Nurturing the Inner Leader: CEO Wellbeing with Kate Connors

In this episode of The NFP CEO, Danielle and Michelle are joined by Kate Connors , a highly respected psychologist and executive leader with deep expertise in workplace mental health, wellbeing, and coaching for senior leaders. Kate was formerly Chief Mental Health Officer at PwC, providing confidential support to partners nationwide, and has worked with hundreds of executives to build resilience, navigate pressure, and foster psychologically safe workplaces.

Together, we explore:

• Why leaders are people too and the mental health challenges CEOs and executives face, from anxiety and burnout to loneliness and self-doubt.
• The downward trend in leader wellbeing, and why it often goes unmeasured or unnoticed.
• Common warning signs for CEOs and executives, from withdrawal and irritability to over-control and micromanagement.
• Practical strategies leaders can use to stay well, from building a trusted “professional village” to intentionally designing their work and life.
• Why creating psychologically safe workplaces starts with CEOs role-modelling wellbeing for themselves.
• How boards, teams, and systems can better support leaders, rather than leaving them to shoulder unrealistic expectations alone.

Kate reminds us that leadership is demanding, complex, and human. Supporting leaders’ mental health isn’t just about individual resilience – it’s also about better work design, stronger relationships, and tackling the systems that create unsustainable expectations.

This is a must-listen conversation for current and aspiring CEOs who want to lead with courage, clarity, and care for themselves as much as for their teams.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn