The Strongest People Ask for Help Report
Audience Feedback on Sep 16, 2025
Attendee Responses
138
99% found this session valuable
95% would hear this speaker again
Attendees found this session
Engaging
95%
Inspiring
94%
Interactive
94%
Relevant
94%
Summary: David Otey's Mental Health Talk Creates Safe Space for Workplace Conversations
David Otey delivered an inspirational talk that made mental health discussions feel safe and normalized in the workplace. His personal story resonated deeply as he spoke "from experience and hardships and not from textbook." Audience members felt empowered, with one sharing, "I feel empowered after this to be the one who starts the conversation around de-stigmatizing mental health."
Presentation Outcomes Achieved:
Mental health is part of whole person health and should be discussed openly in workplace settings
Personal vulnerability creates powerful connections and helps others feel seen in their struggles
How attendees describe this talk
I’m the chair of my department’s wellness committee and I feel empowered after this to be the one who starts the conversation around de-stigmatizing mental health. It was shocking to see how many people in my work community struggle with the same mental health issues I struggle with myself.
Alyssa Ellerbusch
Mental health is apart of your whole person health. The session was about feelings surrounding depression and mental struggles as well as 3 principles to practice for improving mental health.
Danelle Rivera
I would say that it stresses the importance of speaking on the subject of mental health. It highlights how we can take small steps to a healthier, happier life.
Abbie Girardin
A talk that everyone should go to and hear. Whether or not they have experienced mental health issues. His advice and his experience makes it easy to relate to
Kailey
His story is also my story! THANK YOU! I am continuing on my journey and hope to inspire others with my story, someday when ready.
Brittany Gobin
The class describes how mental health is important. It provides tools on dealing with your own mental al health.
Kimberly Varner
Your speech was inspirational, actionable, and a testament that help comes in many forms and without judgment.
Attendee
Impactful and connecting with people that feel the same with a speaker that made the space safe!
Leslie Armenta
Valuable and seen and relatable. He speaks from experience and hardships and not from textbook.
Attendee
Feedback for David and the event
Encourage someone to follow a person who had been triggered/make it ok to walk or, but ensure someone today is holding space for the person who is struggling.
Attendee
Thank you for this! I usually don’t like going to these but I loved your talk. I was listening, engaged and really taking in the advice
Kailey
This talk or talks like this should be normalized in our job and all jobs. We should have a talk like this more often.
Maddy Davis
More doable action items to help mental health or real ways to change the work place culture.
Jalinn Dawes
Enjoyed learning tools i can use at work, home, and organizations i am part of
Lynne
13th judicial district
I appreciate you sharing your story and being vulnerable with us.
Deisy Covarrubias
You are special and I wish you ongoing success.
Renata
Probation Department for Arapahoe County
I needed to hear this today. Thank you!
Tracy Garverick
More time to hear more of his story
Tanya Johnson