Shows
Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter DialogueExploring Digital Wellbeing and Digital Detox with Petra VelzeboerIn this episode, I sit down with Petra Velzeboer, a psychotherapist, author, and mental health consultant. We explore her journey from growing up in a religious cult to becoming a leading voice in workplace well-being. Petra shares insights on digital detoxes, the importance of self-awareness, and aligning well-being strategies with business objectives. We discuss the challenges of modern work culture, including always-on expectations and the need for authentic leadership. Petra offers practical advice for individuals and organizations to foster mental health, emphasizing the power of connection and service to others. Her personal experiences and professional expertise provide a unique...2025-05-2555 min
Better Under PressurePetra Velzeboer - Bet On YourselfWhen I ask most guests on Better Under Pressure when they first experienced pressure, they normally say it was from either parents or school in exams or on sports day, but when you’re born into a notorious cult where you’re raised knowing the world is ending and you are one of god’s endtime soldiers, the pressure is on a whole other level. Petra Velzeboer managed to escape from the cult in her early twenties, and started a family and working, only to find the latter not too dissimilar to those original pressures of the cult - which...2025-05-0147 min
The Leader's ToolboxLeadership Nuggets with Special Guest, Petra VelzeboerTake a leadership journey with Petra Velzeboer and I as she shares powerful leadership nuggets to enhance not only your Leadership & Work/Life Harmony... but also that of those you're leading!Petra Velzeboer is a renowned mental health expert, TedX speaker, author, and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL.Her passion for creating psychologically safe spaces can be traced back to her unique background, having been raised in a notorious cult and struggling to find her place in the world. A series of life altering events led her to pursue a...2025-04-2348 min
The Paula Oyinkan ShowPetra Velzeboer on Mental Health: Overcoming Addiction, Suicidal Thoughts & Digital Burnout | Ep14💌 Join Our Email ListLooking for weekly inspiration to become the best version of you? Sign up for The Paula Oyinkan Show email list here: https://thepaulaoyinkanshow.com 🎙️ This Week’s Episode: Petra Velzeboer on Mental Health – Overcoming Addiction, Suicidal Thoughts & Digital BurnoutIn this powerful episode, I sat down with Petra Velzeboer, an incredible mental health expert, speaker, and CEO, to discuss her personal journey of overcoming addiction, battling suicidal thoughts, and navigating digital burnout.Petra’s story is one of resilience, grow...2025-04-0246 min
How to ThrivePetra Velzeboer: 'Bravery feels like fear'"I was born and raised in a cult. I talk about how cults are like corporates, a lot."Petra Velzeboer is this week's guest on the How to Thrive podcast and we think we can safely say she has one of the most interesting life journeys we've ever come across. Born and raised in the Children of God cult, she grew up in an unconventional setting, before falling pregnant and deciding to leave.But that wasn't the end of her story, she has battled addiction, loneliness, had to adjust to a whole new...2025-02-0659 min
Mentality PodcastSE3 Ep6 - Relationships, feminism and safe spaces for men with Petra VelzeboerAs we wrap up 2024, this episode is particularly significant. Join Petra and me as we explore the intricate world of romantic relationships for men. We’ll dive into: • Diverse viewpoints on gender roles within couples • The impact feminism, one's culture and society can have on the relationship• The challenges men face in navigating today’s relationship landscape • The vital need for creating safe spaces in relationships where partners can freely express and share their thoughtsThank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to explore fresh and exciting topics with yo...2024-12-2327 min
Success MattersSuccess Matters : Breaking Free; From Cult to Freedom & Joy with Petra VelzeboerWhen we don’t make decisions, life often makes them for us.
In this episode of Success Matters, Petra Velzeboer, psychotherapist, coach, and author, shares her incredible journey of leaving the Children of God cult and rebuilding her life.
Petra's story is one of resilience and self-discovery. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including depression and addiction, and how she ultimately found freedom and joy. ✨
This episode offers valuable insights into:
- The impact of cult upbringing on mental health
- The power of education in personal growth
- Overcoming adversity and finding your purpose
- The impo...2024-11-2438 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerCrisis and the Emergence of a Second Life with Dan KieranDo you feel it?
As you get older you want to make a change to your life. Things that once felt like your purpose no longer align.
Well, you’re not alone.
My guest in this episode has not only experienced the same thing, he has written about it in award winning fashion. Dan Kieran suffered from many phobias from agoraphobia, fear of flying, getting in lifts and more. To move through them he had to put in the work.
And every time he did...2024-11-0450 min
Safety And Risk SuccessDisrupting Wellbeing, with Petra VelzeboerWhat if everything you thought you knew about mental health and resilience was about to be disrupted? In this thought-provoking episode of the Safety and Risk Success Podcast, I sit down with mental health consultant, psychotherapist, and coach Petra Velzeboer. Together, we dive into Petra’s incredible journey—how her challenging beginnings ignited her passion for disrupting traditional approaches to wellbeing. From personal resilience to reshaping workplace cultures, Petra’s story is packed with insights that organisations and individuals alike can benefit from. Join us to uncover actionable strategies for building resilience, enhancing mental wellness, and dri...2024-11-0154 min
Off The PageThe Workplace Wellbeing Revolution: Burnout, Boundaries and the Right to Disconnect with Petra Velzeboer and Ryan HopkinsWhat impact does workplace wellbeing have on our daily lives?
Drawing on their expertise in burnout, mental health and leadership, Petra and Ryan discuss how workplace cultures are evolving, how the practices of wellness can be incorporated into your everyday actions and how effective wellbeing can positively impact your workforce and business performance.
Gain key insights and practical tips on how to successfully manage mental health and burnout in the workplace for yourself and your colleagues or employees, and reduce the stigma around wellbeing.
About the authors:
Ryan Hopkins is a l...2024-10-2949 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerEx Law-Firm Partner Speaks Out: Can Wellbeing and the Legal Sector Co-Exist?Mental health in the legal sector, does it even exist?
In this episode I am joined by ex-partner of a law firm, Helen Pamely, who speaks out against the sector’s record on mental health.
Helen challenges the pre-conceptions and norms of the industry to forge a new way. An ex-lawyer turned coach; she has lived experience at the top levels of this high-pressured environment. She discusses the radical changes needed to prioritise mental health and how the culture needs to evolve.
She calls out the practices that...2024-10-2135 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerGetting Men to Talk with Todd Hopwood“Men don’t talk about their mental health.”
This is the perception that my guest in this episode, Todd Hopwood, has been fighting to break.
The cultural expectations of men often mean they keep quiet about their wellbeing, a problem in itself that can do far more damage. Todd has been using his position as a leader to advocate for the mental health of his workforce by leading by example.
