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In this presentation for the Inspiring Workplaces Global Summit, Dr. Patrick Aouad, neurologist and CEO of CU Health, discusses how organisations can attract, retain, and protect talent in an era of rapid technological and social change. He explains that while advancements such as artificial intelligence can improve efficiency, they cannot replace the human elements that drive performance, connection, motivation, and well-being. Drawing parallels to elite athletes and teams, Dr. Aouad highlights that high performance stems from mindset, support, and purpose, not just tools or technology. He argues that businesses must move beyond transactional wellness initiatives and instead create environments that genuinely support both personal and organisational well-being.
Dr. Aouad emphasises that employee engagement and mental health are at critical lows, with burnout and stress now major causes of lost productivity. To address this, he calls for leaders to focus on the whole person, ensuring individuals feel valued, safe, and supported both in and outside of work. He presents a framework that combines personalised care, through access to GPs, psychologists, dietitians, and coaches, with organisational systems that reduce toxicity and foster belonging. Ultimately, he concludes that people are a company’s most important asset, and workplaces that authentically care for their employees will be the ones that thrive through rapid change.
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