Articles
Thoughts on work and life
Writing on workplace culture, leadership, psychological safety and what it takes to do good work without losing yourself in it.
All 79 articles
Showing all 79 articles
-
I had to stage an intervention for myself: a burnout recovery story
A personal, honest look at hitting burnout, booking a solo trip and learning that taking a break isn't something you need to earn first.
-
Chasing the dopamine dragon: what ADHD and boredom really feel like
Why boredom can feel like physical pain for an ADHD brain, and what helped me stop feeling like I wanted to rip my own face off.
-
Why I'm like Joey Tribbiani and his baby-proofed fridge
On the unpredictable rollercoaster of ADHD energy and motivation, and why grabbing everything while it lasts can tip you into burnout.
-
Next stop, burnout city: 3 tools to help you avoid it
Burnout isn't a personal failing, it's biology. Three practical tools for spotting your allostatic load before it tips you over.
-
Are your awareness days just glitter on a turd? | Clare E Kenny
Awareness days and campaigns aren't the problem, but they can't fix a broken culture on their own. What actually moves the dial on psychological safety at work.
-
Lessons from 8 years of sobriety: burnout, anxiety and shame | Clare E Kenny
Lessons from years of sobriety, on anxiety, identity, shame and why I wouldn't wave a magic wand and make my addiction disappear.
-
The burnout nobody sees coming | high performing stress | Clare E Kenny
High performers rarely look like they're struggling, until they are. Why high-functioning stress is so hard to spot, and what to do about it.
-
Nobody's last words have ever been 'oh, if only I'd cleared my inbox' | Clare E Kenny
The to-do list never ends, so why do we treat rest and joy as rewards we have to earn? A reflection on grief, admin and what actually matters.
-
6 practical ways to build psychological safety at work
Six practical, everyday ways leaders can build psychological safety and trust in their teams. Simple habits that make a real difference
-
Awareness isn't enough. Here's what action actually looks like.
Every May, organisations do something interesting.They put up posters. They share resources. They remind people that it's okay not to be okay. Some even bring in…
-
What should you stop doing this week? The case for de-prioritising
I ran a masterclass recently on survival mode and sustainable performance.And the question that got the most vigorous nodding reactions was all about…
-
Human connection in a digital world: protecting focus, inclusion and psychological safety at work
How can leaders protect focus, psychological safety and human connection in a digital workplace? Practical strategies to reduce distraction, improve inclusion and…
-
How to create a workplace culture that reduces stress and prevents burnout
Learn how to create a healthier workplace culture that reduces stress and burnout. Discover practical ways to improve psychological safety, meeting culture and…
-
Why resilience tools aren’t enough (and what actually helps teams perform)
Why resilience tools fall short when work triggers survival mode - and what leaders can change to improve focus, collaboration and performance.
-
Why “I’ll recover at the weekend” never works
Working in survival mode all week? Why weekends can’t undo burnout - and how changing the working day supports sustainable performance.
-
Why January feels so hard (and what your brain Is actually doing)
January is biologically one of the hardest times to perform. Learn why your nervous system shifts into survival mode - and how to work with it, not against it.
-
Boozy besties to sober sisters
My best friend Claire Weekes wrote this beautiful (and I hope inspiring) piece for Woman & Home magazine about our friendship, our extremely heavy drinking, and…
-
That’s what she said: podcast conversations
Honest podcast conversations with women about identity, grief, neurodiversity, leadership and wellbeing. Listen to That’s What She Said.
-
High functioning or high masking? The reality of energy, authenticity and burnout
Discover the hidden cost of masking, how it affects your nervous system, and why neuro-inclusion and boundaries are essential to prevent burnout.
-
Your brain doesn't care if you're happy...it cares that you're safe.
Learn how polyvagal theory explains your stress response, overwhelm, and burnout. Understand what happens in your body during fight or flight and discover practical…
-
The illusion of control and how it fuels stress and burnout
Discover why the illusion of control increases stress and overwhelm. Learn how to refocus your energy, challenge unhelpful narratives, and build a healthier, more…
-
Watch my first mini-masterclass: how psychological safety saves lives
I am excited to share my first mini-masterclass in a new series, designed to bring short, practical insights on leadership, culture and wellbeing directly to you!In…
-
Catch up on my latest podcast guest appearances
Over the past few months I’ve had the chance to join some brilliant podcasts and dive into conversations on leadership, wellbeing, neurodiversity and creating…
-
Wellbeing and performance: a collaborative article with Intelligent Health
I recently co-wrote an article with Dr William Bird MBE, GP & CEO of Intelligent Health on what it really takes to perform sustainably without burning out. We…
-
When you'd rather die than challenge your boss...
What Flight 401 can teach leaders about creating psychological safety at work. Explore how calm leadership and trust prevent avoidable mistakes.