After posting his mental health score at work one day his colleagues began to open up to him, whic...2024-10-0854 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerDigital Wellbeing: Is your device ruling you?How long do you spend on your devices?
Be honest. It’s probably a lot isn’t it, your phone, TV, your laptop. They are always there next to you or in your pocket.
You do not have to live your life being ruled by technology. In this episode I want to explore how you can do this, because the impacts they have on your mental health can be huge.
It is so important to self-reflect regarding your relationship with technology, we need deeper connections in life to thri...2024-09-2426 min
Relationships & Revenue PodcastDigital Wellbeing with Petra Velzeboer (Part 2)John continues his conversation with Petra Velzeboer. The two share their valuable perspectives on education, the changing job market, mental health, and the impact of digital technology on our well-being. Petra also shares her journey of writing her first book, Begin with You, and her upcoming book, Digital Wellbeing: Recharge Your Focus and Reboot Your Life, which explores the impact of technology on our mental health and relationships. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Intro and Part 1 recap [01:27] - The assumption that every high school graduate will go to c...2024-09-1337 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerHow to turn your Trauma into TriumphDo you own your story, or does it own you?
The moment you take ownership of it is the moment you take power over it.
My incredible guest in this episode, Chana Buisson, experienced trauma in her childhood. Physical and mental abuse led to depression and suicidal thoughts later in life.
Chana shares with so much honesty what she went through, and beauty the lessons she has since learned. She discusses how she overcame her trauma to find empowerment. She also talks about the challenges of dealing with...2024-09-0943 min
Relationships & Revenue PodcastDigital Wellbeing with Petra Velzeboer (Part 1)John talks with Petra Velzeboer – psychotherapist, TEDx speaker, founder of PVL (a mental health consulting business), author of Begin with You: Invest in Your Mental Well-Being and Satisfaction at Work and Digital Wellbeing: Recharge Your Focus and Reboot Your Life, and a proud mother of two. Petra was born and raised in a religious cult, which led to many challenges in her life, including addiction and depression. She now uses her experiences to help, inspire, and support others. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Intro [01:07] - Petra’s bio 2024-09-0637 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerStraight Talk: How to Navigate a Troubled WorldDoes the world around you impact your mental health?
The bad news we see daily, the world in trouble. I would argue that we have a responsibility to protect ourselves from it. And live in a way that doesn’t overload our mental health.
By all means be active on the issues important to you but recognise that you have the control over the information you consume.
In this episode I discuss how to navigate the troubles we see in the world. I want to encourage you to qu...2024-08-2616 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerHow to keep that performance high!True high performance in the workplace is not common.
But it is possible. So, what does it take to get there and stay there?
In this episode I am joined by Chinazom and Ije, a couple who are business and leadership coaches. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working together as a couple and as business partners.
They also explore the concept of mental fitness and its importance for performance and wellbeing. We cover the importance of psychological safety in teams and the role of leaders in...2024-08-1354 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerHow to Choose Greatness over just Good enoughToo often we make decisions without thinking if they will have a positive impact on our lives.
We need to be able to align our decisions with our truth. That means not just choosing what we think is a good decision but what we think is a great decision.
But how do we know what a great decision is?
In this episode, I discuss the concept of good versus great and how it relates to finding our purpose and living in alignment with our truth. That truth can...2024-07-3022 min
The Recruitment Show with Lewis MalehTactics For Building a Mentally Healthy Workplace with Petra VelzeboerIn this episode, Lewis Maleh is joined by Mental Health expert Petra Velzeboer (CEO, Author, TEDx Speaker).
Petra grew up in a religious cult, The Children of God, and shares her story of how her experiences have influenced her work in mental health and the workplace.
They discuss the importance of addressing the root causes of workplace stress and burnout, rather than relying on superficial wellness initiatives.
Petra also provides practical advice on creating a comprehensive wellbeing plan and measuring its impact.
Additionally, they address the challenges...2024-07-1754 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerLeadership and Work/Life Harmony with Andre YoungWork life balance is a lie, it doesn’t exist.
We are all going from one aspect of our lives to the other, trying to keep everything afloat, but what of we reframed it as work life harmony?
This outlook on leadership and wellbeing is championed by my guest in this episode, Andre Young. He is the founder of You Evolving Now, author and leadership trainer helping create better work culture, and improved interactions between leaders and employees.
Andre shares his perspective on what work life harmony is an...2024-07-1656 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerStraight up advice: Creating your circle of support.Do you have voices that influence your decisions?
Whether they are inside your head or out there in the real world, they exist for all of us.
The hard bit is finding the right people to hear you out and give you the insights you need to make your next move.
In this episode I discuss the importance of creating a circle of support in what can be a world of isolation. And that support may need to evolve over time. I explore the concept of the boa...2024-07-0228 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerNutritional & Gut Health Expert Dana Chapman on why your food is making you sad!Is your gut health impacting your mental health?
The connection between how our gut is feeling and how our brain feels is becoming more and more understood.
That’s why in this episode I invited Dana Chapman, a health and wellness expert, to talk us about how to look after ourselves by looking after our gut. She is trained in Nutrition Science, incorporating elements of how genetics, stressors, environment, food, movement and sleep all impact how we feel think and perform.
We discuss the connection between gut health...2024-06-1839 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerStraight up advice: How to make self-help actually work!Are you overwhelmed by all the self-help advice out there?
Feeling like every expert is telling us something slightly different to get us to the destination of being healed. But it doesn’t work like that.
In this episode, I discuss how to get the most out of self-help. And I challenge the idea of healing as a destination and emphasize the importance of the self in self-help. We need reflection, radical honesty, and checking our own bullshit to really be able to heal.
I also give tips...2024-06-0429 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerTaking off your Mask will solve your Mental Health issues with Dr. Ardeshir MehranHow long does it take to heal from trauma?
The reality is that it can take far longer than it should according to my guest in this episode Dr. Ardeshir Mehran. He believes we should be emphasizing the importance of accelerated healing and the need to address shame and grief in the healing process.
Ardeshir Mehran is a leadership excellence coach, who enables leaders to achieve their personal and operating goals, at faster and higher rates. Listen as he highlights the connection between mental health and the quality of relationships and environments, particularly in the...2024-05-2152 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerBoundaries, Addiction & ShameHow can I set boundaries and stick to them?
This is one of the most common questions I get asked. We all try and set boundaries but so often we beat ourselves up for not sticking to them. But all it takes is a little tweak to make it work, and that’s what we’re going to cover in this episode.
I delve into my own struggles with boundaries and addiction, and the shame I have felt when I didn’t meet them. I also share tactics you can use to set b...2024-05-0725 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerClarke & Carrie Carlisle on Football, Suicide & How to Help the person you LoveWhen there is a suicide attempts trauma happens on all sides.
