goal, right? For all of us. We want to thrive in whatever it is that we decided to do, and I was not there. So I began just making such small changes in my own routine kind of healthy habits. I really just started walking once a week. And a lot of times we think, Well gosh, if I'm gonna do something, it's got to be this huge overhaul of my life. But really, the truth of the matter is, it's just start doing something that action provides results. And it's the results that really keep you motivated in doing it. We kind of get that backwards sometimes. So I started walking, started feeling better. And I was like, Okay, I'm sure this is not by accident. I need to figure out how to do this, how to do that more. And then I started eating healthier. And then you know, I mean, it just sort of was a snowball of things healthier. habits that I put into place. And then I came to this place that, gosh, you know, I know I'm not the only person struggling with this, I've got to figure out a way to really make this, the passion that I've gained from it, like make it into the purpose of what I'm doing. So I found this health coaching certification, it's through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. And it's a year long thing. So I went through that, and got my certification. And that was in 2016 2017, I started my own company kg wellness, work working with individuals and organizations alike, we just like the intro says and haven't looked back, I mean, it's just been a lot of fun getting to know lots of people getting to see the true impact that wellness has in, in an organization, but also in the individuals who make up the organization. So that's kind of my story, condensed version of how I got started.

Kathy Gregory  6:06  
That's awesome. I, I have to I guess, ask the question that's kind of really right off the top of my head here, where I want to, I really want to know, how do you see in like, kind of in your perspective, wellness, physical wellness, health, these types of things that you're that you're pushing for? How are these directly connected to our culture, like company culture, as we as we know it, it's obviously good for us as individuals, but how do you see that connection exist?

Kathy Gregory 1  6:39  
Well, so you can think probably when you go into work, right, like how you feel on a daily basis. So just think if you go if you're not healthy, if you aren't taking care of yourself, you can think of that how you feel they're also in, in my opinion, those two people who show up at work, it's a huge contrast, right? If I'm, if I'm a healthy person, generally I have more energy, I'm happier and more productive. That person at work is very different than the person who is unhappy, no energy, not very productive, probably looking for another job, you know, I mean, those two people are very different. And so from a culture standpoint, I think you can really see how that can show up in on a team or in your organization, if you have people who are happy to be there looking to connect, belong, feel a sense of belonging and feel like they're, you know, company really is investing in them. When it comes to a wellness standpoint, I think the contrast between the two employees is what really helps to drive that change in culture for your organization. Now, I will say, through a lot of experimentation through the years, it really does have to be a top down initiative, though, because I mean, it's great to have employees who are in there and in and feeling better, and all that. But if we don't have that, that upper level, who's sort of modeling it, and it's a priority for them, it's kind of difficult for it to really seep into the culture of an organization.

Kathy Gregory  8:29  
And can you kind of, I guess, define how it's different, like personal wellness versus like, corporate wellness, if you will, or like when you talk about wellness in these different I mean, obviously, there's healthy habits, we can all build individually. But when you end when you enter the workplace, what are you more focused on? What do you what was the shift in that in that concept?

Kathy Gregory 1  8:50  
Well, I think it's just it's a, it's a mind shift, really, for people to understand that how they show up at work affects everyone around them. So you know, to your point, I have my own personal responsibility for myself and my own wellness, but when I come to work, what what I do what I say how I show up, affects everyone around me also. And so I think, you know, having that in the back of your mind that it's not just, you know, hey, I'm at work today. It's, it's how am I at work today? What, you know, how am I showing up? In this moment? I think building resilience, I know that's something that's that you guys talk a lot about in your book, but I think, you know, wellness is an investment in your resilience also, because a healthier person is generally a more resilient person. And so I think it shows up there too, when it comes to organizational structure, and you know, if you have a very resilient company, I would almost venture to guess that most People are pretty healthy also. And it's so they kind of go hand in hand. But I think I mean, does that answer the question? You know that that it also it's not just physical health, but there's there's a lot of kind of dimensions of wellness. And in so physicals one, but it's like social impact, I wrote them all down, so don't forget. So it's physical, its social, its intellectual, it's emotional, its spiritual, its environmental. And I've even added one financial, because I think financial wellness is a big piece in all this too. But, you know, when you come into the workplace, it's really, you know, trying to focus on all those facets and not just my, my, you know, am I physically healthy or not?

Kathy Gregory  10:48  
That That makes a lot of sense. And, you know, I can't help but be wondering, you know, what, I've spent so much time in the, in the kind of behavioral space of of work culture, and you have me thinking about this, this larger kind of ecosystem of not only how we treat each other, our mindsets, but our actual literal, physical health, our well being, our clarity of mind and all of these things. How do we build this? Like, what what's your approach when you come in with with clients or coaching or helping others? Where do you start in building this, especially considering I'll add this wrinkle of, you know, some people are not well motivated or well equipped to for their own personal health, and really adding, adding this factor of hey, you we want to show up at work better to is not going to motivate them or push them any further than they've been able to do on their own? So how do we actually move the needle on that? Well, I

Kathy Gregory 1  11:52  
think it's, it's really building relationships. I mean, you have someone let's say, for instance, someone like me, or like a wellness coordinator that comes that maybe you hire into organization, and you start really, with the upper level management, you know, your executives, saying, Okay, we're committed to this, and it's a priority and making sure that that's communicated throughout the organization, I generally start with what I call wellness insight survey. So I understand it's anonymous. So I get, you know, really honest feedback, understanding, truly understanding what the top needs wants, interests are for the employer, employee population. And then from that, we design programs that really hone in on on those needs, the things that they're really interested in, and that they need. And I will say most of the time, it's there, like top four. So it's usually physical health. So exercise, nutrition. stress, and stress is always number one, like stress management, burnout is always number one, then it's usually like exercise diet, those two can can interchange. And then financial wellness is always in a top in the top four position also. And, and I think, because you know, the financial wellness, that really it can impact, right stress and things like that, that may be going on kind of underlying going on. And so you just begin to build programs around that. So maybe you have this great health insurance program that has some of the pieces that you can pull from that can help. So maybe it's coaching, maybe it's some kind of diabetes prevention program. So things like that, and then you can do fun things, you can then begin to do some fun things that kind of pull people in and help them see, you know, begin to see that, hey, this is so bad. This is kind of fun. So like challenges. Set challenges are a great thing. I've done a lot of different kinds of challenges. But challenges can be a lot of fun workshops. So helping people understand a little bit more about some of these topics that they're interested in, in helping them dive a little bit deeper. And I do think the coaching is an important piece, awesome, because that's the piece, whether it's group or individual coaching, it really can help make it real for that person and to help them see how to begin to implement some of these things in their life. Because as I was saying, In the beginning, a lot of times we think, well it's got to be this entire overhaul of my life to get healthy. And really it can be tried to walk five minutes a day, like it can be as simple as just starting with something like that. But when people are used to thinking all or nothing, you know, mindset it's it's difficult for them to think Like, Oh, gosh, you know, five minutes could actually make a difference in my health. So, I mean, kind of start start with just understanding what everyone wants and needs. And then building programs around that.

Kathy Gregory  15:15  
Interesting, I think, maybe I have a jaded view of, of of people, because it seems like when we talk about health, it seems like we companies may invest in programs and gyms and access and all these other things. But you know, you can bring a horse to water, but you can't kind of make them drink. So is there? Is there a part of Can you can you talk me through, I guess, the part of the work that comes with? How do we shift people over to caring or even recognizing that, that there's opportunity here, because that's where my head is at with, with with work, especially workplace wellness, where like, we can invest a lot of money into access, but if they don't use it, or if we don't kind of build a culture around the value of it, it feels like it could be a waste.

