HI, I’m Kelly…
... as a trusted global educator, coach, author and TEDx speaker I've been at the forefront of raising awareness, educating leaders and driving systemic change within organisations around the world.
My in-house career stole my brightness, my health and happiness, and now I'm bolder and brighter then ever. I'm the Burnoutologist, making an impact unapologetically my way.
My voice is sought after globally. I’ve been featured in The Times, Guardian, BBC, SKY, Psychologies Magazine, and Waitrose Health, and have spoken on prestigious global stages.
I coach leaders who refuse to play by the old rule - leaders who know that success should never should never come at the cost of their health, their integrity, or their life.
I'm daring to imagine a world of work where Burnout is no longer a badge of honour. Where leaders actually lead - without sacrificing themselves. Where success is measured by impact, not exhaustion. Where no one has to choose between their career and their wellbeing.
This isn't a trend.
This is the future.
This is where Burnout ends.
"Kelly is a dynamic Strategist, author, and keynote speaker renowned for her transformative approach in the world of work with a passion for combating Burnout.
With years of studying and experience, Kelly has honed her expertise in recognising, addressing, and preventing Burnout.
Through her speaking, workshops, and personalised coaching, Kelly equips people in workplaces around the world with the tools and strategies they need to prioritise their wellbeing and Banish Burnout.
With her unique blend of science, empathy, insight, practical know-how, and forward-thinking vision, Kelly is committed to making a positive impact in the world of work."
Phil Waites, CEO
You’ve probably already guessed - I’m Not your average coach.
I’m here to change how we see, coach and talk about Burnout
I’m not here to talk about bubble baths, breathwork apps, or toxic positivity. I’m here because I nearly died—twice—because of Burnout.
I’ve coached over 600 leaders through it. Trained more than 100 coaches across 13 countries. And spoken to thousands of professionals globally about the real impact of Burnout—on bodies, minds, careers, and lives.
And here’s what I’ve seen:
Most people think they understand Burnout.
They don’t.
Burnout isn’t fixed by a yoga class or a time-blocked calendar.
It’s solved with truth. With awareness. With real education and deep change.
That’s why I started The Burnout Academy—to train the coaches, leaders, and organisations who are ready to do better. Who are done with fluff. Who want to be part of the solution.
This isn’t about productivity.
It’s about people.
And if you’re here, I’m guessing you already know that.
Clients and Employers
As an ex-HR Director I've worked with employers such as Waitrose, John Lewis, Luminus Group, and Genesis Housing.
Clients have included Thomas Cook, NEWS UK, LUSH, Huawei, Tesco, Walsingham Support, BUNZL, M&S, Affinity Water, Reigate and Banstead Borough Borough Council, NHS, Dominos, LifePlus, Visa, Natwest, and Barclays.
I've led teams of up to 73 people, managed projects and budgets of hundreds of millions of pounds, and worked with Exec Teams and Leadership Teams as a coach, advisor, mentor, and consultant before dedicating my life and work to banishing Burnout.
I'm a six-time author, and contributor for a variety of magazines, newspapers, and publications, and have appeared numerous times on radio on TV.
I speak to audiences around the world and delivered my first TEDx in 2022.
Qualifications
I completed my BSc in Psychology in 2007, my MCIPD in 2008, and my MSc in Organisational Change and Development in 2017.
In 2011 I qualified as an Executive Coach with the AoEC accredited by the AC and ICF. I've completed certificates and diplomas in Neuroscience, Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, Firewalking, Facilitation, Training Design, Holosomatic Bodywork, Yoga Teaching, Meditation, Pranayama, Breathwork, Holotropic Breathwork, Ayurveda, Empowerment and Breakthrough Coaching, and numerous psychometric tests and personality profiling tools, combining all of the science of Burnout with a whole lot of woo.
And if you're still reading and you want more, here goes ...
I live in Cambridgeshire with my partner, twin sons, step-sons, and rescue dog. I'm the undefeated Mario-Kart champion, a terrible cook, awesome mum (best accolade ever), and love wearing my Oodie and watching Marvel films with my boys.
I love reading, I'm a life-long learner and I teach yoga and meditation once a week at the studio where I trained.
I'm a neuroscience geek.
I love true-life films, listen to podcasts most days, and have a huge variety of music that I listen to depending on my mood and energy - as I write this I'm listening to Ludovico Einaudi, and love a car ride Karaoke.
I'm an introvert who loves speaking on stage to thousands of people and I love to dance, although these days it's mostly around the house.
I'm curious, passionate, and straight-talking, and value courage, honesty, fairness, and integrity (doing the right thing even when nobody else is looking).
I'm an advocate for Burnout Prevention, as I never want anyone to experience what I experience, it sucked!
I started my career in HR in 1998, convinced that I could stop the Monday-to-Friday dying cycle that so many people go through every single working week, (ironically almost dying from Burnout 15 years later).
I quickly gained a reputation for being a rebel and a rule-breaker and I was HRD, leading a team of 43 incredible HR Pros just 12 years later, in an organisation of over 4000 people, where I was also named by the CIPD as the UK's Youngest HR Director.
In 2002 I started talking about and implementing ways of work that could help to create individualism in the workplace.
In 2008 I scrapped annual performance appraisals.
In 2010 I began to Burn the Handbook.
In 2019, after two periods of Burnout, a divorce, a new home, authoring four books, and growing a multi-award-winning consultancy whilst being a single Mum to my twin sons, I implemented four-day working in my consultancy, following the 100-80-100 four-day working methodology. I closed the business one day a week and paid my team 100% salary for a 28-hour working week.
As a result of my two periods of Burnout I now live with three life-long and chronic health conditions and I want to help others to prevent the same from happening to them.
My mission to banish Burnout in a changing world of work is what gets me out of bed each day, whilst prioritising my health and wellbeing.