Rich Fernandez on Mindfulness at Work & Life Purpose
Explore how Rich Fernandez blends mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and leadership to transform workplace wellness and personal fulfillment.
The Quest for Human Flourishing in the Workplace
Rich Fernandez's career spans corporate leadership (Google, eBay), organizational psychology, and nonprofit work—all unified by one question: How can humans thrive at work and beyond? His journey led to:
- Co-founding Wisdom Labs (workplace wellness via digital platforms)
- Leading the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute (SIYLI) (mindfulness training for organizations)
Key Lessons on Mindful Leadership
1. Redefining Work as a "Search for Life"
Fernandez draws inspiration from the Filipino phrase "Ano ang hanapbuhay mo?" ("What is your search for life?"). This reframes work as:
- A path to personal fulfillment
- A way to leverage your unique gifts
- A means to create meaningful impact
2. Early Roots in Mindfulness
Fernandez discovered stillness early:
- Childhood: Found quiet in church amid a bustling home
- College: Had a breakthrough moment in a tai chi class ("meditation in motion")
- Practice: Studied Thich Nhat Hanh, Lao Tzu, and other mindfulness pioneers
3. Bringing Mindfulness to Corporate Culture
At eBay during the 2008 crisis, Fernandez:
- Stayed grounded through meditation
- Hosted informal workplace meditation sessions (grew from 5 to 20+ colleagues)
- Demonstrated emotional resilience as a leadership skill
3 Steps to Cultivate Mindful Work (Fernandez's Approach)
- Start small: Even 5 minutes of daily breath awareness builds resilience.
- Create space for stillness: Identify "islands of calm" in your routine.
- Share the practice: Foster team well-being through group mindfulness.
Why Mindfulness Matters in Modern Workplaces
Fernandez emphasizes:
"Work isn’t just a livelihood—it’s how we make life. Mindfulness helps us bring our best selves forward."
Key benefits:
- Reduces stress during crises
- Improves focus and decision-making
- Strengthens emotional intelligence
From Corporate to Nonprofit: A Purpose-Driven Shift
Fernandez’s transition to SIYLI reflects his belief that work should transform people and the planet. His nonprofit trains leaders in:
- Mindfulness-based emotional intelligence
- Compassionate leadership
- Sustainable workplace cultures
Final Thought: Work as a Path to Aliveness
Fernandez’s story proves that mindfulness isn’t just self-care—it’s a leadership superpower. By asking "What makes us thrive?", he’s reshaping how we work and live.