Strengthening Resilience and Well-Being: A Conversation with The NASDAQ Centre

In a recent conversation, I shared my thoughts on fostering resilience and well-being at both personal and organizational levels with the team at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center hosted by their CEO Nicola Corzine Here are some key insights from that discussion, along with actionable steps that leaders can implement to create a more resilient and supportive work culture.

Q&A with Puneet Sachdev

Nicola: As an experienced executive coach, what strategies or practices have you found most effective in maintaining personal resilience, especially during times of uncertainty and pressure?

Puneet: I've found that resilience comes from a multifaceted approach. A morning routine of prayer, meditation, and physical exercise, like running, has been transformative for me. Regularly working with coaches and mentors has also been invaluable—they’ve provided steady guidance through life's challenges.

Cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning is crucial. Giving back through social impact initiatives has nourished my inner ecosystem and provided a sense of fulfillment.

Understanding one's physiology (I work with a functional health expert Monique Jhingon, MSc MSc on this) and creating margin i.e. having wriggle room in various aspects of life, whether financial, relational, or time-based, also builds resilience.

Nicola: How can teams and organizations intentionally support one another's well-being and resilience during high-pressure situations?

Puneet: But first, it’s important to understand the current culture and employee experience within your organization. Measure where you’re at today, then identify the shifts you want to make to foster a more supportive and resilient environment. This holistic, systemic approach will be key to driving lasting change.

If you’re looking to foster a more resilient and supportive team culture, I encourage you to start by assessing your current state, then implement regular one-on-one check-ins and establish clear communication practices tailored to your team’s needs.

The ROI of investing in employee well-being and engagement is significant. Research shows that organizations in the top quartile of employee engagement can see up to 18% higher results on their bottom line. Even a 50% improvement in engagement (i.e. 9%) can translate to close to a half-million-dollar impact for the Centre assuming a $5mm fundraising target. Prioritizing your team's well-being is not only the right thing to do, but it also has a tangible business benefit.

Regular one-on-one check-ins are a game-changer. Using a simple structure to discuss what's working, opportunities, and challenges, while actively asking, "How can I support you?" builds trust and understanding.

Clear delegation with defined objectives, conditions of satisfaction, and regular check-ins prevents miscommunication and drama. Incorporating recognition, appreciation, and creating psychological safety also goes a long way.

Nicola: What advice would you offer for encouraging optimism and well-being, even in the face of uncertainty?

Puneet: Having resilience-building practices in place, like morning routines, is key. Surrounding yourself with the right people and cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning also nurtures optimism. Establishing a supportive work culture through recognition, clear communication, and psychological safety creates an environment where people can thrive. Understanding one's physiology and creating margin in life also contributes to overall well-being.

Nicola: How can leaders effectively identify and address stress within their teams and the broader community they serve?

Puneet: Look for behavioral changes as markers of stress—missed deadlines, decline in work quality, mood swings. Consistent one-on-one check-ins and clear delegation with defined objectives can provide the support needed. Incorporating reward and recognition, as well as peer-to-peer support, can also make a significant difference. Ultimately, creating a culture of psychological safety where people feel safe to be vulnerable is crucial.

Action Steps to Enhance Resilience and Well-Being

1. Conduct a Cultural Assessment: Begin by assessing your current organizational culture and employee experience. Identify where you are today, then define the shifts you want to make to foster a more resilient and supportive environment.
2. Implement Regular Check-Ins: Start a routine of one-on-one check-ins with team members to discuss their "rose, bud, and thorn" (what's working, opportunities, and challenges). This open dialogue fosters trust and provides support where it’s needed.
3. Commit to Personal and Team Resilience: Take one actionable step to improve your resilience and encourage your team to do the same. Model resilience-building practices, like a morning routine or engaging in mindfulness.
4. Establish a “Success Partner” Program: Pair team members in a "success partner" program where they check in with each other weekly to support resilience goals. Success partners hold each other accountable and foster a support system within the team.
5. Set a Cadence for Recognition and Well-Being: Incorporate agenda items around recognition, well-being, and psychological safety in team meetings. Recognizing efforts and discussing well-being should be a regular part of team dynamics.
6. Practice Mindfulness Before Meetings: Commit to taking three deep breaths before entering meetings to create a sense of space and clarity. This small but impactful practice can help reduce stress and encourage presence.
7. Ensure Clarity in Delegation: Clarity creates capacity. When delegating tasks, make sure there is clarity of purpose, objectives, and conditions of satisfaction. Well-defined tasks and expectations prevent miscommunication and set a foundation for success.

These strategies and practices aim to nurture resilience, build well-being, and foster a sense of purpose even during challenging times. By implementing these action items, leaders can create a supportive environment where both individuals and teams can thrive.

About Puneet Sachdev

Often referred to as 'The Searchlight' for his ability to generate deeply insightful realisations, Puneet is a masterful coach passionate about helping senior executives and creatives evolve their leadership and themselves to become extraordinary performers while making meaningful changes to their work environments and their lives.

His clients have worked for organizations such as Rolls Royce, Goldman Sachs, GE, Sony, Accenture, Australian Prime Minister’s Office, Disney, Wiley Publishing. His clients feel an instant connection with him.

Puneet leverages his deep strategic people and culture insights, systems awareness, change expertize and his passion for the study of human development and combines that with a mix of eastern philosophy and self- awareness to offer his clients deep insights, create identity and mindset shifts, provide tools to achieve higher levels of leadership and personal fulfilment.

He weaves mindfulness practices into his coaching to elevate client well-being, focus, sharp decision-making, and to reduce burnout and absence. His clients leave with a sense of great calm after each session.