Michael will live the rest of his life with an acquired brain injury (ABI) as a result of pushing his body to the point that it couldn’t go on.
A career of 20 years in heavy industry saw Michael rewarded with a leadership role, he not only had to ensure production, but he was responsible for other people. A normal 10 to 12 hour workday often dragged out to 14 and 16 hours, days off were spent answering phone calls from the site or ‘Catching up’ on work that just “Had” to be done.
Work/Life balance became Work/Work balance with a bit of life thrown in when it didn’t interfere with the job.
Something had to give, and it was Michael’s body. He walked out his front door not feeling quite right but knowing he had to get to work and he collapsed on his driveway and was found by his neighbor unconscious and not breathing. His head had fallen onto his chest and blocked the supply of oxygen to his brain.
Michael is now affected by; short term memory loss, impaired cognitive function, limited attention span, hypersensitivity to noise and bright light among other health and well-being impacts. Michael was diagnosed with an ABI, Anxiety, Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Michael and his family have experienced a difficult journey, he hopes to share his experiences, thoughts and learnings with others globally (including Employees, Leaders, Employers, Business Owners, Families) who may be working in a highly stressful workplace.
Michael’s motivation in sharing his personal story and journey is to provide HOPE to people who have had a similar experience or potentially prevent a similar event from happening to others.
Invite Michael to your workplace and you will reflect on some of the things that you do that you had not thought could lead to a build up of stress or fatigue.
Michael’s story will not stop your people from working hard, it will make them aware that there needs to be a balance in everything that we do.
Michael can provide a considerable contribution to your employees and leadership teams success, mental health and wellbeing by…
Read more about Michael’s presentation Head Above Water HERE
CNB Safe had to deal with a last minute change of speaker due to COVID restrictions, which they did without stress. In the end the change was seamless and Michael Weston delivered a great presentation on a very important message of mental health and wellbeing, that resonated extremely well with the audience of about 90 leaders with the business.
SQE Manager
I loved Michaels ability to peel back a very difficult and complex subject in a way that is (real, transparent and factual), we all are told or reminded to “be in the present, practice mindfulness and be kind to yourself”, its almost the modern mantra for 2020. If you really want to know why you should take this advice seriously, I suggest taking one hour to listen to Michael would be a good start.
CEO
Michael was real, frank, and an inspirational speaker, giving hope to others that have been in, or are currently going through, a similar situation. Would highly recommend Michael’s presentation to anyone.
Accountant
Mental Health, Workaholic, words we have all heard before, but we dismiss them as not something that relates to us. Michael Weston helps to dispel that myth in a candid account of his life’s journey, laced with both humour and his now philosophical approach to life. Michael helps to remove the stigma that is mental health and makes you realise it can happen and will happen if you fall into the trap of all work and no play. His story shows even through adversity he has come out the other side a stronger individual with the loving support of his family and at the same time continuing to face the demons of mental health head on. A true inspiration.
National OH&S Officer Distribution Centres
