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Mental Health, Burnout and Building Safer Workplaces with Mark Coltman | EP 75
•1:08:52

Mental Health, Burnout and Building Safer Workplaces with Mark Coltman | EP 75

0:00 / 1:08:52

Tonight's Episode

In Episode 75 of the Pest Perspectives Podcast, Shaun Muller is joined by Mark Coltman, founder of Mindsafe Coaching and owner of Evolution Pest Control, for an honest conversation about mental health, workplace pressure and the realities of running a service-based business.


Mark shares his varied career journey, from testing defence equipment and working in sales to becoming a pest control technician, business owner, BBC contributor and workplace mental health trainer.


The episode explores how Mark’s experiences within the pest control industry, including poor management, toxic workplace cultures and the devastating impact of losing much of his business during the COVID-19 pandemic, led him to retrain in mental health awareness and establish Mindsafe Coaching.

Shaun and Mark discuss the difference between positive mental health, mental ill health and reaching a point of crisis. They also examine why businesses should not wait until an employee is severely struggling before offering support.


Mark explains the impact of presenteeism, where someone continues attending work but is no longer functioning at their normal level because of stress, anxiety or personal pressures. This can affect productivity, communication, decision-making and safety—particularly in industries where technicians are driving, working alone and handling professional pest-control products.


The conversation also covers:

  • Recognising signs that somebody may be struggling
  • Understanding workplace stress and pressure “spikes”
  • The importance of recovery following stressful situations
  • How poor management affects employee wellbeing
  • Creating workplaces where people feel safe enough to speak openly
  • Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health
  • Supporting employees without attempting to diagnose them
  • Putting process ahead of judgement
  • Mental health first aid and appropriate signposting
  • Workplace pressure risk assessments
  • The business benefits of investing in employee wellbeing
  • Why leadership and management support are essential for cultural change


Mark also shares stories from more than 30 years in pest control, including working for major national companies, appearing on BBC television, contributing to the Jeremy Vine programme and dealing with some unusual pest infestations along the way.


This is a practical, open and thought-provoking conversation for pest-control technicians, sole traders, managers and business owners who want to better understand workplace mental health and create healthier, safer and more productive working environments.

mind safe coaching link below

⁠https://mindsafecoaching.com/#ADPest Perspectives Podcast is proudly sponsored by Powered Now, helping trade and service businesses manage jobs, quotes, invoices, scheduling and reporting.

⁠

https://powerednow.com/⁠⁠Pest Perspectives Podcast is a UK pest control podcast hosted by Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd. The show features practical conversations with pest control technicians, business owners, suppliers and industry experts, covering rodent control, drainage investigations, bee removal, bed bugs, wasps, commercial pest management, compliance, business growth and wider pest industry topics.Listen, watch and learn more at: ⁠⁠https://www.pestperspectivespodcast.co.uk⁠⁠

Sponsored by

National pest technicians association powerednow

Key Takeaways

  • Mark Coltman from Mindsafe Coaching brings over 30 years of business experience to discuss how stress, burnout, anxiety and poor workplace communication affect individuals, teams and organisations.
  • The episode covers practical strategies for creating mentally safer workplaces through training, better conversations and early intervention, applicable to sole traders, small business owners and larger companies.
  • Mindsafe Coaching provides practical tools designed to improve wellbeing, strengthen workplace relationships and build healthier, more resilient teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mark Coltman?

Mark Coltman is from Mindsafe Coaching and has more than 30 years of business experience. He has seen first-hand how stress, burnout, anxiety and poor workplace communication affect individuals, teams and organisations.

What topics are discussed in Episode 75?

The episode explores mental health, workplace wellbeing, recognising when someone may be struggling, improving team communication, creating a workplace culture where people feel able to speak openly, and supporting business owners and employees.

What does Mindsafe Coaching offer?

Mindsafe Coaching supports businesses with practical tools designed to improve wellbeing, strengthen workplace relationships and build healthier, more resilient teams.

Who hosts the Pest Perspectives Podcast?

Shaun Muller of Oakham Pest Control Ltd hosts the Pest Perspectives Podcast, a UK pest control podcast featuring conversations with pest control technicians, business owners, suppliers and industry experts.