-
Lessons from a year of ADHD diagnosis and self-employment
One year on and my bullsh*t tolerance is close to zero. Why setting boundaries isn’t a luxury, it’s survival.October marked one year since I was diagnosed with…
-
Building psychologically safe teams in extremely high-pressure roles
Build psychological safety before the crisis. Practical tools for high-pressure teams to speak up early, reduce risk, and perform at their best.
-
The number one driver of team performance...proven by Google
Discover why psychological safety is the number one driver of team performance, and how leaders can create trust and openness at work.
-
Managing stress and preventing burnout: Practical tools you can use every day
Discover practical stress management techniques and tools to prevent burnout. Learn how to soothe your nervous system and reduce daily stress triggers.
-
Harnessing Wellbeing for High Performance | Leadership & Workplace Culture Insights
In today’s world of work, leaders are under pressure to deliver results while navigating complex challenges around stress, burnout, and employee engagement. At our…
-
Creating a culture of psychological safety at work
When people feel safe at work, they thrive. When they don’t, they simply survive.At a recent breakfast event on harnessing wellbeing for performance, I explore why…
-
Digital wellbeing: 7 simple habits to build a healthier relationship with your phone
The other weekend, my husband and I went to the Belgian Grand Prix. At one point, he took my phone with him because it had our tickets on it and he needed them to get…
-
I’m proud of the fact I’m an alcoholic
I’m proud to be an alcoholic. After 7 years sober, I share my story of addiction, stigma, and the Change Triangle, and how workplaces can create more inclusive…
-
Overcoming the “never enough” mindset: why you don’t need to do it all
Struggling with burnout or perfectionism? Learn how to quiet the “never enough” mindset, reduce stress, and embrace self-compassion.
-
When you’re just in a bad mood (and what to do about it)
Struggling with a bad mood? Discover simple, science-backed ways to shift your mindset, boost your mood, and regain control when everything feels overwhelming.
-
Say goodbye to burnout: how to recognise, prevent and recover
Learn how to spot burnout early, prevent it with simple strategies, and recover your energy with practical tools for wellbeing and resilience.
-
How to create more space in your day (without waiting for the world to change)
Struggling to find time in your day? Learn practical ways to reduce distractions, set boundaries, and take back control of your schedule so you can focus, recharge,…
-
Why soothing your nervous system might be your most important leadership tool
Discover why leaders must regulate their own stress before guiding teams through change. Learn the science behind stress, burnout, and emotional regulation, and…
-
Why great people managers matter more than you think
psychologically safe workplaces. Learn how feedback, inclusion, and support shape employee engagement and retention.
-
How to boost trust and psychological safety in your workplace
Discover six practical ways to build psychological safety and trust in your workplace. Learn how inclusive leadership creates high-performing, resilient teams where…
-
How to use data to inform your wellbeing strategy (without the overwhelm)
Learn how to use data to shape your workplace wellbeing strategy without the overwhelm. Discover practical ways to gather insights, ask the right questions, and drive…
-
How to get started with your workplace wellbeing strategy
Discover how to build a workplace wellbeing strategy that’s practical, inclusive and aligned with your business goals. Learn how to use existing data, ask the right…
-
Thriving in uncertainty: 5 practical tools for when the world feels wobbly
Learn 5 practical, science-backed tools for navigating uncertainty at work. Discover how leaders can build resilience, foster psychological safety, and support teams…
-
Are we getting inclusion all wrong?
Discover why inclusion isn’t about labels but about curiosity. Learn how flexible, human-centred workplaces help everyone, including neurodiverse teams, thrive.
-
5 ways to build a neuro-inclusive culture at work
It’s not about labels, it’s about people!We all want to work in environments where we feel understood, valued, and able to thrive. For neurodivergent individuals,…
-
Navigating organisational change: why leaders must make space for emotion
Change at work can trigger deep emotional responses. Discover why supporting employees through the emotional impact of organisational change is essential for…
-
Redefining community: Why quiet connection matters for mental health at work
Community doesn’t have to be loud. Discover how quiet connection and shared experience can support mental health and build belonging in the workplace.
-
Is resilience just repression in a fancier coat?
We talk about resilience a lot in the workplace.It’s a quality we’re told we need more of. The ability to bounce back, push through, stay strong under pressure. But…
-
My amygdala is like Jabba the Hutt: anxiety, ADHD, and acceptance
Understanding anxiety, ADHD, and the nervous systemRecently, I’ve been reflecting on my experiences with addiction, anxiety, and ADHD, and I realised something…
-
I tend not to have regrets...addiction, support, and the power of believing people
I’ve done plenty of things I’m not proud of-things I’d do differently if I had my time again. But I don’t spend too much time dwelling on regret.If I ever do reflect…
-
Why neurodivergence labels matter: it’s more than just a trend
It’s a regular comment I hear when it comes to neurodivergence: 'Everyone's got something these days' or 'does everyone really need a label?' Or the dreaded 'Why does…
-
The hidden impact of social media: how digital echo chambers shape your thinking
Don't believe everything you read!At the end of last year, I designed and delivered a workshop on digital wellbeing. As I prepared the content, I worried the topic…
-
Dog walk thoughts - a podcast on mental health, wellbeing & leadership
Reflections on mental health, wellbeing and workplace culture, shared while walking four dogs. Personal insights, ADHD, and practical workplace advice.