From the person attempting it now needing mental health support, to the loved ones needing to re-build trust in them. Everyone must deal with the ripple effects.
In this episode I am joined by Clarke and Carrie Carlisle. Clarke attempted suicide which led them both down a path of having to work on their mental health for very different reasons. They share their experiences in getting to a place where the trust in Clarke’s words was rebuilt, the challenges supp...2024-04-231h 03
EdufuturistsEdufuturists #238 Building A Healthy Culture with Petra VelzeboerIn this episode, we were delighted to be joined by Petra Velzeboer, after a recommendation from good friend of the podcast, Ed Kirwan. Petra is a renowned mental health expert, TedX speaker, author, and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL.
Her passion for creating psychologically safe spaces can be traced back to her unique background, having been raised in a notorious cult and struggling to find her place in the world. A series of life altering events led her to pursue a career as a psychotherapist so that she could help others.
After working in various companies with toxic...2024-04-1559 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerStraight up Advice: How to Change Your Life!Welcome to season 2!
This episode is different! Tips, tools and advice from my story and hundreds of hours working with clients.
All too easily we can numb ourselves when we feel those tough feelings, we need to recognise the importance of feeling both the highs and the lows of life.
In this episode I share my own experiences leaving life in a cult, overcoming addiction and suicidal thoughts, to being able to shift from a victim to a growth mindset. I also discuss how we can all truly connect to ourselves and embrace a...2024-04-0930 min
The COSMIC BridgeGrowing Up in The Children of God Cult! Ep 68 Petra VelzeboerSend us a textPetra Velzeboer is a renowned author, psychotherapist, TedX speaker, and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL.Born into a notorious cult ‘’The Children of God’’, Petra was raised in a strict environment where individuality and self expression were discouraged. Travelling the globe, she learned firsthand about cultures and people but was sheltered from education, books or friendships outside of the community. Raised to believe the world was going to end, she took her birthright as god's endtime soldier seriously, turning a blind eye to cruel and unusual punishments, abuse and the...2024-03-0653 min
Truth, Lies and Work80: Why Cult-Like Workplaces Are On the Rise, with Petra VelzeboerIn today's episode, we're joined by Petra Velzeboer, a renowned mental health expert with a unique and profound background. Petra's journey from being raised in a notorious cult to becoming a leading voice in creating psychologically safe workspaces offers invaluable insights into understanding cult-like cultures in the corporate world.Episode Overview:
Petra shares her extraordinary life story, detailing her upbringing in a cult and how it shaped her perspective on life and work.
Discussion on the transition from a controlled environment to the freedom and challenges of the outside world.
Exploring...2024-02-2944 min
The Leader's ToolboxLeadership Nuggets with Special Guest, Petra VelzeboerTake a leadership journey with Petra Velzeboer and I as she shares powerful leadership nuggets to enhance not only your Leadership & Work/Life Harmony... but also that of those you're leading! Petra Velzeboer is a renowned mental health expert, TedX speaker, author, and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL.Her passion for creating psychologically safe spaces can be traced back to her unique background, having been raised in a notorious cult and struggling to find her place in the world. A series of life altering events led her to pursue a...2024-01-1741 min
The HR Uprising PodcastPreventing Burnout For 2024 - with Petra VelzeboerLucinda welcomes mental health consultant Petra Velzeboer to discuss the importance of prioritising mental health in the workplace. They explore the signs of burnout and the 12-stage process that leads to it, emphasising the need for prevention and self-awareness. Petra shares practical tips for managing stress, including setting boundaries, reevaluating values, and addressing digital well-being. They also discuss the impact of meeting culture and inefficiencies in the workplace. KEY TAKEAWAYS Prevention is important, as burnout can take a long time to recover from. The 12 stages of burnout include proving oneself, working harder, neglecting needs...2024-01-0832 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerJunior Doctors talk burnout, tech addiction and the drive to achieve no matter the cost!We’ve all seen the medical shows on TV, tears in the closet, all the drama.
But what is it really like to train as a Doctor?
In this episode I am joined by 3 Doctors in training to shed light on the realities they face and to bust some myths. They share the challenges they have faced throughout their training and the coping strategies they have developed to deal with stress and their mental health struggles.
They talk about burnout, why Doctors experience it and whether it is being addressed by the profession or...2023-12-241h 01
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerHow to change the system from within! - with Avanade’s Global Wellbeing lead Emily WarrenMany organisations see wellbeing issues as a problem with the individual not the system.
Emily Warren believes it’s time that this is flipped on its head and we look at the environments, the cultures, and the structures we place around employees instead.
Emily is responsible for a portfolio of EX projects and initiatives within the Avanade business, aimed at continually elevating the employee experience. She works in partnership with teams across the organisation, looking after 18,000 people globally as Global Wellbeing Director for Avanade, to deliver genuine human impact for Avanade employees.
In thi...2023-12-1156 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerFrom Disruptive child to Global Activist - A new take on DEI! With Dr Asif Sadiq MBE, Chief DEI Warner Bros DiscoveryThe beauty of diversity is that we think differently, and those differences should be respected and celebrated while we work together.
This simple and elegant view of DEI in the workplace is that of my guest in this episode Dr. Asif Sadiq MBE. Asif is the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Warner Bros. Discovery, he was previously the Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact at adidas and has a long and rich career in the diversity and inclusion space with senior executive roles at The Telegraph Media Group, EY Financial Services a...2023-11-2645 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerWhat you know about Burnout is Wrong! - with Subira Jones the Corporate HippyPeople’s houses are on fire because of burnout and corporate wellbeing is unable to address it. They focus on the wrong things, and until the root cause is dealt with the symptomatic manifestations of burnout will persist.
This is the belief of my guest, Subira Jones, The Corporate Hippie, an award-winning high performance, lifestyle, and burnout coach. Subira has lived through a year-long burnout cycle after completing her degree whilst her mum was in a coma to almost dying from Sepsis herself 9 months later.
This lived experience moved her to want to help others th...2023-11-1253 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerBuild your edge: Communication Quotient (CQ) with Oscar Nominated Clare MunnStorytelling is a powerful way for humans to share what they are going through. It can also be a way for the stigmas of mental health to be lifted. My guest in this episode, Clare Munn, has been putting story telling at the centre of her efforts to disrupt how the world talks about mental health.
Clare Munn is an entrepreneur, media executive & activist focused on disrupting irrelevant and redundant models by using story telling. She is the Award-winning Executive Producer of The Square - a 3 Emmy, Oscar Nominated film. She also coined and trademarked CQ: Communication...2023-10-291h 04
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerIs mental health an excuse with Jon Smith OBEImagine not being able to say a word as a child. Imagine every time you stammered you were beaten. Imagine that this treatment cured you.
