About this Event
This session is about what it really feels like to be the person people come to when things are hard.
The one holding space.
The one staying calm.
The one expected to have answers.
It explores the human cost of caring, why so many people leaders carry more than they should, and how good intentions can quietly turn into burnout.
Rather than trying to fix people, this experience focuses on how to listen better, ask braver questions, spot issues earlier, and create safer, more honest conversations around wellbeing and mental health.
Attendees will leave with practical tools, sharper self-awareness, and permission to support others without sacrificing themselves in the process.
Real. Human. Relatable.
Because sustainable cultures are built through conversations, not policies.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Recognise the early signs of burnout, overwhelm, and emotional shutdown in themselves and others
- Understand why people often do not engage with support until they reach breaking point
- Hold better, safer conversations without trying to fix, rescue, or carry other people’s problems
- Create permission for honesty and vulnerability without oversharing or losing professional boundaries
- Support wellbeing in a way that is sustainable, realistic, and grounded in day-to-day working life
Guest speaker's bio:
Nick Elston is an award-winning mental health keynote speaker, content creator, and Founder of Forging People, working closely with people leaders, HR, and L&D professionals across the UK and internationally.
Nick is a regular contributor to leading industry publications including HRZone, TrainingZone, HRD and other global outlets, where his writing focuses on burnout, engagement, resilience, leadership, and the human cost of modern work. His work blends lived experience with practical insight, helping organisations move beyond policy-led wellbeing towards real, human connection.
Through his speaking, writing, and advisory work, Nick supports CIPD communities to create cultures where people feel safe to speak up earlier, engage meaningfully, and lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Please note:
1. Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.
2. Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
3. By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.
4. As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, responding to this email.
5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Engineers House, The Promenade, Bristol, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00
