Petra Velzeboer is first and foremost a mental health practitioner. However, it is her unique personal story that singles her out – she was born and raised in a notorious cult and knows firsthand what a toxic culture feels like and what it takes to build resilience and take responsibility for good mental health.
Speaking on global stages she sees the challenges that exist including rising statistics of burnout, anxiety, depression, addiction and suicide. These are only part of the issues facing the workplace as it tackles an economic downturn, long term absence, employee health challenges, attrition and retention. Leaders are worried about asking the wrong question so they say nothing at all, secretly struggling to manage their own workload and mental health in the process.
Petra offers practical answers to these questions giving leaders skills they can utilise today to help them lead by example, modelling healthy behaviours and offering inspiration and motivation to their people to enable them to thrive.
Working with the likes of PwC, Herbert Smith Freehills, Channel 4, Monzo Bank, Novartis, Accenture, Avanade, Eagle Eye, Financial Ombudson and Havas Lynx Group, Petra translates her story into solutions for teams today. She’s known for comparing cults to corporates and adapting her message to suit audiences of employees, senior leadership teams and HR or D&I teams. As well as keynotes and inspiring team talks, she also offers advice on effective and inclusive wellbeing strategies that enhance diversity of thought, gender issues and leadership styles. She adapts her story and expertise to include neuroscience and positive psychology to inspire people to achieve greatness.
Begin With You (2023, Kogan Page)
Petra is the author of Begin with You, a practical insight into thriving in adversity and challenging toxicity, groupthink and culty behaviours. The book invites readers into Petra’s world and the shoes she has walked in to find practical tips and advice to apply to your life. It’s a fascinating roadmap that will help you cultivate your mental wellbeing and fight burnout but also offers guidance on how to be a workplace champion and develop an inclusive and collaborative culture.