This was the experience of my guest, Jon Smith. It was life changing and allowed him to pursue a career at the elite level of sport as a super-agent culminating in an OBE.
Jon discusses his own experience with mental health and the attitude towards mental health in sports. He also discusses the lack of support he got when he needed it in his own life when dealing with depression a...2023-10-1552 min
The Safety GuruMindful Connections: Individual Responsibility & Effective Leadership in Mental Health with Petra Velzeboer"Psychological safety effectively is trust." In honor of World Mental Health Day, we invite you to listen to the latest episode of The Safety Guru featuring Petra Velzeboer, renowned mental health expert and TEDx speaker. You won't want to miss this episode as Petra shares her expertise and advice on creating mindful connections through effective leadership, the importance of vulnerability, and beneficial strategies to approach mental health with a preventive mindset in the workplace. Tune in!About the Guest:Petra Velzeboer is a renowned mental health expert, TEDx speaker, and CEO of mental health consultancy...2023-10-0526 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerHow to Solve your Sunday Night Blues with Channel 4s Kirsten FurberDo you suffer from the Sunday night blues?
Everyone has experienced that feeling of dread before you start work on a Monday. But what if that could be an indicator to so much more, not just to you as an individual but the organisation you work for. Then you would have the power to know where your energy and time should be spent rather than fearing the start of the week.
In this episode I am joined by Kirstin Furber, who is People Director at Channel 4. She has been researching the Sunday night blues and...2023-10-0144 min
Disrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerHow Taking Action is good for Mental Health with Petra & pirkx founder Stella SmithAre your life goals aligned with your job?
We are all different and all require different things to maintain our wellbeing. You need to be able to align with your flow, your skills, your joy and not be influenced by something that can harm that.
In this episode I talk to Stella Smith, Founder and CEO of pirkx, my collaborator on this podcast. Pirkx is a pioneering force within the benefits market working hard to make them inclusive for all.
Stella discusses her own wellbeing journey including the role her childhood had in m...2023-09-1741 minDisrupting Wellbeing with Petra VelzeboerA flavour of what’s to come!Join me, Petra Velzeboer and founder of pirkx Stella Smith as we give you a snapshot of what's to come in this exciting new podcast!
We discuss many things, including:
Can ambition and wellbeing co-exist
Approaching a new world of work
Guests and themes for upcoming episodes
2023-09-0807 min
Leadership, Brand Strategy & Transformation - Minter DialogueBegin With You - How to invest in your mental well-being and satisfaction at work with psychologist and author Petra VelzeboerMinter Dialogue with Petra VelzeboerPetra Velzeboer is a renowned author, psychotherapist, TEDx speaker and CEO of Mental Health Consultancy PVL. Born into a notorious cult, Petra was raised in a strict environment where individuality and self expression were discouraged. Travelling the globe, she learned firsthand about cultures and people but was sheltered from education, books or friendships outside of the community. Leading a double life for many years, she knows firsthand the toll it takes to wear a mask of conformity on one side while leading a hedonistic escapist life on the other. In this conversation...2023-08-271h 00
The HR L&D PodcastA Strategic Approach to Mental Health at Work with Petra Velzeboer #93In the episode, Nick Day is joined on The HR L&D Podcast by Petra Velzeboer, qualified Psychotherapist, Global Keynote & TedX Speaker, and CEO of PVL!Petra is also a renowned mental health advocate.Petra’s expertise and passion stem from her own personal experience battling mental illness and struggling with cultural and circumstantial challenges. After being raised in a religious cult without access to formal education, her story and climb from rock bottom have inspired thousands to better understand how to improve mental health for themselves and others.She earned her MSc in...2023-02-2349 min
Brave New Girls - Well Beings, Well PlanetHow to go from a dark place to experimenting with bravery every day, with Petra VelzeboerMy guest this week is Petra Velzeboer a renowned mental health expert, TedX speaker & CEO of mental health consultancy PVL. Born & raised in the Children of God cult, she escaped but found herself in a downward spiral until she found a way to turn her life around. Now she empowers others round the world to sustain a resilient & positive state of mental health.Breaking the cycles of traumaBravery everyday- one small brave actDare to Dream & experiment with ways to make it become reality.Petra shows us that if we do something brave every day...2023-01-3132 min
Take a Seat with Ali SwiftTake a Seat with Petra VelzeboerWhat an episode this was. We were delighted to speak with the CEO and founder of PVL mental health consultancy and a sought-after global keynote and TedX speaker, Petra Velzeboer.
In this episode, Petra talks to us about her life growing up in the infamous Children of God cult, and how when pregnant and in a relationship with someone outside of the cult, Petra escaped to begin a new life in London. Confronted with years of unresolved trauma, she battled mental illness, including addiction and depression. She reached her ultimate rock bottom when she c...2022-11-3055 min
Team TitansS04E02 - Petra VelzeboerJoin us for a conversation with The CEO of PVL and Mental Health Consultant Petra Velzeboer. For a full transcript and more information, please visit https://www.adaptavist.com/podcast/team-titans/transcript-team-titans-season-4-episode-2-petra-velzeboer
2022-11-1737 min
This British Life PodcastEp. 129 | Petra Velzeboer | From Cult Member to CEOThis week, Andrew and Theo sit down with Petra Velzeboer, founder and CEO of mental health consultancy PVL. In a candid and ultimately uplifting conversation, Petra discusses her experiences of being born into and growing up in a religious cult, her battle with alcoholism and eventual sobriety, plus her unique approach to improving people’s mental health. Also, should the under-30s be allowed to get married and should we celebrate birthdays? Theo thinks not, but what’s Petra and Andrew’s opinion?You can now get in touch with the show...team@podcastworld.orgwww.Vialucci.com@vialuccimediaThis show is Part o...2022-07-061h 49
The Unhustle PodcastEp. 53: Your Mental Health Is Everything With Mental Health Expert Petra VelzeboerPetra is a renowned mental health expert, TedX speaker and CEO of mental health consultancy, PVL. She captures, surprises, and inspires audiences with her incredible story of transforming adversity into advantage, and challenges them to take responsibility for their mental health.
