Modern Company Culture: AI With A Human Heart | Helena Plater-Zyberk

In this newest episode of Mastering Workplace Culture, hosts S. Chris Edmonds and Mark S. Babbitt welcome Helena Plater-Zyberk, Founder & CEO of Supportiv, an AI and natural language processing-powered platform that helps people find real human support during life's most difficult moments. While many organizations race to replace human interaction with AI, Helena has built a company around a different belief: 💡 Technology should help humans support other humans. Through Supportiv, people can anonymously describe a challenge they're facing and, within seconds, connect with others navigating similar struggles, all within a professionally moderated environment designed to foster empathy, respect, and psychological safety. Throughout the conversation, Helena shares her journey from financial services and healthcare innovation to mental health technology, explains how AI can strengthen human connection instead of replacing it, and offers a compelling perspective on leadership, workplace culture, and the future of responsible innovation. One message stands out throughout the episode: 💡 Humans need to know that other humans care about them. Whether you're leading an AI startup, supporting employee well-being, navigating workplace culture challenges, or exploring the future of human-centered technology, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical lessons. In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✅ How Supportiv uses AI to connect people with real human support in under 30 seconds ✅ Why anonymity encourages honest, vulnerable conversations ✅ How leaders create psychologically safe communities at scale ✅ Why empathy and accountability must coexist in healthy cultures ✅ How Supportiv trains hundreds of moderators around the world ✅ Why AI should amplify human strengths instead of replacing human relationships ✅ How employers can improve employee well-being through accessible mental health resources ✅ Why leaders must listen closely to the people affected by their technology 💬 "Humans need to know that other humans care about them." 🎙️ Hosts S. Chris Edmonds Mark S. Babbitt ✨ Featured Guest Helena Plater-Zyberk Founder & CEO, Supportiv ⏱️ Key Moments 00:00 MWC Intro 01:00 Meet Helena Plater-Zyberk and Supportiv 02:30 How AI Connects People to Human Support 07:00 Why Anonymous Conversations Create Safety 12:00 Moderating Human Connection at Scale 16:00 Building a Global Team of Moderators 19:00 Curiosity, Learning, and Culture 22:00 Accountability and Protecting Community Standards 25:00 Mental Health Crisis Support and Safety Protocols 28:00 Developing the Next Generation of Mental Health Professionals 33:00 A Vision to Support People Everywhere 35:00 Employee Well-Being and Workplace Support 38:00 Helping People Take the First Step Toward Care 41:00 AI, Humanity, and Responsible Innovation 47:00 Advice for AI Startup Leaders 50:00 The Unreachable Hour and Recharging Through Tennis 52:00 Final Leadership Insights 54:00 MWC Outro 💡 Key Takeaways ✅ Human connection remains essential in an AI-driven world. ✅ Great leaders use technology to strengthen relationships, not replace them. ✅ Psychological safety encourages people to seek support earlier. ✅ Curiosity, empathy, and accountability strengthen workplace culture. ✅ Responsible innovation starts with understanding the people affected by your technology. ✅ Purpose-driven organizations attract people who want to make a meaningful difference. 💬 Join The Conversation How should leaders balance AI innovation with authentic human connection? Share your perspective in the comments below. 📣 Don't Forget To: 👍 Like This Video If You Believe Technology Should Strengthen Human Relationships 🔔 Subscribe For More Conversations About Workplace Culture, Leadership, Innovation, And Organizational Success 💬 Comment: What's The Most Important Human Skill Leaders Must Protect In The Age Of AI? 🔗 Share This Episode With A Leader, Founder, HR Professional, Healthcare Executive, Benefits Leader, Or Culture Champion Exploring The Future Of AI And Human Connection #MasteringWorkplaceCulture #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkplaceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealth #FutureOfWork