Russell Glass, CEO, Headspace Health: Meditation and Mental Health Support for the Masses

Outside In with Charles Trevail

The global mental health crisis is one of the greatest societal challenges of our time. Yet, despite the magnitude of the issue, many people lack the resources and support needed to cope with the stress and anxiety of daily life. “Mental health is probably the only condition where you're asked to use the organ that's having trouble to solve the problem,” says Russell Glass, CEO of Headspace Health, who credits his daily meditation practice with transforming his relationship with stress and anxiety. Now, as the CEO of Headspace Health, he’s on a mission to share this life-changing experience with others. Through the immensely popular Headspace mobile app, the company has brought mindfulness meditation to the masses. And, with its virtual mental health platform, Ginger, the company connects individuals with licensed therapists, behavioral coaches, and psychiatrists, providing personalized support, medication management, and evidence-based interventions. Russell joins the podcast to talk about how Headspace Health is breaking down barriers to mental health and wellness care and empowering people to live more balanced, mindful, and fulfilling lives. Listen to this podcast to learn: • How the awareness of our own mortality impacts our mental health, exacerbated by the fast pace of modern life and an unending barrage of global crises • How focusing on prevention, or "brushing our brains,” can strengthen our resilience in the face of stress and anxiety and help us manage life's inevitable challenges • The cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies behind Headspace Health's personalized mental health and wellness support, and how this tech is used to personalize individual interventions and programs • The lessons gained from the merger of Headspace and Ginger, and the importance of a strong industrial logic and cultural fit for a successful merger • Why generative AI and large language models like Chat GPT are not yet accurate or skilled enough to be used independently in mental health care but can still provide valuable support to providers • Why some user churn can actually be a good thing, and how the success of Headspace is measured not by subscription revenue but by the success of its users • How meditation and mindfulness practices have helped Russell personally manage his own stress triggers and be a better dad, husband, and CEO