In this conversation we talk about:
- What really is mental health and why it matters, especially now
- How entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and leaders can take care of their own mental health before they can lead the conversation with their teams
- Science-based tips for burnout prevention
...2022-04-2032 min
The Game of TeamsCreating a Mentally Healthy Work Environment with Petra VelzeboerIntroduction: Petra Velzeboer is a renowned mental health expert, TEDx speaker and CEO of Mental Health Consultancy, PVL. Petra was born and raised in the infamous Children of God cult, conditioned to believe she was born to save the world. Having escaped that world, she now talks to audiences about her ultimate rock bottom and her subsequent transformation leading her to found a flourishing mental health business. Petra is a psychotherapist with an MSc in Psychodynamics of human development and is a qualified ORSC & CTI Certified Coach. Petra lives by her values of lightness, bravery and responsibility Podcast Episode Su...2022-04-1942 min
The Game of TeamsCreating a Mentally Healthy Work Environment with Petra VelzeboerIntroduction: Petra Velzeboer is a renowned mental health expert, TEDx speaker and CEO of Mental Health Consultancy, PVL. Petra was born and raised in the infamous Children of God cult, conditioned to believe she was born to save the world. Having escaped that world, she now talks to audiences about her ultimate rock bottom and her subsequent transformation leading her to found a flourishing mental health business. Petra is a psychotherapist with an MSc in Psychodynamics of human development and is a qualified ORSC & CTI Certified Coach. Petra lives by her values of lightness, bravery and responsibility Podcast Episode Summary Th...2022-04-1542 min
The HR Uprising PodcastBringing Your Mental Health Strategy To Life - with Petra VelzeboerThis week, Lucinda talks to mental health consultant and psychotherapist, Petra Velzeboer, about the practical and relevant topic of how we can create healthy workspaces through bringing our mental health strategy to life via behaviours, leadership and other methods. KEY TAKEAWAYS Toxicity can manifest itself in many ways, such as rules and leadership styles, and can affect how comfortable people are in bringing their full selves to work. Far too often, we only approach mental health issues when a crisis has already surfaced. However, mental health issues affect everybody at all times, and the strategies should...2022-01-1737 min
Zen SammichZen Sammich #64 | From Cult to Courage w/ Petra VelzeboerBorn and raised in the infamous “Children of God” cult, Petra Velzeboer these days is a successful CEO, a TEDx speaker, and a mental health consultant for businesses. It was not a straight line path, of course, to go from one to the other.Along the way, she battled the psychological trauma of going beyond her upbringing, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts. Her story is a fascinating journey of bravery, daring to dream, experimentation, and ultimately triumph.Find out more Petra's business and follow her at:https://www.petravelzeboer.com/ht...2021-11-1228 min
Butterflies and BraveryBecoming Petra VelzeboerSend us a textMeet Petra Velzeboer. From rock bottom to mental health leader. Hear her tell in her own words how she went from what could have been the end of her life, to leading not only a prosperous life herself but blazing the trail for mental health in the workplace. Leaving the Children of God, pregnant and penniless, Petra tells us her gripping story of survival and success. After being denied a basic education as a child, she entered a Masters program and earned a degree. Something she thought she could never do. Her own life di...2021-09-231h 06
Fit To Lead09 - Petra VelzeboerI chat to Mental Health Consultant, TEDx speaker and CEO of PVL, Petra Velzeboer, about companies, cults, communities, and why loneliness is like being punched in the face (scientifically speaking).Go watch Petra's TEDx talk, and follow her on LinkedIn. You can also check out the PVL website here.Come and link up with me on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, and take a look at the Fit Body • Fit Mind website too.Register for my FREE webinar - 'Level Up Your People'Plus, my book, 'Fit Body Fit Mind', is available on...2021-09-1652 min
Matt Holman Talks Mental Health105. Petra Velzeboer talks Mental HealthIn this episode I had a wonderful chat with the amazing human Petra about her journey with mental health. Petra and I discussed her growing up in a Religious Cult, struggling with Alcohol and almost giving up on life.
We also discussed the amazing transformation in Petra's life that has brought her to the place she is now as the CEO of Petra Velzeboer Ltd, helping organisations lift and sustain mental health for every employee, their families, and their communities. https://petravelzeboer.com/2021-09-0330 min
Adversity to Advantage156. Buy In From The Top with Geoff McDonald“What really saved my life during that time was my ability to talk”
I am SUPER excited to have gotten the chance to interview the Legendary, Mental Health Power House that is Geoff McDonald!
Best known as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant who is passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces, and about helping organisations embed purpose as a key driver of business performance. His sense of purpose to his work was catalysed by his diagnosis in 2008 of Anxiety fuelled depression.
Geoff shares his experience of mental ill heal...2020-12-0600 min
The Prime Life Project#45 -The Reality Of Taking Back Control - Ft. Petra VelzeboerPetra and I discuss how her upbringing within a cult set her up to fail in the mundane reality of modern society. Leading to a conflict of identity, Petra discusses how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism and how this put her children in danger. We go into such amazing detail about how to take back control of your life and become the person you were meant to be by asking yourself empowering questions rather than believing a false narrative.Petra Velzeboer Petra Velzeboer is an international keynote speaker, psychotherapist, mental...2020-12-0154 min
Adversity to Advantage155. Tactics for Creating a Happier Workforce with Samantha Clarke‘It’s not going back to business as normal, we’re in a very new era now and If you’re not stretching yourself to meet that you will get left behind’
Samantha Clarke is a good friend of mine, a Happiness Consultant, TedX speaker and Author of Love it or Leave it . Samantha gives advice for employers and employees on finding happiness in our work as well as sharing her own personal story of finding happiness and lending tips on how we can all adjust to the change born from the pandemic.
We go deep...2020-11-3000 min
Adversity to Advantage154. Coming out and the new normal with Matthew Clements“When I came out…..I had completely unconditional support and love and I realised that’s sadly not the case for everyone”
I feel very privileged to interview Matthew Clements. Matthew is the Senior diversity and inclusion advisor at Herbert Smith Freehills and i have had the pleasure of working with him through the partnership between Medigold and PVL where i have been supporting the Mental Health strategy and training of HSF.
We discuss Mental health and his Matthew goes deep on his own experience of mental health and coming out to his f...2020-11-2200 min
Adversity to Advantage153. Fill Your Cup with Hannah Meredith“You really can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to make sure you are ok first”
Ranked as one of the top 10 companies to work for by The Sunday Times and recently shortlisted for the REBA wellbeing awards, Hannah Meredith leads the way on Health and Wellbeing for MVF Global
We discuss the current and long-lasting impact of the pandemic on employees and their mental health and Hannah lends practical advice on how employers can implement mental health strategies.
Hannah also opens up about her personal struggles with anxiet...2020-11-1600 min
Adversity to Advantage152. Pandemic Baby: Thoughts on leading by example with Selena Alcover‘We have to adapt with the changing times and we have to adapt to what are employees are needing’
So excited to speak with Selena Alcover who is an Employee Experience Manager at National Grid.
We discuss the impact of the current pandemic on employees and Selena offers tangible advice to leaders on supporting their workforce through these challenging times as well as opening up about her own personal struggle of becoming a first time parent in the midst of a pandemic.
