Business Speakers
Petra Velzeboer is a Mental Health Keynote Speaker and Consultant.
Raised in a cult, Petra’s story is one of courage in the face of adversity. She believes if we utilise empathy and generate human connection at work, we can create mentally healthy workplaces to enhance productivity.
Born into the infamous Children of God cult, Petra Velzeboer was raised with the pressure of saving the world. She had no formal education or resources on how to make it in the outside world.
At the age of 22, she moved to the UK whilst pregnant. Isolated from her family and support groups, she tried to fit into life on the outside.
Three years later, with 2 children and a boyfriend, she experienced chronic isolation, depression and sank into alcohol dependence, leading to suicidal ideation and destructive behaviours.
There was a moment in time when she realised she had a choice. She could end her life or she could give herself a deadline to figure out if there was a way to be happy and fulfilled in life.
She gave herself a secret deadline of one year to figure it out.
Petra utilised this time to observe people, read and begin her education as a psychotherapist.
She experimented on her own life in every form imaginable from exercise, learning, meditation, joining support groups, asking people questions, attending events and practicing everything she learned on herself.
After the year had past, she realised everything wasn’t perfect, but she no longer wanted to end it all. Furthermore, in 2012 she completed her MSc in Psychodynamics of Human Development.
The girl who had no education had achieved something she never thought she could.
“Petra’s keynote speech at the UnA conference was incredible. With such a tricky subject to discuss, she got the point across in a way that isn’t too clinical or condescending but was instead, magnificent. Petra is funny, engaging, to the point and actually knows what she’s talking about! I feel that she’s given me everyday tools to start making mental health a daily conversation with friends, family and colleagues”
TL Dallas Group
Mental Health Keynote Speaker:
Petra now runs a thriving Mental Health consultancy which includes training leaders in mental health awareness, advising organisations on their mental health strategy, executive coaching for leaders wanting to create healthy workplaces and giving keynote speeches on mental health, authenticity and creating the best place to work.
Speaking topics include:
- Mental Health Strategy Sessions
- Mental Health for leaders
- EQ and Empathy for leaders
- Wellbeing Coaching for People Managers
- Stress and Resilience
- Mental Health Awareness
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
- Intensive Mental Health training for HR & People Managers
- Trauma Risk Management
As a mental health Keynote Speaker, Petra Velzeboer has a unique and approachable style which is interactive and engaging.
She provides delegates with practical tools for resilience, good mental health and happiness at work and home.
Petra knows that the world of work is changing and organisations who are ahead of the curve in mental health innovation, retain staff, avoid long term absences, create safer places to work and are ultimately more productive environments.
