Over the next 12 months, I’m embarking on an exciting journey to become an ECD Certified Practitioner with Riders & Elephants . This certification is not just about adding another qualification to my portfolio - it’s about deepening my ability to help leaders, teams and organisations thrive by intentionally shaping emotional culture. At Prospera Consulting, I’ve always championed heart-centered leadership, wellbeing and sustainable success. This certification aligns perfectly with that vision, equipping me with innovative tools and insights to support clients in fostering emotionally intelligent workplaces. Why Emotional Culture Matters Every organisation has an emotional culture - whether intentionally shaped or unconsciously developed. Emotional culture is about the feelings that drive our behaviours at work, impacting how we collaborate, innovate and perform. It influences: Employee engagement and retention. How teams navigate challenges and embrace change. The overall wellbeing and satisfaction of individuals. When leaders prioritise emotional culture, they create environments where people feel valued, connected and motivated. This isn’t just a soft skill; it’s a strategic advantage that directly impacts organisational success. What is the Emotional Culture Deck? A key component of this certification is the Emotional Culture Deck by Riders & Elephants. This powerful tool is designed to make it easier for leaders and teams to have meaningful conversations about the emotions driving their work. Through interactive exercises, the Emotional Culture Deck helps individuals and groups: Identify the emotions they want to feel (and avoid) at work. Explore how these emotions shape behaviours and outcomes. Build shared understanding and connection around what matters most. This innovative approach transforms abstract concepts into actionable insights, giving leaders the confidence to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence. Exploring Emotional Culture in Leadership and Beyond The Emotional Culture Practitioner certification isn’t limited to workplace wellbeing; it spans several critical dimensions, including: Emotional Culture : Providing tools to uncover, define and shape the emotional landscapes that underpin organisational success. Leadership : Understanding how emotions influence decision-making, team dynamics, and authentic leadership. Change : Supporting organisations through transitions by addressing the emotional impact of uncertainty and transformation. Stakeholders : Enhancing connection and communication by recognising and shaping the emotions driving relationships. This holistic approach will allow me to deliver even more tailored, impactful solutions to my clients, whether they’re looking to navigate complex challenges, foster stronger connections, or build a more sustainable path forward. What This Means for Prospera Consulting’s Clients At Prospera Consulting, our focus has always been on heart-centered leadership, sustainable strategy, and wellbeing. This certification aligns perfectly with our mission to help leaders lead with authenticity and purpose. For my clients, this journey means: Enhanced Tools for Leadership Development : I’ll bring evidence-based methods to help leaders understand and influence emotional culture in their organisations. Deeper Conversations About Wellbeing : We’ll explore how emotional culture intersects with burnout prevention and sustainable leadership. Practical, Tangible Outcomes : Whether it’s through workshops or coaching sessions, emotional culture tools will be seamlessly integrated into the way we work together. Looking Ahead with Excitement This certification isn’t just about acquiring new skills, it’s about amplifying the impact of the work I already do. I’m excited to explore how these learnings will influence the services Prospera Consulting offers and the outcomes we achieve together. The year ahead will be one of growth, discovery, and transformation - not just for me, but for every leader and organisation I have the privilege of working with. If you’re curious about emotional culture and how it can reshape leadership, culture or wellbeing in your organisation, let’s connect. Together, we can explore how to create workplaces where emotions drive connection, innovation and success.

Burnout is a serious issue across workplaces, impacting both productivity and personal well-being. When supporting a burnt-out team member, leaders have a critical opportunity to make a difference — but many make a common, well-intentioned mistake: assuming they know what the employee needs rather than directly asking them. Assumptions about how to support an employee can lead to unintended setbacks. For example, reducing responsibilities might seem helpful but could remove tasks that the employee finds meaningful or energising. Without asking, leaders risk taking actions that may ultimately frustrate or disengage the employee further. Why Assumptions Miss the Mark in Burnout Support Burnout is a deeply personal experience, and no single approach will work for everyone. Leaders who try to “fix” burnout by acting on assumptions may inadvertently worsen the situation, sending messages that feel dismissive, undermining and demotivating. Here are some common examples of how assumptions can backfire: Assuming a lighter workload will help : Automatically reducing tasks may unintentionally communicate that the leader doesn’t have confidence in the employee or sees them as a burden. Assuming they need “easier” tasks : Reassigning an employee to low-stakes work may feel like a demotion if those tasks lack purpose or meaning for them. A well-meaning leader can unintentionally add to the stress or isolation felt by the employee. To truly support, it’s essential to ask rather than assume. The Power of Asking: How to Create a Supportive Dialogue The best way to avoid assumptions is to engage in an open, respectful conversation. Rather than “fixing” burnout through assumptions, start by asking the employee what they need. This not only validates their experience but gives them control over their own path to recovery. Here are some questions that can foster a supportive dialogue: “What tasks or aspects of your role feel energising for you right now?” “Are there specific challenges or stressors that feel overwhelming?” “How can we adjust your responsibilities to better support you?” These questions demonstrate a willingness to listen and help the employee feel heard, ultimately leading to more effective support. Identifying Energising vs Exhausting Tasks Another risk of assumptions is removing tasks that are actually fulfilling for the employee. Burnout doesn’t mean every part of their job is overwhelming — often, some aspects remain rewarding. Understanding which tasks energise versus drain them can guide balanced recovery support. This approach also empowers the employee to retain some control over their work experience. For instance, if mentoring others brings purpose, keeping this in their role could aid recovery. Conversely, discussing ways to manage or reduce certain administrative tasks might ease their burden. Establish a Safe Space for Ongoing Conversations Supporting an employee through burnout requires ongoing dialogue, not a single conversation. Regular check-ins provide the opportunity to adjust support based on what’s working and what’s not. This consistent communication shows that the team values wellbeing and creates a culture where speaking up about challenges is welcomed and respected. By maintaining an open, adaptive approach, leaders reinforce their commitment to the employee’s wellbeing, creating a supportive environment for both the individual and the broader team. Avoiding Assumptions & Supporting Recovery The biggest mistake leaders make when supporting burnt-out employees is assuming they know what’s best without asking. By opening a conversation and inviting the employee to share what they need, leaders can avoid unintended setbacks and offer meaningful support. Burnout recovery is a journey, and compassionate, individualised support can make all the difference. Through open communication and a commitment to understanding each employee’s needs, leaders can foster a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone on the team. At Prospera Consulting, we understand the toll that burnout can take, and we’re here to support you on your journey to recovery. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Reach out, take that first step, and give yourself the care and compassion you deserve. Your wellbeing is worth it.