Kathy Gregory 1  16:09  
Yeah, no, you're right. I mean, that's an absolutely what I find, you know, the engagement piece is the most important piece. And just because you build, it doesn't mean no calm, that's for sure. So especially when it comes to wellness, because it is a very private, personal thing, you know, and so I think it's not good enough anymore, just to have a wellness Pro, like had just sort of this general wellness program, you really have to have someone who is in charge and embedded in your culture of your company, because someone who just sort of comes in and goes out and comes in and goes out like, it's, it's not as permanent as you really need it to be and for people to see. So there needs to be some branding, like having a like a fun contest to name the wellness program, you know, maybe putting some T shirts, I mean, kind of really like any other product that you're putting out there, there's got to be sort of a strategy around making sure that it's communicated. Well, I mean, that's really important, and people understand what it is. But having someone who can come into your organization and really begin to build those relationships. Another great piece that I didn't mention is having like a wellness committee, so you have people, let's say, from different areas of the organization on this committee, people who would probably would, you know, that's just part of their own personal health, they have like a personal health philosophy, so somebody who's probably doing the work anyway in their own life and pulling those people into your committee, from different areas, so that they can also be your kind of your spokesperson out there in the organization, helping you get the message out of the things that you're doing and encouraging people to give it a try. But it is also I think, just upon the person who you got kind of in charge of the program, really just going out and building those relationships and having them be a part of your onboarding process. So when you got new employees coming in, that that person actually is, is personally speaking with the new people coming in and helping them understand, like, what they have access to, and, and how to, you know, get involved and personally inviting people you know, into the different functions or things, you know, activities that you're doing, it's really, it's a very personal you know, it's something that's very, you have to have someone who's personally kind of involved and passionate about it to help bring everyone else along in and just educate, educate them, what it's about what it can do. And, you know, it's not a it's not a quick fix. It's not an you know, here's the pill and you know, you're gonna feel better. It is a pro it is the type program, it just takes some time for people to really understand and to be a part of.

Kathy Gregory  19:17  
I'm curious, Kathy, with today's landscape with, I guess, you know, for a while we are all working remotely, but even now, the workplace looks very different. Pre pandemic law, the typical things you'd see is like on site, gyms access programs that bring food, you know, to the office and things like that. But now, with so much more of a regularly dispersed workforce, not only are we less connected than we ever were, but a lot of these health benefits have to look really different. Can you talk a little bit about that shift and what wellness kind of looks like nowadays, as compared to traditionally Yeah,

Kathy Gregory 1  20:00  
so you know, one of the big things you mentioned, is the gym, right, like having a gym, whether it's in the office, or you know, giving someone access to it, I think, you know, a lot of times we think, well, that's our wellness program, you know, here's this gym or whatever. And it's funny, because so I live in The Woodlands, and we have this area there called the waterway, and there's some really nice buildings there with these beautiful gyms on the on the first floor, and every time I run by, there's, I can count on one hand, how many times I've seen people, you know, taking advantage of the gym. You know, and so I don't think you're right, we've transitioned, I mean, a gym membership is not a wellness program, it's really again, just understanding the needs, I think of your, whether it's your team, or your organization, and, and that, that means you have to really talk to them. Right. And I think, you know, that's the piece that sometimes we're missing is that we aren't having those conversations, you know, and, and I think training too, because I do think, you know, the mental health piece of it. Because we're so we've become kind of disconnected and all of that, it's, um, you know, we're seeing a lot more mental health problems and issues and things like things of that nature. And so we've got to, I think, invest in some training for our upper level management, so they can identify if they see someone in their team having a problem, but also just having the conversation, like making it normal to talk about your mental health or your stress or, you know, your workload or whatever the case may be. But I do think it's, you have to be a lot more intentional in those conversations, especially if your team is working remotely, because you're not just right down the hall to see or are here. And so it it requires those check ins, it requires having, you know, there's a little bit more uncomfortable conversations. And I think, you know, to have to get people comfortable and having those conversations, there's some training that has to kind of go in behind all of this also.

