How Mindfulness Transformed Team Culture at OSP Labs: Insights from Riken Shah
Riken Shah, Founder and CEO of OSP Labs, knows firsthand how personal mental wellness strategies can reshape team dynamics and strengthen relationships. When his company began experiencing signs of collective burnout—missed deadlines, frayed communication, and rising tension—he took a bold step: bringing in a wellness-focused coach.
The goal wasn’t just better performance; it was better connection. “We implemented journaling prompts, weekly mindfulness check-ins, and encouraged boundary-setting around work hours,” Shah shared. These practices, though simple, had a profound effect.
“One senior developer who used to avoid conflict began expressing concerns calmly and constructively. Another team lead who never took breaks began protecting quiet time and led with more patience,” he noted. Within three months, team conflict had decreased, and engagement scores jumped by 22%.
The key insight? Emotional awareness leads to healthier communication. “When people have the tools to understand their own emotions, they stop projecting them onto others. They show up with clarity, not reactivity,” Shah explained.
From managing a company to raising a family, Shah emphasizes starting with personal wellness. “Even five minutes of mindfulness, or a boundary like not responding to messages after dinner, can restore emotional balance. Self-love creates space for healthier connection. It’s not a luxury, it’s the baseline.”
Riken’s experience is a testament to how small mental health practices—when embraced consistently—can profoundly improve relationships at every level.