Ep. 34 - The Rhythm of Resilience: Mike Veny on Transforming Stigma into Strength

How can leaders transform stigma into strength and
build cultures of true belonging?

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we sit down with award-winning mental health speaker, author, and drummer Mike Veny to explore how emotional wellness can accelerate both personal growth and professional success.

Mike’s journey is powerful: from childhood struggles with severe mental health challenges to becoming the CEO of Lovely Refinement, a women’s mental health and wellness brand, and founder of the Training Refinery, a continuing-education powerhouse. His story is a reminder that emotional wellness isn’t a luxury — it’s a gift that fuels resilience, leadership, and belonging.

We dive into:

• His best-selling book Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero and why he believes awareness must turn into action.

• His podcast Coffee With Mike: Mental Wellness & Belonging for Leaders and how he’s shifting the leadership conversation toward inclusion and psychological safety.

• His interactive program, the Unleash Your Groove® Drumming Workshop, where rhythm and teamwork come together to teach listening, adaptability, and trust.

Mike’s expertise has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS News, and he has delivered programs for organizations like Microsoft, CVS Health, Salesforce, Heineken, and the Wounded Warrior Project. His work has earned recognition including NAMI New York State’s Leader of Mental Health Awareness Award and the PM360 ELITE Award for patient advocacy.

Looking to learn more from Mike Veny?
Explore his books, podcast, and programs below:

• Books by Mike Veny

  • Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero – A best-seller that helps readers move from awareness to action in mental health.

• Podcast

  • 🎧 Coffee With Mike: Mental Wellness & Belonging for Leaders – Conversations that help leaders cultivate belonging and prioritize mental health in the workplace.

• Workshops & Speaking

  • Unleash Your Groove® Drumming Workshop – An interactive team-building experience that uses rhythm to teach communication, adaptability, and trust.

  • Corporate Wellness Programs – CEU-accredited, results-driven training for leaders and organizations committed to fostering emotional wellness and belonging.

• Website & Contact

  • www.mikeveny.com
    
    _______________________________________________

About CivilTalk:
At CivilTalk, we help leaders and teams grow through emotional intelligence, intentional communication, and real-world tools for human-centered leadership. Explore our resources, podcast episodes and AI Assisted ORGTALK designed to bring more civility, presence, and clarity into the workplace and beyond.

Learn more: www.civiltalk.com

---