THRIVE @ Cohesity in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to refocus on self-care and acknowledge the importance of mental health. At Cohesity, Mental Heath matters to us, which is why we’ve created an Employee Resource Group (ERG), THRIVE that’s dedicated to creating events that promote mental health in the workplace, provide support to Cohesians, and uplift one another. This month, we’re excited to shine a light on some of the leaders within THRIVE and why they are passionate about leading and expanding this ERG.

Kiera McAuliffe, Content & eCourse Developer / THRIVE EMEA Co-Lead

What is your role here at Cohesity?

I work with subject matter experts within Cohesity to design and develop engaging, meaningful, and cutting-edge learning experiences for our customers and partners.

What is something personal about yourself that most people at Cohesity don’t know about you?

I’m a big board game enthusiast, and I’m constantly pestering friends and family to play! Luckily, my husband enjoys board games, too, and he doesn’t mind losing. 😉

Why did you choose to co-lead our THRIVE employee resource group?

Having THRIVE as an employee resource group is so amazing. I wanted to be a part of creating a safe space for people, building a community, and providing our employees with the tools and knowledge to support themselves.

Why is it important to focus on mental health in the workplace?

Talking about mental health can help create an environment where people can feel comfortable reaching out for support. To make people aware it’s ok to have bad days and that there is always support to be had, be it our THRIVE group, our EAP program, or our leaders.

Considering all of the work THRIVE has done and will continue to do, what’s something you are most excited about?

I really love our speaker events. Getting experts in their area of well-being and mental health, and learning ways to care for yourself is so empowering. We have two events this May with Dr. Ciara Kelly and Healing Around the World. Super excited about these!

What specifically about Cohesity makes it a great place for employees to thrive?

Cohesity’s culture is so inspiring. I love that we are providing these resource groups. It’s so important that people feel they belong and are understood, that they are given a place to work where they can be themselves. Having this helps everyone thrive.

Paul Maher, Order Management Specialist / THRIVE EMEA Co-Lead

What is your role here at Cohesity?

I review, validate, process, and fulfill everything that Cohesity sells globally.

What is something personal about yourself that most people at Cohesity don’t know about you?

In my late 30s, I was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). The more I learned (and talked about) this condition, the more it helped not just me but people around me understand the real me. I still speak as passionately as always and being true to myself, I can be very hyperactive when speaking on calls often not pausing to breathe. It has held me back in my life, there is no denying that. This is who I am, and I wouldn’t change it.

Why did you choose to co-lead our THRIVE employee resource group?

Mental Health can’t just be a buzzword in the workplace. We must change how we see Mental Health and it begins with everyone’s input and voice.

Why is it important to talk about mental health in the workplace?

Mental health affects everyone, and since we spend one-third of our days at work, we need to be vocal and not afraid to talk about mental health in the workplace. I think mental health or mental disabilities often get overlooked because they aren’t physically noticeable. This is why it’s so important to remove the stigma around mental health, so more people can feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work and not be afraid to talk about the things that might be impacting their day-to-day.

Considering all of the work THRIVE has done and will continue to do, what’s something you are most excited about?

I’m excited that THRIVE has the mission to create a safe space for employees to come to work  as their full selves without fear of judgment. It’s something that I am really passionate about, and I look forward to helping evolve and grow our member engagement and programs to help break the stigma that surrounds mental health.

What specifically about Cohesity makes it a great place for employees to thrive?

At Cohesity, employees and leaders have a genuine care for each other’s welfare, which is why within the THRIVE ERG we are passionate about continuing to educate and shine a light on mental health and wellbeing for everyone. Each of us at Cohesity will have good days and bad days — but Cohesity cares to make every day a better one for employees to Thrive. For example, Cohesity offers refresh days where the company recognizes that every employee deserves those days to Refresh, having 4 throughout the year and the company refresh week in December. In my role, sometimes it’s not always possible to take that full week off due to customer requirements. Cohesity encourages that you take that time off when it works best for you.

Kristin Smith, Sr. Partner Professional Services Program Manager / THRIVE Program Manager

What is your role here at Cohesity?

As a member of our Worldwide Partner Programs team, I manage programs that enable our partners to deliver Cohesity-focused services successfully to our customers.

What is something personal about yourself that most people at Cohesity don’t know about you?

I lived in Germany as an exchange student while I was in high school, and to this day I still keep in touch with my host family. The brothers I had during my stay now have their own families and I’ve been fortunate to have my family visit them and look forward to returning again for a visit soon.

Why did you choose to co-lead our THRIVE employee resource group?

Health and well-being are foundational to being your best self. When you find that optimal balance in your life, you are more productive and happier.

Why is it important to focus on mental health in the workplace?

It is a topic that affects everyone. There is power in sharing stories and experiences. Those experiences may inspire and encourage others.

Considering all of the work THRIVE has done and will continue to do, what’s something you are most excited about?

The interlock and synergistic collaboration taking place across our ERGs. The ideas we create and expand upon through touching Cohesians across the globe are exciting.

What specifically about Cohesity makes it a great place for employees to thrive?

High-performing culture coupled with opportunities for growth.

Abdul Quadir Khumani, Staff 1 QA / THRIVE India/APJ Co-Lead

What is your role here at Cohesity?

I am a Staff QA member in the Customer Consumables Test team at Cohesity! My Team takes care of the quality of maintenance and patch releases at Cohesity.

What is something personal about yourself that most people at Cohesity don’t know about you?

I’m a caring person with a high degree of empathy. I believe everyone needs motivation and support, but empathetic support is most important.

Why did you choose to co-lead our THRIVE employee resource group?

I strongly believe that well-being and mental health awareness should be one of the top priorities at Cohesity, and I wanted to help serve this cause.

Why is it important to talk about mental health in the workplace?

Mental Health is key; if someone is stressed or struggling with mental health, it impacts individual performance at the workplace. It will have a domino effect on team productivity, releases, and company performance.

Considering all of the work THRIVE has done and will continue to do, what’s something you are most excited about?

Celebrating and promoting Mental Health Awareness Month at Cohesity.

What specifically about Cohesity makes it a great place for employees to thrive?

Cohesity is taking a lot of initiatives to encourage employees to focus on their mental and physical health.