SVP Sales Modern Health, Hannah Willson: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Health in Sales

In this episode of Go to Market Grit, Modern Health VP of Sales Hannah Willson explains how Modern Health is working to normalize and de-stigmatize cognitive wellbeing health in the workplace.

According to the CDC, depression interferes with a person’s ability to complete physical job tasks about 20 percent of the time, and reduces cognitive performance about 35 percent of the time. What’s more, only 57 percent of employees who report moderate depression, while 40 percent of those who report severe depression receive treatment to control their symptoms.

Of course, depression is just one type of mental obstacle that workers struggle with on a daily basis. Anxiety, chronic stress, substance abuse, and family issues are all common as well. Up until recently, the topic of mental health has been somewhat of a taboo in the workplace. Yet, this is starting to change thanks to the work of Modern Health, which offers an innovative mental well-being platform for workers. Thanks to Modern Health, companies now have a framework for guiding employees through their personal challenges.

In this episode of Go to Market Grit, we cover:

• Modern Health’s mission to normalize and de-stigmatize mental health.
• Why there is still a stigma about mental health in sales, due to a lack of resources and understanding — and how Modern Health is working to change it.
• How addressing and prioritizing mental health can lead to direct productivity gains, and lower turnover.
• Viewing sales as a marathon and not a sprint, and why it’s important to have mental resilience and stamina. Hannah also talks about remembering to monitor your mental health during busy and challenging times.
• The challenges and rewards of selling for a startup versus selling for an established enterprise, and why thriving in a startup role requires having a different mindset and approach.
• Taking time to prioritize the foundational aspects of mental health, like getting enough sleep and exercising.
• Advice for maintaining mental stability and balance during especially stressful times, such as the end of quarter sales crunch.
• The power of gratitude, even during challenging times, and how it can be energizing.
• Why it’s better to achieve work-life harmony, instead of work-life balance. Hannah also explains her perspective on balance, and adapting to remote work.
• The process of talking about work with family members, and why it can be both healthy and rewarding. Hannah also talks about the pressure and demands that come with being a female sales leader, and how she has adapted.

Links:

• Modern Health
• Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn
• Connect with Joubin
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email: gtmg@kleinerperkins.com
• Learn more about Kleiner Perkins