We go deep on:
Remembering to ask for advice and help...2020-11-0900 min
Adversity to Advantage151. Off work with poor mental health - an employee experience and what helps with Tony Nneke‘I would say to anyone, speak and there is bravery in that even if you are vulnerable ‘
Tony Nneke is Chair of Oracle UKIE Cultural Harmony Network and passionate about Diversity and Inclusion as well as mental health.
Tony talks openly about needing to take time off work due to poor mental health and how leaders helped or hindered his experience in the workplace.
We go deep on:
Practicing vulnerability at work
The need to create supportive and safe environments in the workplace
Engaging in mental health conversations in t...2020-11-0100 min
Adversity to Advantage150. Invest in Your People - Advice from 20 Years in the Military with Jules Parke-Robinson‘I think you are a better leader if you bring your whole self to work ‘
I am so excited to have been introduced to Jules Parke-Robinson - with a 20 year career in the British Military and current experience as Chair of the British Wheelchair Basketball, she has amazing insights on motivating a team, men’s mental health and adapting to change.
We discuss her experiences of mental health and leadership in the workplace as well as retiring only to be thrust in a world where she didn’t feel she belonged and struggled to adapt in...2020-10-2600 min
Adversity to Advantage148. Mental Health at Work- A CEO on How to Lead by Example with David AllardSuper excited to have this conversation with David Allard, Part of the Petra Velzeboer team , David is now retired but has a wealth of experience as a CEO of a financial services organisation.
David shares with me his approach to mental health in the workplace and how CEOs can champion the cause , leading by example, creating the correct environment and promoting the correct culture amongst their workforce.
We discuss topics such as
The importance of recruiting correctly
Values
An entitled generation?
The need for patience
Promoting open communication
...2020-10-1200 min
Adversity to Advantage146. Do I have a Drinking Problem with Sam Church“I remember laying face down shirt ripped, phone gone, money gone and thinking if I lay here long enough il just die”
Totally relating to Sam’s story of his descent into alcoholism and the shame associated with it, I just HAD to get Sam Church on the A2A podcast to share his journey with me.
Sam is a Mental Health Advocate, Sales Professional and Co-Founder of MENtality.
Having lived the majority of his life with poor mental health and still having to work on this on a daily basis Sam kn...2020-08-1044 min
Adversity to Advantage145. Becoming Superhuman with Gavin Johnson“When you fail, its just a moment, it’s not permanent, it doesn’t define you as a person”
Gavin Johnson has always been a keen sportsman, he started as a decathlete and moved into the javelin winning various national medals.
When Covid-19 hit, Gavin decided to change a few things in his life, focusing on writing, art and other business ventures with the hope of coming out of the pandemic better than he went in. He set about developing skills and began training to be a Life Coach which inspired him to write no less tha...2020-08-0345 min
Adversity to Advantage144. Addiction Recovery with Enton Barefoot“If I drink now, there’s no point carrying on. I’ll just go and kill myself”
A passionate and avid sportsman, Enton played semi-professional football and was on track to follow his dream of playing as a career when a sliding doors moment changed everything. He fell gradually into a whirlwind life of addiction and homelessness.
Enton is now twelve years sober, he is a qualified Drugs and Alcohol counsellor and has worked as a support worker for local charities. His passion is now to support people and offer them opportunity and hope...2020-07-2746 min
Adversity to Advantage143. Living with Schizophrenia with Wesley Alston“A lot of people that knew me could sense that something strange was going on”
I feel so privileged to speak with Wesley Alston as he opens up to me about his experience of living with Schizophrenia.
Wesley is 29 years old, from Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.A. and started to experience symptoms of schizophrenia in 2011 at the age of 20. It was later that same year he was diagnosed. Through mentorship and support from a number of people including his family, psychiatrist and day program "Sanctuary House" Wesley has been able to regain stability over the...2020-07-2036 min
Adversity to Advantage142. Practical tips for Elite Performance with Dr Philip HopleyDr Phil Hopley helps me re-think entrepreneurship and the cult of busy!
This felt like a private advice session and so timely while scaling my business during one of the most challenging times globally.
As entrepreneurs we are excited about our work and presume that working flat out is the only way through! Dr Phil works with elite performers and challenges this idea explaining the 1 non-negotiable when it comes to sustaining high performance: RECOVERY!
Dr Phil’s training in forensic, general and sport psychiatry combined with a career playing premiership rugby ha...2020-07-1232 min
Adversity to Advantage141. Lessons for Life with Matthew ZinmanI’m very excited about this episode from a man who has been through an enormous amount but has channelled everything into passion and progress!
Matt Zinman is a personal success trainer whose varied experiences as an entrepreneur, athlete, single parent, caretaker, consultant and nonprofit founder drive him to be a difference-maker.
Matt suffered from depression since his early teens. Losing his Mother to HIV contracted from tainted blood during surgery and the loss of a brother to suicide, has forced Matt to develop coping skills and resilience throughout his life. Matt now lives each da...2020-07-0540 min
Adversity to Advantage140. De-stress Your Body with Geeta Sidhu-Robb“Your power your strength your confidence , comes from your physical state
Finding a cure for her sick son led ex lawyer Geeta Sidhu-Robb to be a successful Health Entrepreneur. She is a health & stress specialist who provides specialist health programmes for the over 40.
As well as explaining how stress impacts us, Geeta shares her inspiring story with me and details how she went from being homeless to creating her multi award winning empire.
We go deep on topics such as.
Habit changing over 40
Choosing to invest in ourselves
Be...2020-06-2831 min
Adversity to Advantage139. Starbucks Finance Director on Mental Fitness“There’s lots of ways we can show kindness, I think that goes a long way to supporting our mental health and wellbeing during these times”
Jonny Jacobs is the Financial Director of Starbucks, a Trustee for the Mental Health Foundation and an Advisory Board Member for Mental Health summit Mad World.
Jonny is passionate about engaging with businesses on the topic of mental health, challenging stigma and ensuring leadership is inclusive and purposeful, creating psychological safety in times of upheaval.
We discuss his childhood and how he became an advocate for Mental Health...2020-06-2236 min
Adversity to Advantage138. The Bucket List Guy Travis Bell“A Regret free life rather than a regretful life”
Travis Bell has had a Bucket List since the age of 18, but it wasn’t until he did his first seminar that he realised that this was not something that was common practice. From this realisation the ‘Bucket List Guy’ was born.
Spreading his message through keynote speaking, blogging, his podcast and a Tedx talk, Travis Bell revels in helping people to live a life of more meaning , more purpose and more fulfilment.
Travis takes me through how he became known as ‘The Bucket List...2020-06-0737 min
Adversity to Advantage137. The Legendary Geoff McDonald on Mental Health“What really saved my life during that time was my ability to talk”
I am SUPER excited to have gotten the chance to interview the Legendary, Mental Health Power House that is Geoff McDonald!
