Burnout,

 

balance,

 

and

 

building

 

a

 

culture

 

that

 

cares

In this powerful episode of the mentl space, Scott Armstrong sits down with Leah Cotterill, CEO of Cigna Healthcare Middle East & Africa and a judge for ‘the mentl awards 2025’.

Filmed at the stunning Folly Brasserie – the official venue for this year’s awards on November 21 – this conversation explores how mental health, leadership and culture intersect in a fast-paced, high-performing region like the UAE.

Leah shares deeply personal stories and professional insights, from managing burnout and leading with empathy to Cigna’s award-winning 5% pledge and why trust is at the heart of thriving workplaces.

Whether you’re a CEO, people leader, or just passionate about wellbeing, this one is not to be missed.

CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome to Folly Brasserie & Leah Cotterill introduction

01:09 – What does mental health mean to Leah?

04:24 – How’s your mental health today?

06:56 – Balancing leadership and wellbeing as a CEO

09:15 – “I don’t have an off switch, but I have a dial” – managing energy

11:46 – Why executive coaching changed Leah’s leadership

13:43 – How becoming a parent reshaped her mindset

16:37 – Where leadership is failing (and how to fix it)

21:10 – What derails leaders? Lessons from psychological assessments

26:06 – UAE paradox: High energy, high burnout

30:10 – Cost of living, social isolation and the loneliness epidemic

32:38 – What employers must do differently

36:28 – Why some leaders still don’t believe wellbeing drives performance

39:07 – Inside Cigna’s 5% pledge and coaching initiative

51:35 – ROI of empathy and investing in people

58:54 – The power of niche mental health support

1:05:46 – Gen Z, wellbeing-first careers & the future of leadership

1:10:38 – Why wellbeing is not a compromise – it’s a performance driver

1:13:02 – “Assume good intent. Be kind.” – Trust as the secret to culture

1:15:30 – Closing thanks & call to action for the mentl awards