Riv on the Record – Michael Judd DIIGG Wellbeing founder

THIS week I had the great pleasure of being joined by local volunteer and DIIGG (Doing Imperfect Inner Growth in Groups) Wellbeing founder Michael Judd. Spin it!

Michael, you’ve become a prominent voice in the local wellbeing space. Can you take us back to the early days? What was the specific lightbulb moment that led to the creation of DIIGG Wellbeing?

In my late daughter Estella’s final hour, I promised her I would do something great and help people. I wasn’t clear on how I would help people, but I had made a promise that I must keep. Through authentic connection, I co-created supportive spaces with other community members.

In my spare time, I worked on a framework, and after sharing it with friends, I was encouraged to take imperfect action and start.

In June 2022, I was invited to a team dinner with my company CEO and executive leadership team in attendance.

 

That night, I connected with the company CEO, sharing my hero’s journey, the promise I had made to my daughter and the framework I had been working on.

The CEO said: “Juddy, why haven’t you started? Just start and keep me updated!” And that’s what I did and continue to do with an ever-growing tribe of mentors who share a united vision of supporting humans to survive and thrive by fostering authentic connection and transformation through holistic health and wellbeing practices.

You’ve worked with a diverse range of people, from corporate teams to local athletes. What is the most common wellbeing myth you find yourself debunking in your sessions?

A common perceived wellbeing myth is that wellbeing is one- or two-dimensional, i.e. just mental and/or physical.

Multidimensional wellbeing is a holistic approach that recognises health as more than the absence of illness. It involves nurturing multiple interconnected areas of life to thrive. The DIIGG difference is grounded in supporting integration.

We live in a world that is more connected than ever, yet people often report feeling more isolated. How does DIIGG work to bridge that gap and foster genuine community connection?

We co-create experiences and programs that strengthen individuals, leaders, and communities, supporting people to connect more deeply with themselves, with others, and to the world around them.

Our work spans schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and the wider community. We’re proud to announce our new offerings of modern rites of passage for young people and the adults who guide them. These programs are designed to awaken self-awareness, forge resilience, and reconnect families, mentors, and communities through shared meaning and responsibility.

 

You’re a local through and through. What is it about the Surf Coast/Geelong region that makes it such a unique place for wellbeing work?

For me it’s the community and environment where we get to live, work and play. So many people, businesses and community groups band together to support humans and the environment to survive and thrive.

What does your own daily wellbeing non-negotiable look like?

Doing intentional inner growth that involves exploring my thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and assessing my beliefs, values, and motivations. This practice allows me to transcend limiting beliefs (stories) and embrace a more authentic version of myself. I also love to exercise, sauna and look at the stars.

RAPID RIV:

Favourite local beach for a quiet walk? Point Addis, Ironbark Basin.

The best coffee spot to decompress? I love chatting with people over coffee at any spot – just ask my wife Trish!

Favourite movie? Gladiator or Snatch.

Favourite song? Hey Jude by The Beatles.

Three words that define DIIGG? Intentional inner growth.