-
My new podcast 'Dog Walk Thoughts' is here!
Exciting news, my new podcast in now live, join me as I ponder on all things mental health and wellbeing. From mental health in the workplace, to managing my recent…
-
Andrew Garfield's Masterclass in talking about grief
“I love talking about her by the way, so if I cry, it’s only a beautiful thing. Grief if all the unexpressed love. So, I hope the grief stays with me because it’s all…
-
I'll go first...
During a workshop I facilitated last year, one of the participants bravely shared his experiences of poor mental health and addiction with the group. There was a…
-
To fight or to flee?
We like to split ‘physical health’ and ‘mental health’ as if they are two separate things. Like our brains don’t live in our bodies?! Like our thoughts are some…
-
The Millennial's Curse
I recently read about something called ‘The Millennial’s Curse.’ No, it’s not the permanent effects of plucking your eyebrows down to one line of hair—though that is…
-
Shards of light
I was listening to a Brené Brown podcast the other week (I listen to a lot of Brené Brown podcasts!) and she was talking to the author Susan Cain about a concept…
-
My first proper job gave me an anxiety disorder
My first long term job after I graduated, I often jokingly say that it gave me ‘an anxiety disorder and 3 lifelong friends’. I say it jokingly, but it’s not a…
-
The road to TEDx
Back in April, I did a TEDx talk! It was always something I thought would be cool to do, but not something I had considered in great detail. Then suddenly, I wanted…
-
5 ways to boost wellbeing in retail employees
When it comes to employee wellbeing, it is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A wellbeing strategy that works for a law firm might not be suitable for a production…
-
Fostering psychological safety as a leader
Is your team psychologically safe?What does that even mean? Well in 2012 Google spend 2 years and enormous amounts of resources studying over 180 teams to figure out…
-
How did I get here?
It’s been 4 years since I started on my entrepreneurial journey in employee wellbeing. I actually decided to go freelance right in the middle of the first UK covid…
-
My first proper job gave my an anxiety disorder
My first long term job after I graduated, I often jokingly say that it gave me ‘an anxiety disorder and 3 lifelong friends’.
-
Case Study: How the FT is invested in the wellbeing of its people
There is no better way to future proof a business than by building a thriving culture that supports its people, as the FT demonstrates.At the FT, employee wellbeing…
-
Finance Digest: Why investing in wellbeing can boost your bottom line
Looking after your employees isn’t just the right thing to do, it can also have huge long-term benefits for your bottom line.I wrote this piece for Finance Digest, on…
-
C-Suite.sg: How to beat leadership burnout
It can be easy when you’re at the top to focus on supporting everyone else yet fail to acknowledge your own exhaustion. And with the most recent lockdown showing no…
-
Webinar: Wellbeing is no one hit wonder
Let’s make 2021 the year we put wellbeing before workload.In January I co-hosted a webinar on how to put employee wellbeing right at the heart of your company culture…
-
Blog: This ball of fluff saved my mental health
This little ball of fluff saved my #mentalhealth.Before Halloumi, I worked like a dog and was permanently exhausted. I’d always wanted a dog, but where would I ever…
-
We Are The City: The tangible business benefits of flexible working
Prioritising Employee Wellbeing not only benefits employees, it has tangible business benefits as well. I talk about the six main benefits for businesses when it…
-
Blog: What are your resilience builders?
I have felt my anxiety increasing over the past few weeks. I’ve noticed as my anxiety has increased, my unhelpful coping habits have increased too, which has only led…
-
Blog: How do you build a company culture that promotes mental health?
How do you build a company culture that supports mental health?It’s something I get asked a lot. And while there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach (because every…
-
Blog: It does get better
02 DEC 2020: Today my daughter Lizzie is 39 weeks & 4 days old - the same amount of time I was pregnant with her.I couldn’t imagine two more different 39 weeks…
-
Blog: Why do I do this?
I was not an anxious child, or an anxious teenager, and I definitely wasn’t an anxious student! When I joined the world of work, doing a series of high-pressure jobs…
-
Management Today: Are you or your employees on the road to burn out?
It’s quite possible given what a difficult year it’s been for us all. The good news is there are ways to address it, and they’re not as tricky as you might think –…
-
Elite Business: 6 steps to embedding a successful remote working culture
With lots of us continuing to work from home, employers must adapt ways of working to support the wellbeing of their remote workforce. I've written an article for…
-
Podcast: How to build a better toolkit to look after employee mental health
I had a great time chatting to Paul McGregor for The EveryMind Podcast about how to build a toolkit to better look after employee mental health. It's an important…
-
Management Today: Should we have to dress for the boardroom when dialing in from the living room?
As we head into Lockdown Part 2, a lot of us will once again be working from home full time. What is your take on ‘Zoom Attire’ – should we have to dress up for the…