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July 28, 2026 •1:08:52

Mental Health in Pest Control: Toxic Workplaces, Presenteeism & Business Costs | Mark Coltman

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Tonight's Episode

Mental Health in Pest Control: Toxic Workplaces, Presenteeism & Business Costs | Mark ColtmanShaun talks to Mark Coltman, founder of Mindsafe Coaching, about mental health and wellbeing in pest control and the wider trades.

Mark shares his own path through pest control from Rentokil to Terminix to Ecolab to running his own company and the toxic management experiences that ultimately led him into mental health training, including a story about an entire technician team receiving written warnings on Christmas Eve. They dig into the difference between absenteeism and presenteeism (staff physically at work but operating at a fraction of capacity), why mental health training pays back roughly 4-5x its cost for businesses, and how daily stress builds up over time if left unaddressed. Mark also opens up about surprising past chapters — testing missiles for a defence contractor, presenting a BBC pest control TV series with Anthea Turner, and getting attacked by parrots live on camera.

A genuinely eye-opening conversation for anyone running or working in a small service-industry business.

mind safe coaching link below

⁠https://mindsafecoaching.com/

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Pest Perspectives Podcast is a UK independent 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

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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.