Petra Velzeboer

Speaking on global stages she sees the challenges that exist across
Europe, the UK, USA, Middle East, and Asia including rising statistics of
burnout, anxiety, depression, addiction and suicide. These are only part ofthe
issues facing the workplace as they tackle an economic downturn,
long term absence, employee health challenges and attrition and
retention as they experiment with a hybrid office – struggling to enhance
belonging and connection.
Leaders are worried about asking the wrong questions and 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 in modelling healthy behaviours, showing vulnerability and
offering inspiration and motivation to their people to enable them to
thrive.
Petra is the author of ‘Begin with You’ published by Kogan Page, a
practical insight into thriving in adversity and challenging toxicity,
groupthink and culty behaviours in a world that is desperate for change.
Her inspiration and motivation come from her unique and compelling story
which she tells with vulnerability, authenticity and dynamic challenge to her
audiences worldwide.
Born and raised in a notorious cult she knows first-hand what a toxic culture
feels like and what it takes to build resilience and take responsibility for good
mental health. When she finally left the cult, she spiralled into addiction,
depression and anxiety leaving her a desperate suicidal mother of two young
children. Hitting several crash points, she finally decided to let go of her victim
mindset and begin to build a life that was worth living.
Working with the likes of PwC, Herbert Smith Freehills, Channel 4, Monzo
Bank, Novartis, Accenture, Avanade, Eagle Eye, Financial Ombusman and
Havas Lynx group – she translates her story into solutions for teams today
including challenging the masks we wear, promoting bravery and building
elite teams that can navigate any challenge together.
She’s known for comparing cults to corporates and adapting her message to
suit audiences of employees, senior leadership teams and HR or
Diversity and Inclusion teams.
As well as keynotes and inspiring team talks, she also works with
organisations to go deeper through workshops, masterclasses and hosting
dynamic panel events as well as offering 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, positive
psychology to inspire your people to achieve greatness.
Featured in Newsweek, the Huffington Post, BBC Radio, Stylist and many
more she’s known for her no-bullsh*t approach to challenging behaviours and
motivating leaders, employees, HR professionals and wellbeing
champions to truly be the change they wish to see at work.