Work With Me

We live in an age of constant pressure, where we are told everying is 'urgent' and that our value is measured by how much we produce, achieve and show ourselves to be superhuman. And none more so than in the humanitarian and human rights space.

Yet I know from over 10 years of researching this topic, as well as going through my own burnout, that constantly pushing ourselves - or our colleagues - to always be more available, more committed, more giving to everyone else eventually has an impact on our own health and wellbeing. And it results in workplaces that are poisoned with bullying, rivalry and division - as well as high staff turnover.

In these times of ever-decreasing resources and funding limitations alongside increased human rights repression and humanitarian crises, we have to consider new ways of showing up for the work we care about.

My 1-2-1 holistic coaching support, trainings and circle of practice are all opportunities to explore a new path; one that does not lead to burnout, which celebrates your gifts without leaving you feeling you must constantly prove yourself, and which will help you integrate self- and collective care into all that you do.

I also provide consultancy support in the form of research and training for organisations committed to deeper learning around the wellbeing of their staff and developing strategies which respect diversity, equity and inclusion.

My clients have included Open Society Foundations, ONE Campaign, Global Communities, and CISP (the International Committee for the Development of Peoples).

Contact me if you are interested in hiring me as your consultant.

An Approach Informed by Cutting Edge Research

My work is grounded in over a decade of extensive research into mental health, wellbeing, and organisational culture within the humanitarian, development, and human rights sphere.

It is informed by the voices of hundreds of national and international aid workers who I have interviewed, including for my PhD and my book The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector.

When you work with me, we will get to the heart of some of the biggest concerns raised in my research - and which perhaps you yourself are seeking support for. These include:

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Poor Work/Life Balance and Boundaries

Does your organisation push you to the limits and you do not know how to push back? Have you forgotten what true rest or joy means - beyond the odd holiday or weekend off? Let's explore together why healthier boundaries are important for the work you do.

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Lack of Emotional Support

Do you feel alone in your struggles - at home and at work? Do you feel your emotions aren't welcome? They are when you work with me! We will look at how to create cultures that value everyone's humanness, where there is greater psychological safety and where everyone feels supported.

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Loss of Purpose

Tensions between personal and organisational values, funding and staffing cuts often lead to loss of purpose and what we now understand is moral injury. Let's explore how you can regain motivation and focus in ways that feel aligned with your values.

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Feeling Undervalued or Unseen

The sector still has far to go in ensuring everyone feels valued and has a chance to share their ideas and gifts. Let's discuss how to create workplaces that are more inclusive and where everyone can fully thrive.

Testimonials from Workshop Attendees

"Having worked in the international development sector herself, Gemma was acutely aware of the particular challenges and stresses we face in our day to day work. Her approach was interactive, as well as informative.

She talked us through some techniques and exercises but also gave us the floor to talk and listen to each other about our feelings, both positive and negative, during this challenging time.

I liked this balance. We've each come away with a better sense of how to look after ourselves at this time, and each other".

Emma Haegeman, Senior Consultant at Social Development Direct.

"You helped us express our feelings as a team and be able to process them and eventually, we ended up feeling so much better at the end of the sessions. It's so great to let go of all the negativity and pressure built up throughout the month and start fresh, and for that, I'm very thankful".

Amina, NGO worker in Lebanon.

Let's Talk

Book your clarity call today to explore how I can help you.