Mental Health Matters: KK Mayo on Supporting Employees in the Workplace
In this episode of *Ask Ashley*, host Ashley Russo sits down with the dynamic KK Mayo, a leader in people operations at Ava Labs, Inc. With a career that began in civil engineering and transitioned into the tech space, KK's journey is anything but conventional. Over the past decade, she has harnessed her passion for people and operations to foster inclusive workplace cultures and drive organizational efficiency. As she shares her insights, listeners will be fascinated by how mentorship, curiosity, and a commitment to mental health can transform not just individual careers, but entire teams.
KK delves into the importance of feedback in shaping workplace initiatives, emphasizing that understanding employee needs is crucial for creating an engaging environment. She also highlights her innovative approaches to promoting mental well-being, including the launch of a global mental health support app at Ava Labs. As the conversation unfolds, listeners are invited to reflect on their own career paths and the value of embracing change, curiosity, and community support in their professional journeys.
- (00:00) - - Introduction to Ask Ashley Podcast
- (00:32) - - Meet KK Mayo from Ava Labs
- (01:23) - - KK’s Unconventional Career Path
- (05:00) - - The Role of Mentorship in Career
- (09:15) - - Unexpected Lessons in Tech
- (12:30) - - Navigating Diversity and Inclusion
- (16:45) - - Importance of Employee Feedback
- (20:30) - - Launching Mental Health Support Benefits
- (24:00) - - Balancing Personal and Professional Life
- (27:15) - - Impact of Family on Leadership Style
- (31:00) - - Creative Pursuits and Inspirations
- (34:45) - - The Importance of Curiosity in Leadership
- (38:00) - - Measuring Success in Inclusivity
- (41:30) - - Unlimited Resources for New Initiatives
- (44:00) - - Thoughts on Pausing AI Growth
- (48:00) - - Advice to Younger Self about Change
- (51:00) - - Closing Thoughts and Farewell
