Say howdy to the newest member of our team: Annie Knapman, Business Development Manager. Annie spends her days catching up with clients - helping HR and People Managers figure out how best to serve their employees and improve workplace wellbeing.

So, today we thought we'd catch up with Annie and discover just what wellbeing means to her:

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO A CAREER IN WELLBEING?

I dived into the world of wellbeing after my own experiences with poor mental health and seeing what a positive impact tools like mindfulness and CBT can have. I also trained as a yoga teacher in 2015 and love how it brings together physical and mental wellbeing.

WHAT ARE THE THREE NON-NEGOTIABLES FOR YOU TO LOOK AFTER YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH?

1. Physical movement (yoga, running, swimming or dancing around the house!)
2. Talking to close friends and family
3. Time in nature

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?

Talking to teams who are committed to changing the story of mental health in their workplace and helping them realise their ambitions.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE BISCUIT?

It's hard to choose just one! Chocolate Hobnobs are a strong contender, but I think I'd have to say Kitkats (dunked in a cup of tea please).

WHAT BOOK OR PODCAST ON WELLBEING WOULD YOU RECOMMEND?

Anything by Dr Kristen Neff. I love her work on self-compassion and wellbeing.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE LUMINATE WORKSHOP?

Again, hard to pick just one! Managing Your Mind and Emotional Intelligence are two I've loved revisiting recently.

WHAT WOULD THE PERFECT DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

On holiday on a Greek Island, please! Perhaps an early morning walk before it gets too hot. Then a lazy day reading a good book and swimming in the crystal clear sea. A greek feast for dinner with a glass of wine and some live music.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO FIND ZEN IN THE CITY?

In the city itself, it would have to be ambling along the riverside. Out in East London, a lockdown favourite of ours has been Hainault Country Park. Lovely walks and great views of the city.

WHAT’S COMING UP IN 2021 FOR YOU?

Lots of weddings hopefully! I think we have 6 in the diary after all of last year's reschedules! Ours is in July 🤞🏻

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Get to know the rest of the Luminate crew a little better on our ‘Meet the Team’ page or read our blog, where you can follow our thoughts and studies into workplace wellbeing and mental health