Building Trust & Psychological Safety: The Workplace Wellness Toolkit

Guest: Malka Shaw, LCSW - Psychotherapist & Trauma Specialist

Host: Julie Riga | Stay On Course Podcast

Overview

Trust is the defining leadership challenge of 2026. In this transformative episode, psychotherapist and trauma specialist Malka Shaw shares her innovative ARC Method for creating psychological safety in the workplace.

With over 25 years of experience and expertise in workplace dynamics, Malka reveals why cultural humility (not just competence) is essential for building resilient teams where people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Building Trust & Psychological Safety: The Workplace Wellness Toolkit

What You'll Learn:

The ARC Method for Workplace Wellness:

• Anchoring: Understanding nervous system activation and creating environments where people feel safe to disagree, innovate, and collaborate
• Recognizing: Moving from cultural competence to cultural humility by examining your own bias and leaning in with curiosity, not cancellation
• Connection: Repairing moments of misunderstanding by acknowledging impact over intent

Why Identity Matters at Work: Malka explains "identity destabilization." When people can't show up as their full selves at work, it reduces cognitive bandwidth, creativity, and problem-solving ability. The neuroscience is clear: hiding core identity directly impacts productivity.

The 10-Second Rule: We judge others in just 10 seconds. Learn how to shift from defending to understanding, and why this paradigm shift is critical for leaders in 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• "If you don't feel safe, you're not going to be able to disagree on anything"
• One-time workshops don't work; trust-building requires ongoing commitment
• "Advocate with the people, not for the people"
• Cultural humility means embracing "I don't know everything and I'm willing to learn"
• Without psychological safety: increased turnover, decreased productivity, and talent loss

Perfect for HR professionals, executives, and leaders preparing to prioritize workplace wellness and trust in 2026.

Connect with Malka Shaw:

• Website: malkashaw.com
• LinkedIn & Instagram: @MalkaShawLCSW
• Kesher Shalom: keshershalom.com

#Leadership #WorkplaceWellness #PsychologicalSafety #Trust #CulturalHumility