Kathy Gregory  22:20  
And that's where I see such a strong connection to love as a business strategy as a whole is that these these uncomfortable, tough conversations are at the center of all, all of our good changes that we that we espouse for because because that's what it takes. It's encouraging to hear you say that that's such an important part of it, because whether we're talking about health or wellness or work or, you know, bottom line stuff, you know, those difficult conversations, I think are what are necessary to be had to make sure that the team is moving forward together instead. I'm curious, when it comes to, you had mentioned that kind of the top things that typically come out of assessing what they need, you said stress is at the top of that list? What do you say to the business owner or the CEO or whoever that you do this assessment, and it comes out that stress is the top piece, but what you're hearing from people is that it's it's the company's fault. Like it's, I'm stressed because of the work of the environment, although all these other things like where do you go from here where the work itself is the problem? What kind of program do you make around that?

Kathy Gregory 1  23:39  
Well, you know, I mean, I think, you know, just having that awareness number one's important, right for it. And I would say probably most business owners or CEOs, probably I don't have to tell them that they probably, you know, already know that that's going to be a top issue. And so I think it allows you to then do some self reflection, right? Like, what am I doing something here that is causing undue stress? You know, is it something environmental is it you know, something, occupational, I mean, what's, you know, what's going on trying to really get to the root of, of what's causing it. But what, what I do know, though, too, is that, you know, a lot of times we're setting ourselves up for failure, because we aren't taking care of the physical side, because exercise is such a great antidote for stress. eating healthier affects how we think and how we feel. Getting enough sleep every night is a big piece of how we're able to handle you know, things the next day. And so, it's kind of a multi pronged solution. I mean, you have to, there's not, I mean, I don't I can't necessarily go in and change the organization as far as you know. How teams are set up or if there's, you know, access to remote work or not, or flex schedule roles or things like that. But I think it's something you can begin to kind of do some self reflection and see, and even, you know, maybe focus groups, I don't know, to try to figure out like, what's at the root of this. But in the meantime, you can also be building programs and educating people on Okay, so So you're saying that stress is your number one need or, you know, interest or whatever, but here are some things that you can be doing that can help you in this area, and then helping build programs and educating and things like that to kind of go in, you know, can that can kind of meet are kind of fit together?

Kathy Gregory  25:46  
Awesome, I think it's a lot, there's a lot too, for me to like, shift my own mindset on because I think there's so much to this, this part of the puzzle that I haven't been accounting for, I think, I'm always deep in the kind of relational behavioral piece of this. And I think I just haven't given enough space here for this idea that like, we could definitely show up better we can make better decisions we can, we can be, like treating each other better based on and have more compassion for each other, just based on this kind of shared understanding and living out of better health, better wellness, just better state of being. So I really appreciate this perspective that you've brought today, Kathy, and I have before we close out, I'd love to kind of hear from you a little bit for the audience, I guess if, if they'd like to reach out, they'd like your help, if they want to know more. What can they do? How can they reach you? Absolutely.

Kathy Gregory 1  26:44  
So yes, please, you can, I'm on LinkedIn, that's a great place to find me. I have a website, which is just kgwellness.com. Or you can email me at Kathy kathy@at kg-wellness.com. And then just a quick shout out. So May is Mental Health Awareness Month. And so I just hope that my you know, my goal is to help people begin to have those more difficult conversations. And so just really think about that this month, this next month coming up because it's a great opportunity to begin to just really talk about it.

Kathy Gregory  27:29  
Awesome. That's amazing. So there you have it, folks. Thank you, Kathy, for joining today and sharing expertise and that perspective for us. Hope that inspires you all to go take a look at your own wellness but also think about how that might connect to your teams in your in your in your world. So with that thank you to you all for listening for tuning in, continue to be supporting us check out our book love as a business strategy if you haven't yet. subscribe, rate the podcast, give us your feedback, all those good things. And with that, we'll see everybody next week.

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