Building your mental wealth | Mike Pagan | TEDxTamworth
In this talk, I’m going to challenge the idea that mental well-being is a given. Too often, we focus on building everything else—career, success, wealth—while neglecting the one thing that drives it all: our mental wealth. When we don’t invest in our mental health, we slip into mental poverty, where isolation, fear, and self-sabotage hold us back from thriving. We become disconnected, both from ourselves and others, creating a spiral of negative thinking and emotional depletion. This isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a societal one. Mental poverty limits our potential, our relationships, and our ability to show up fully in the world.
But there’s another way: Mental Wealth. It’s about choosing to invest in your mind, to build emotional resilience, and to surround yourself with a support network that propels you forward. When we prioritise our mental well-being, we’re not just helping ourselves – we’re building the foundation for others to do the same. It’s about recognising that true strength comes from community and human connection, not isolation. We are stronger together.
I believe we have a human responsibility to step up for those around us and to break the stigma of vulnerability. Asking for help, offering support, and fostering a culture of care – these are the things that build mental wealth. This talk is about how we can lift ourselves out of mental poverty, by connecting, supporting, and empowering each other to rise higher.
Let’s redefine what it means to be rich – not in material wealth, but in mental wealth. Mike Pagan is a dynamic speaker, coach, and author with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and organisations build Mental Wealth—the emotional resilience and support networks needed to thrive in life and business. Mike specialises in tackling isolation, particularly among C-suite executives, entrepreneurial leaders, and elite sports professionals, guiding them through transitions and challenges that can often feel overwhelming and isolating.
At the heart of Mike’s work is the belief that success is never a solo journey. Drawing on his own experiences, from playing semi-professional rugby to swimming the English Channel as part of the fastest men’s relay team, Mike demonstrates the transformative power of building the right team around you. By fostering connection and community, he helps individuals and organisations replace isolation with resilience, driving performance and sustainable success. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
