On the latest episode of the WomenWise Podcast, host Kalina Tomova sits down with Dr Ellie Hambly, a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting children, parents and families. Ellie began her career in the NHS, working across adolescent mental health, trauma and recovery services. But in 2018, after facing burnout herself, she took a bold step – founding her own practice to help parents raise emotionally resilient children by first becoming emotionally supported adults.

Now living in Kent with her husband, two children and their dog, Ellie’s mission is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and balance. Her work reminds us that emotional wellbeing at home and in the workplace begins not with systems or productivity hacks, but with self-awareness and compassion.

Redefining Burnout and Recovery

Ellie opens the conversation by tackling one of the most common misconceptions about burnout – that it can be fixed with a quick holiday.

“If it’s normal, everyday stress, a break can help,” she says. “But if you’re in burnout, two weeks off won’t touch the surface.”

Burnout, Ellie explains, is the result of chronic stress – our bodies staying in a constant state of alert without the time or support to recover. The signs range from irritability, decision fatigue and emotional exhaustion to recurring illnesses and physical tension. And it’s not confined to high-powered executives.

“People in caring roles – parents, teachers, healthcare workers – are actually at higher risk,” she notes.

The Myth of the Hustle

In a world that glorifies busyness, Ellie highlights how “hustle culture” erodes both our wellbeing and our sense of purpose.

“We’re so focused on doing more, being better, and achieving the next goal that we lose sight of what’s really important,” she says.
The irony, she adds, is that rest actually makes us more effective. Time away from constant stimulation allows the brain to make deeper connections and problem-solve creatively.

Finding Alignment Through Values

So how do we make sure our lives align with what truly matters? Ellie offers a powerful visualisation exercise:

“Imagine yourself at 90, surrounded by people you love. What do you want them to say about your life?”
Writing down those reflections helps surface our core values – the compass points for daily decisions.
“If something feels off, check if it aligns with those values. Our gut instinct often knows before our brain does.”

Tech, Therapy and Boundaries

With AI tools becoming more accessible, Ellie also touches on the risks of replacing human connection with algorithms.

“AI can offer quick advice, but it can’t provide the nuanced, trusting relationship that therapy requires,” she explains.
Relying too heavily on such tools may distance us from our own intuition and emotional resilience – the very muscles we need to strengthen.

What Workplaces Can Learn from Parenting

Ellie’s philosophy that raising emotionally resilient children starts with emotionally supported parents has direct parallels in leadership.

“Leaders need to check in with people as individuals,” she says. “Flexible working, transparent communication, and empathy during life transitions make all the difference.”
When employees feel understood and trusted, they can bring their full selves to work – benefitting both wellbeing and performance.

A Final Thought: Start Small, Breathe Often

Ellie leaves listeners with a simple yet transformative reminder:

“Just noticing your breath throughout the day can help reset your nervous system. It signals to your body that you’re safe, bringing calm and clarity.”

Her advice is clear – wellbeing doesn’t begin with a grand overhaul. It starts with small, conscious moments of awareness and self-kindness.

As Ellie beautifully puts it:

“Our children – and our colleagues – learn from what we model. If we can show that our wellbeing matters, we give them permission to value theirs too.”

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🎧 Listen to the full episode of the WomenWise Podcast to hear more from Dr Ellie Hambly on burnout, intuition, and balancing ambition with authenticity.

🔗 And if you’re a parent feeling close to burnout, Ellie’s created a free Parent’s Reset Guide… simple steps to help you calm your mind, reset your energy, and feel more like you again.