“How are you?”

It is something we hear every day, but rarely stop to answer honestly.

In workplaces, the question often passes quickly between meetings, deadlines, emails and the general pace of the day. Most of the time, the answer is automatic. “Good thanks.” “Busy, but fine.” “Can’t complain.”

But sometimes, there is more sitting behind the answer.

That is where R U OK? Day continues to play such an important role. Created by the R U OK? foundation, the national initiative encourages Australians to stay connected and have meaningful conversations with the people around them. Its message is simple, but powerful. A conversation can change a life. R U OK? describes itself as an Australian suicide prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.

In the workplace, that message carries real weight.

R U OK? research found that:

85% of Australian workers surveyed agreed they would help a workmate who is struggling with life.

As R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton put it:

“The next step is to ensure we equip all workers with the skills to navigate a meaningful conversation.”

That is the important part.

Most people want to help. They care about their colleagues. They notice when someone seems quieter than usual, more withdrawn, more stressed, or not quite themselves. But knowing someone may need support is one thing. Knowing how to start the conversation is another.

For many teams, the challenge is not a lack of care. It is a lack of confidence.

People worry about saying the wrong thing. They worry about making things awkward. They worry they might not know what to do if the answer is not “I’m fine.”

That is why R U OK? Day should not be treated as a single date in the calendar. It is a valuable reminder, but the real impact comes from what happens before, during and after the day itself.

For organisations, it is an opportunity to think more deeply about the culture they are creating. Do people feel safe enough to speak openly? Do managers know how to listen without rushing to fix? Do teams understand what meaningful support actually looks like? Are people equipped to notice, ask, listen and follow up?

These are not small questions. They sit at the heart of workplace wellbeing, leadership, trust and connection.

R U OK? Day falls on Thursday 10 September 2026, which means now is a good time for organisations to start thinking about how they want to approach it. Not in a rushed or reactive way, but with care, preparation and purpose.

The right speaker can help set that tone.

A powerful keynote or facilitated conversation can give people the language, confidence and perspective to approach these moments more meaningfully. It can help teams move beyond surface level awareness and into practical understanding. It can also create space for people to reflect on mental health, resilience, empathy, communication and the role we all play in supporting those around us.

With that in mind, here are nine speakers who bring powerful insight into mental health, workplace wellbeing, and the conversations that help people feel supported.

Meaningful Conversations

Mitch Wallis – One of the top global thought leads in psychology, with a lifelong mission to ‘change the way the world feels’. His focus is on three core pillars: Human Connection, Emotional Fortitude, and Mindful High Performance, with the common through-line in all of his work being: “go toward the pain”.

Dr. Kate Mason – One of Australia’s most sought-after executive communications coaches. Kate has an uncommon gift for helping people find their voice and wield it with precision, warmth, and power.

Wellbeing & Mindset

Quinn Darragh – Quinn shares what it takes to survive, adapt, and perform when everything is on the line. He speaks about resilience not as a concept, but as a lived experience. How to rebuild when life doesn’t go to plan, and how to find motivation in moments where most people would quit.

Chelsea Pottenger – Chelsea is a dynamic force in the world of mental health and mindfulness. Her unique combination of corporate know-how, psychological acumen, and mindfulness expertise has established her as a leading authority in her field.

Dr. Paul Taylor – A Psychophysiologist, with a PhD in Psychology, master’s degrees in Exercise Science & Nutrition and a postgraduate qualification in Neuroscience. His programs have proven benefits for increasing hardiness, cognitive function and employee wellbeing, whilst reducing burnout across multiple industries.

Mental Health

Casey Beros – One of Australia’s leading Health communicators, Casey blends storytelling and science, delivering keynotes and MC experiences that are educational, relatable and widely entertaining. Casey Beros is on a mission: to empower Australians to stick around for the people they love for as long as humanly possible.

Harry Garside – Harry Garside is a plumber, ballet dancer and Olympic boxer who won Bronze at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Harry is vocal about the importance of vulnerability, authenticity and emotional intelligence in reaching your true potential.

Antoinette Lattouf – A multi-award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author and mental health advocate who brings clarity, courage and wit to complex conversations. With a signature blend of bold storytelling, humour and lived experience, her keynotes cut through corporate speak and deliver a message that lasts.

Tim Hewson – Tim is a passionate mental health advocate, Manbassador for men’s mental health, keynote speaker, and educator, driven by a mission to create mentally healthier workplaces, communities, and humans. Tim is a keynote speaker, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Mental Health Response workshop facilitator and ASIST Suicide First Aider.

Sometimes the most important step is starting the conversation, everything that follows begins there.