In this conversation, Gary Sutcliffe shares his journey through life, emphasising the importance of authenticity, mental health advocacy, and the impact of personal experiences on his career. He discusses his family background, his struggles with depression, and how these experiences led him to work in the mental health sector. Gary highlights the significance of peer support and the evolution of mental health services in New Zealand, as well as the challenges he faced along the way. He also reflects on his role as a caregiver for his wife, who has been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, and the importance of community support in navigating these challenges.