Female Founder Spotlight: Petra Velzeboer

5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder

Petra’s expertise and passion stems from her own personal experience battling mental illness and struggling with cultural and circumstantial challenges. After being raised in a religious cult without any 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 Psychodynamics of Human Development in 2012 and went on to become an ORSC & CTI Certified Coach. As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Petra has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping teams and individuals overcome mental health issues. 

What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?

If you have a passion you can make it a reality – no matter what your circumstances. Just over 10 years ago I had hit rock bottom but I saw I had a choice and I taught myself to embrace adversity and turn my biggest weakness into my greatest strength.

I have used my personal experiences to speak and work with people all across the globe helping them to empower themselves and others to improve their mental health. My podcast, ADVERSITY TO ADVANTAGE brings together the stories and practical experiences of people from all walks of life who have succeeded in the face of intense adversity.

Now I have a fantastic team working with me at Petra Velzeboer Ltd where our mission is to partner with organisations to create strong, supportive, and sustainable cultures that improve mental health at work and beyond. We have thrived, even through the global pandemic, and we are on an incredible journey.

Never would I have imagined that I could feel so fulfilled and excited to get up and work every single day. If I can do it anyone can. So feel the fear and make 2021 your year.

What are your top 5 tips for entrepreneurial success?

1. Visualise the dream regularly -it’s allowed to evolve 

2. Ask yourself ‘What would a man do’ then do it your own way but with more confidence

3. Work ethic is better than perfection, do the work 

4. Learn about things that excite you, expand your mind (even if not business related) 

5. Grab the opportunity and figure out how to deliver on it later – once you have it! So many people get stuck in the speculation phase. 

Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?

Oprah 

Sarah Blakely (founder of Spanx)

Rosa Parks

Brene Brown…

…but mostly, Oprah!

What is your favourite saying/ inspirational quote?

The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change their future simply by changing their attitude. ‘Oprah’. 

Website 

https://petravelzeboer.com/