Because Caring isn’t a Campaign – It’s Every Day
From the Desk of Katriina Tahka, Founder & CEO
One genuine conversation can change everything. But care can’t be limited to a single day on the calendar. This month, we’re focusing on giving leaders the tools and confidence to ask, listen, and act so that checking in on mental health becomes part of everyday work, not just something we do on R U OK? Day.
Feature Topic: The Power of a Conversation – Building Trust Before It’s Too Late
R U OK? Day is a powerful reminder, but real change happens in the conversations we have every other day of the year. Too often, leaders avoid asking direct questions about mental health because they’re worried about “getting it wrong.” Team members stay silent because they’re not sure it’s safe to speak up. The result? Struggles go unnoticed until they show up as burnout, absenteeism, or worse.
The fix isn’t complicated. It’s about building a culture where mental health conversations are safe, simple, and expected. That starts with leaders who know how to ask R U OK? with confidence, listen without judgment, and respond without feeling like they need to have all the answers. It means learning what to say (and what not to say), spotting early signs of distress, and knowing when to step in or escalate for extra help.
When leaders build this confidence, something powerful happens, trust grows, people feel valued, and small, honest conversations start to protect lives. The best workplaces don’t wait for awareness days. They make care and connection a daily habit. This month, we’re giving leaders the tools to do exactly that.
Podcast
Because Caring Isn’t a Campaign – It’s Every day.
In this podcast conversation, Katriina shares her journey from lawyer to workplace culture leader, and why true care at work means moving beyond compliance to real, everyday connection.
Katriina and Host Anthony Explore:
- Why belonging and being heard are central to mental wellbeing at work
- The hidden risks of “transactional” workplaces, and how to shift to relationship-based leadership
- Practical ways leaders can create cultures of trust, visibility, and contentment every day
“People feel that they belong when they have a voice and it’s genuinely heard.” -Katriina Tahka
Organisational Training, Workshops & Coaching
Mental Health Conversations for Leaders
A half-day workshop that helps leaders spot early warning signs, ask tough questions with care, and build psychologically safe teams year-round, not just on R U OK? Day.
What’s included:
- Leadership Conversation Guide
- 30-Day Team Action Follow-up with prompts for leaders
- Optional post-workshop coaching to support ongoing conversations
Keynote for Teams & Leaders
Be the Difference: Why Your Conversation Could Save a Life
A 45-minute keynote that brings mental health into the leadership space. It shows how small, honest conversations can protect lives and how to make them part of everyday culture.
Quick Reads: Articles You’ll Want to Share
- Psychological Safety: The Foundation of Every Great Team.
- How to Have a Real R U OK? Conversation at Work.
- Spotting Early Signs of Mental Distress in Teams.
What Have A-HA Been Up To?
Leading with Courage and Connection
This month, Katriina was honoured to attend the Dr John Yu Fellowship, a program bringing together leaders committed to building more inclusive workplaces and communities. In her reflections, she shares why courageous change starts with connection, and how leaders can shape cultures where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
Next Steps
Enquire About a Workshop
Enquire About a Keynote
At A-HA, we create human-friendly workplaces where people and businesses thrive.