What does it look like when a high-performing organization treats mental health as health—not a side conversation? In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Megha Parekh, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars, for a powerful conversation about crisis readiness, trauma recovery, and leading with empathy in high-stakes environments.
Megha shares how volunteering with Crisis Text Line transformed the way she shows up at work and in life, replacing the “fix it” reflex with active listening, grounded presence, and one essential question: “What would be most helpful to you?” She also opens up about surviving a home burglary and battery, how trauma reshaped her sense of safety, and the real, practical “toolbox” that helped her move through anxiety and regain stability.
Together, the conversation explores what workplaces can do when employees face suicidality, addiction, domestic violence, eating disorders, isolation, and overwhelming stress—and why compassion and business judgment aren’t opposites. They’re a leadership advantage.
Episode Highlights
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Mental health in the workplace: Why training matters before a crisis happens and how it supports performance and trust
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Crisis Text Line training: What Megha learned (the hard way) and how it changed her approach to leadership and support
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The key question that helps: Why “What would be most helpful to you?” can be more effective than advice
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Addiction and recovery at work: A real story of helping an employee get to rehab and what recovery can make possible afterward
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Trauma recovery is personal: Megha’s experience surviving a violent home invasion and how trauma can show up as anxiety, hypervigilance, and disrupted routines
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Healthy coping without shame: From comfort TV to repeat playlists, why regulation tools don’t need to “look normal” to work
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Redefining success: “The effort belongs to me, but the results do not” how to support someone without trying to control the outcome
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Meaning after loss: How losing a friend to heroin addiction helped shape Megha’s commitment to prevention, support, and honest conversations
About Megha Parekh
Megha Parekh is the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Jacksonville Jaguars. She oversees major legal and business initiatives including compliance, risk management, government relations, technology, security, employee development, and stadium and real estate projects. A Harvard undergraduate and law graduate, Megha is also a dedicated volunteer with Crisis Text Line, supports community initiatives including Habitat for Humanity, and advocates for survivors of trauma and greater access to mental health resources.
To learn more about Hanley Foundation programs, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.
