Andy Salkeld is a former accountant (Big 4), corporate financier and business intelligence specialist who seemed to have it all. But Andy lives with depression and has been suicidal. Now an investor co-owner of a small business, he speaks and writes openly about mental health and depression in professional life. Shownotes:

• How we often introduce ourselves as what we do, not who we are, which doesn't always create honest conversations
• How the perceived stigma of mental health affects professionals like accountants
• The competitive 'Darwinian' nature of professions that involve the mind - the survival of the fittest
• The huge pressures accountants are under in building their career, and why any sign of weakness can be detrimental
• How good or not accountants are at handling change, disruption and pressure
• Much of a professional's self worth, identity and acceptance is wrapped up in what they can do, not who they are
• How accountancy is like football in being a performance business with massive pressure to get results
• How accounting firm leaders and cultures are rarely equipped to deal with admissions of mental health and stress
• In a data driven industry, it's hard to make decisions about complex emotions inherent in mental health
• How a greater acceptance of mental health and liberation of views has led to a better understanding of the impacts
• In accounting firms, people (and leaders) do genuinely care but don't always know how to help with mental health
• The importance of sharing your struggles and vulnerabilities in work situations, especially if you're in a leadership role
• Nobody has all the answers, especially in times of great disruption and uncertainty
• One example of the chain of events that might lead someone to take their own life
• The song lyric that turned a suicidal depressive's life around to now helping other professionals deal with mental health
• The role of therapists and counsellors in helping you articulate complex emotions and situation

When not working, Andy loves playing board games, listening to ska and pop-punk music and cooking. He lives with his cat Pika – named after a Pokémon – in Leeds, UK. Recently he has been teaching himself music from no prior knowledge using only a GameBoy. You can reach him here...

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