Three Ways to Live the Life You Want – Insights from Mental Health Keynote Speaker Petra Velzeboer
What if creating a more fulfilled life didn’t start with a major overhaul, but with small, daily decisions?
In her TEDxOxford talk, psychotherapist and mental health keynote speaker Petra Velzeboer shares a radically honest take on what it really means to live a life you love. Drawing from her extraordinary journey of growing up in a cult, escaping it, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding her life, Petra delivers a message that’s relevant to all of us.
Whether you’re leading a team, facing big life changes, or simply asking “is this really it?”, Petra’s framework is well worth implementing in your day to day life.
Here are her three transformative principles:
1. Practice Bravery Every Day
There are big changes: quitting the job, moving country, ending a relationship. But these aren’t the hard part. The hard part is the small moments. Saying no. Asking for help. Being honest when it’s uncomfortable.
Bravery doesn’t always mean letting go of everything you know. Sometimes it’s just about choosing courage over comfort, even in the smallest of moments.
In the workplace, that could mean:
- Calling out a toxic behaviour, even if it’s subtle
- Challenging an unrealistic deadline
- Putting your hand up in a meeting when you feel nervous
These moments are what make us brave. And practising micro-bravery daily also strengthens your emotional resilience.
Try this: At the end of each day, ask yourself: “Where did I choose bravery over ease today?”
2. Dare to Dream – Imagine the Possibilities
If you feel stuck, flat, or like you’re just going through the motions, this part of Petra’s talk will resonate.
She challenges us to paint a vision of what fulfilment could look like, both personally and professionally.
Too often, in corporate settings, we prioritise productivity over purpose. Petra invites people to stop and reflect: What would bring me joy? Meaning? Motivation? Until we dare to ask these questions, nothing changes.
Try this: Set aside 10 minutes this week. Write down the elements of your ideal day. Not your current day, your ideal one. What’s missing from your life right now that might be part of that version?
3. Experiment. (This one saved Petra’s life.)
This is Petra’s favourite principle, and it’s one of the most powerful.
After leaving the cult and facing a period of deep crisis, Petra credits experimentation (trying new things, meeting new people, taking new paths) with helping her find purpose again.
She urges people to approach life like a lab. Try things. Accept that you will mess up. Learn and repeat.
For corporate professionals, this might look like:
- Volunteering for a cross-departmental project
- Signing up for a course in something unfamiliar
- Asking for flexible hours and seeing how it impacts your energy
Try this: Write a list titled “Experiments I want to try.” They don’t have to be life-changing; even something as simple as changing your morning routine can be valuable.
Why Petra Velzeboer Resonates With Corporate Audiences
As a keynote speaker, Petra brings depth, humanity and evidence-based insight to every talk.
She’s worked with FTSE 100 companies, leadership teams, and global HR functions to:
- Build mentally healthy workplace cultures
- Support leaders through change and uncertainty
- Equip teams with tools to prevent burnout and boost fulfilment
- Inspire individuals to take ownership of their growth
Her message is especially powerful for professionals who are “successful on paper” but quietly burnt out or unfulfilled behind the scenes.
Petra Velzeboer is available for keynote speaking, leadership development sessions, and tailored mental health workshops.
To check availability or enquire about booking Petra, get in touch with The Speakers Agency today.