Best known as a global advocate, campaigner and consultant who is passionate about addressing the stigma of mental ill health in workplaces, and about helping organisations embed purpose as a key driver of business performance. His sense of purpose to his work was catalysed by his diagnosis in 2008 of Anxiety fuelled depression.
Geoff shares with me his...2020-05-3134 min
Adversity to Advantage136. Successfully Living with Autism with Michael BartonMichael is an author and speaker on the topic of Aspergers and Autism. Non verbal until the age of 3 and diagnosed with high functioning autism at the age of 7, Michael has had to learn to adjust and adapt to living with Autism. He is now on a mission to change the world’s perception of autism and inspire through his talks.
Michael opens up about overcoming obstacles and his experience of living with Autism.
We go deep on topics such as
Encouragement from supportive parents
Maintaining a positive mindset
The stigma su...2020-05-2530 min
Adversity to Advantage135. Our Body Impacts Our Mental Health with Johnny Quinn AlstonWhat if poor mental health was really just impacted by an imbalance in amino acids?
Amidst Johnny Quinn Alston’s portfolio career and through his brother’s mental illness, as well as struggling with mood and addiction questions in his own life, he read a book called The Mood Cure that radically altered his life.
Johnny shares how he educated himself and discovered the connection between his body and his mental health and the changes he put in place to switch up his physical state.
We go deep on physiology and mental health, touching on topics such as:
Covid-19 and adap...2020-05-1749 min
Adversity to Advantage134.Actor Danny Rahim built his resilience as a Young Carer“I remember going in to see a therapist and they said, do you think you would be happier if your mum was dead and I said yes”
My good friend Danny Rahim is an Actor and Mental Health speaker. At the age of 13 Danny’s Mother suffered from mental health issues and suicide ideation as a result of a serious accident in which she lost her unborn baby. This saw Danny forced to take on the role of sole carer for his mother. What followed was years of erratic behaviour from his mother and hardship for Danny...2020-05-1052 min
Adversity to Advantage133. Surviving My Son's Suicide with Beverley Bishop“By talking about him and talking about my experience, it keeps him with me”
In 2018 Bev’s son Jess, took his own life. Using her creativity to process her grief, Bev created a short film called “5 days to say goodbye” which documented the last 5 days which she spent with her son.
In this episode Bev opens up to me about her quest to find magic after the death of her son. A raw and honest conversation about suicide and the love, grief and promises surrounding it.
We discuss:
Creativity & Laugh...2020-05-0345 min
Adversity to Advantage132. Adapting to Crisis with Minter Dial“Unexpected things always happen”
If you’re currently struggling with the collective uncertainty of our times then this episode goes deep on the things we can do to support ourselves through crisis!
Minter Dial is a thought-leader, author, consultant and professional speaker. Having experienced and been witness to several terrorist attacks, Minter is no stranger to crisis.
In this episode Minter lends insight into the way he has dealt with past trauma and his coping mechanisms and we discuss how we can face up to uncertainty and crisis when it shows up in our...2020-04-2745 min
Adversity to Advantage131. What’s the Point of God with Scott Shay“If we all just don’t self-deify, then this world would be a better place”
Scott Shay is the co-founder of an American Bank and author of In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism, a book which explores the most common atheist critiques of the Bible and religion, incorporating Jewish, Christian, and Muslim voices.
In this episode Scott shares with me his belief systems around religion and the driving force behind writing his book.
We cover:
Generational trauma - The son of a Holocaust survivor
The resilience gene
Realising your meanin...2020-04-1947 min
Thrive. Connect. Contribute.Create a Life You’re Proud to Live with Petra VelzeboerPetra Velzeboer considered taking her life. But then, she engaged in a one-year personal experiment that led to a life she is proud to live.
Petra Velzeboer was raised in the Children of God cult. By the time she left, she was an adult with no formal education.
As she entered life outside the cult, her life was complicated. She was a mom, stuck at home with two children, unable to work. She learned to avoid, distract, and numb herself with alcohol.
Then she hit rock bottom.
She awoke...2020-04-1400 min
Adversity to Advantage130. When I Die Take My Panties with Jen CokenJen Coken is an executive coach for Badass Boss Ladies, a national speaker and a best-selling author of "When I Die, Take My Panties," is an inspiring, raw, and at times, funny memoir about her mother’s battle with Ovarian Cancer.
Jen opens up about coping with her mother's death, her rock-bottom moments and what it took to push on through.
We discuss topics such as:
Using courage built up from adversity to take chances
Anger & rebellion during teenage years
Learning & building resilience
When I Die Take my...2020-04-1252 min
Adversity to Advantage129. Unlocking Human Potential in Virus Times with Sam Kiani“We can’t control what is going on out there but we can choose what we focus on”
My good friend Sam Kiani is a Human potential coach , yogi, runner and long time meditator with a love for freedom. In this episode we discuss the resilience needed to deal with the current Covid-19 environment t and how there is in fact the potential for us all to actually find opportunities in what feels like such a rock bottom moment in time!
Sam explains how exposure to childhood trauma brought on by leaving home at the ag...2020-04-041h 04
Adversity to Advantage128. Surviving my Father’s Suicide with Paul McGregor“It’s not just one phase, it’s not just one stereotype. It can affect anyone”
When Paul McGregor lost his father to suicide it left him with unanswered questions and he struggled to process grief in a world where silence is revered as a man’s way of coping.
His father had been so perfect; he ran religiously, read self-help books, had a career and a happy family. Without knowing anything about mental health, it seemed to Paul that everything descended into chaos fast, as he visited his father in a depressing mental institutio...2020-03-2930 min
Adversity to AdvantageBONUS! Find the Opportunity in Covid-19With swirling media attention on fear and panic, listen to this short episode to help you shift your perspective and connect into your inner wisdom.
After weeks of ‘being strong’ and being there for other people, I found myself caught up in the fear narrative, reactively looking for work, thinking I’d lose everything and that everything’s gone to shit.
After tears and white knuckling, a job hunt (even though I am lucky to have resources to last for some months) I decided to close my eyes and meditate. Without any specific breathing exercise...2020-03-2514 min
Growth Mindset: Psychology of self-improvement90: Adversity to Advantage - Sam's Story with Petra VelzeboerPetra Velzeboer is a therapist, facilitator and executive coach. Through depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence and suicidal thoughts she reached her rock bottom at 25 and decided she had a choice: to learn how to truly live or to end her life now. Over a decade of experimenting on strategies for success and learning everything about mindset and psychology, her life is 100% different than what it might have been! Her goal is to teach others who are near their rock bottom, to help them learn the fast track for improving their lives! Petra and Adversity to AdvantageConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin...2020-02-0557 min
Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement90: Adversity to Advantage - Sam's Story with Petra VelzeboerPetra Velzeboer is a therapist, facilitator and executive coach. Through depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence and suicidal thoughts she reached her rock bottom at 25 and decided she had a choice: to learn how to truly live or to end her life now. Over a decade of experimenting on strategies for success and learning everything about mindset and psychology, her life is 100% different than what it might have been! Her goal is to teach others who are near their rock bottom, to help them learn the fast track for improving their lives! Petra and Adversity to AdvantageConnect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin...2020-02-0559 min
Adversity to Advantage120. Introducing My Boyfriend David Taylor!!AAAaaahhh so today I’m introducing David Taylor, my boyfriend!
