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.

Articles tagged "search-inside-yourself"

Articles tagged "search-inside-yourself"

Rich Fernandez on Mindfulness at Work & Life Purpose