Interwoven Episode 13 – From Wellbeing Advocate to Founder: The Human Stories Behind Good Health at Work
Before Good Health at Work ever became an award or a resource hub, it was a collection of life stories—some marked by care for others, some by personal loss—that slowly coalesced into a shared project. For Lynn Smith, work in health and social care shaped her understanding of wellbeing but also brought frustration about the gaps facing small businesses, particularly in Suffolk. Her holistic approach and time spent as a therapist fed a desire to move beyond the boundaries of her earlier roles.
For Gail Jones, the journey was emotionally charged. The loss of her brother, who lacked support from his employer during a mental health struggle, left a lasting imprint: “I wanted to join a company that looked after their employees and understood mental health struggles.” That pain did not pave a clear road to entrepreneurship; instead, it led to four months away from work, doubt and deep questioning before she discovered a mission to create a program that would offer the support her brother never received.
Maxine Simons brought lessons from past projects—ones that succeeded, some that fizzled, but all revealing the power of small, long-term changes in workplace culture. Together, their experiences shaped not just the award’s framework but a vision for supporting even those most overlooked: the self-employed, the exhausted, the isolated.
For anyone wrestling with uncertainty or wondering if they’re ready to step into something new, this conversation reveals founders as learners—drawn by purpose, tested by setbacks, and changed by what they build. It’s a listening experience for those ready to rethink what’s possible for themselves and their work.