We’ve been in a relationship for the past 6 months and decided, what better way to explore what a healthy relationship could be than by using our real live situation as review material!
It’s a scary conversation to post because we’re not experts but we’ve both been in toxic relationships and really want to come at this one from a place of total honesty, personal responsibility and openness to the possibility of a healthy relationship no matter what is in our past.
What better way to think about adve...2020-02-031h 17
Adversity to Advantage109. Modern Dating & Mental Health with Steph & PetraMy good friend Steph Bosset joins me for a live discussion on the pitfalls of modern dating, looking after our mental health and figuring out how to pick the right person in what seems like our throwaway society.
After my divorce and Steph’s breakup of a long term relationship, we consider how to heal, learn from our past and create a mindset that can both protect us and leave us open and vulnerable to love.
We discuss:
The fallout of breakups and separationsBreak ups and seperations
ning to enjoy the journey
Practising openness
Social media & research (stalking) :)
Reevaluating the to...2019-11-181h 09
Adversity to Advantage92. Sustaining Success - The Messy Middle of GreatnessThis episode is meant to bring up more questions than it does answers! I hope to provoke your own conscious thought process about the tough decisions you need to make based on radical honesty and self awareness rather than fear and avoidance!
I get ranty about LOTS of topics that are true for me right now:
What sustaining success looks like
How to know when a relationship or ‘situationship’ has come to an end
The normal messy part of growth
How the personal development industry is f***ing us up
Cultivating the ability to sit with ourselves
Fixed mindset prevents us f...2019-07-2243 min
Growth Mindset Podcast62: Mental Health without the BS - Petra Velzeboer - Psychotherapist and Executive CoachPetra Velzeboer is a mental health consultant, executive coach and podcaster. She has a radical 'no BS' approach to mental health and isn't afraid to come out with some hard hitting facts of life.
She has a challenging personal story from being raised in a cult which she broke out of to then fall into alcohol abuse and motherhood. Her tale of turning herself around to get her qualifications and become a shining beacon of inspiration and advice to others is amazing. She is a true advocate of the Growth Mindset and an absolute legend.
...2019-06-3047 min
Growth Mindset: Psychology of self-improvement59: Mental Health without the BS - Petra Velzeboer - Psychotherapist and Executive CoachPetra Velzeboer is a mental health consultant, executive coach and podcaster. She has a radical 'no BS' approach to mental health and isn't afraid to come out with some hard hitting facts of life. She has a challenging personal story from being raised in a cult which she broke out of to then fall into alcohol abuse and motherhood. Her tale of turning herself around to get her qualifications and become a shining beacon of inspiration and advice to others is amazing. She is a true advocate of the Growth Mindset and an absolute legend. On the show we go...2019-06-3047 min
Growth Mindset Psychology: The Science of Self-Improvement59: Mental Health without the BS - Petra Velzeboer - Psychotherapist and Executive CoachPetra Velzeboer is a mental health consultant, executive coach and podcaster. She has a radical 'no BS' approach to mental health and isn't afraid to come out with some hard hitting facts of life.She has a challenging personal story from being raised in a cult which she broke out of to then fall into alcohol abuse and motherhood. Her tale of turning herself around to get her qualifications and become a shining beacon of inspiration and advice to others is amazing. She is a true advocate of the Growth Mindset and an absolute legend....2019-06-3048 min
Absolute Advantage PodcastRising Up Through Adversity, with Petra VelzeboerPetra Velzeboer is an international keynote speaker, psychotherapist, mental health consultant, executive coach, and podcast host who is dedicated to helping others through developing empathy in the workplace to create stronger connections with our teammates and improve the productivity of our organizations. Petra’s own remarkable story is one of triumph in spite of the odds being stacked against her. Having been raised in a cult, Petra experienced a level of abuse and control that led her to develop addiction problems and ultimately consider suicide as her only way out. However, Petra was able to overcome these in...2019-05-1537 min
Adversity to Advantage80: How to Change Habits for Good with Maneesh SethiNegative reinforcement starts the habit change, positive reinforcement helps them stick!
Founder of Pavlok.com, Maneesh Sethi talks us through habit change, how negative reinforcement works better than positive praise and the device that shocks you into habit change. He has one of the most watched shark tank pitches on YouTube and wants to create a world where we can all change those annoying habits we just can’t get rid of.
Diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, he was told a book deal would never be given to anyone under 25. This spurred him to spend 8 hours a day writing a...2019-04-2938 min
Adversity to AdvantageBonus: A straight talk on taking responsibility for your life!Ok here goes! It’s just me this episode and I want to give you some hard-hitting advice on taking personal responsibility for your life. Everyone has a ‘reason’ for why they’re down, stuck, overwhelmed, not living their dream and slowly killing their unique impact in the world.
I realised that in 1-2-1 sessions my USP is my directness but in my online content I’m not communicating all the things I want to say, the things I’ve learned from my own life, from the conversations throughout this podcast and the hundreds of therapy, coaching clients and teams I’ve w...2019-02-1520 min
Adversity to Advantage63: Loneliness & How to Deal with It with Daniel HolleyAre you missing family, reflective, isolated & losing the ability to truly connect? Check out this frank discussion about loneliness, the benefits, challenges and tips for how to cope.
Join us as we challenge the taboo about loneliness in our Instagrammable society with the illusion of perfection and instead think about the growth opportunity. Petra and Daniel Holley chat through:
What we do when we have nothing to do
How to sit with ourselves
Self-pity Vs healthy alone time
The pain and benefit of being alone
How to change up your support network
Numbing to avoid sitting with ourselves2018-12-2445 min
Beyond Your Past RadioPodcast - Ep. 93 - Mental Health in the Workplace, with Petra Velzeboer.Mental Health overall has been getting more visibility in main stream media and socially, now more than ever. The awareness continues to increase, and more and more people are understanding the importance of not only their physical health, but also their mental health.We don't always realize however, that our mental health at work is just as important as when we are outside of the office or job site. With the responsibilities of every day becoming more and more strenuous, we find ourselves with fewer and fewer opportunities to address our mental well being. There's a million...2018-10-1538 min