I’m Emma. I work with people and organisations at moments of pressure, change, and transition, when performance matters, identity is shifting, and the old ways of coping no longer work.
How I Can Help
I work across sport, education, and business, supporting individuals and organisations to navigate pressure and change in ways that are both effective and sustainable.
My work includes:
Keynote speaking & events
Research-informed talks on performance, wellbeing, identity, and transition — grounded in elite sport and real-world leadership.
Training sessions & workshops
Practical, engaging sessions for teams, organisations, schools, and governing bodies navigating change, growth, or high expectations.
One-to-one coaching
Support for individuals — particularly women and young people in sport — building confidence, clarity, and systems that support both wellbeing and performance.
Consultancy & advisory work
Helping organisations design environments that support adaptability, help-seeking, and sustainable performance.
👉If you’re not sure what kind of support you need, we can figure that out together.
Emma is an exceptional speaker — engaging, articulate, and deeply authentic. Her ability to balance vulnerability with humour created a powerful connection with everyone. Every moment felt genuine and impactful, leaving us inspired, moved, and laughing in equal measure. A perfect blend of heart and wit. 10/10.
Áine Kilkenny, Co-Founder Riley
Who I Work With
I work particularly with women and girls in sport and high-performance environments, alongside leaders, athletes, and organisations navigating change.
This includes:
- Athletes and coaches
- Parents of young people balancing sport, education, and pressure
- Leaders and teams operating in high-expectation environments
- Organisations designing for wellbeing and performance
About Me
I work with people and organisations at moments of pressure, change, and transition, when the stakes feel high and the usual ways of coping stop working.
My background spans elite sport, leadership development, research, and applied psychology. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with Olympic and Paralympic athletes, professional players, coaches, leaders, and young people navigating high-expectation environments.
I hold a PhD in career transition and psychological wellbeing, and my research has shaped national and European initiatives on mental health, help-seeking, and dual careers in sport. I’ve led and contributed to EU Erasmus+ projects, secured competitive research funding, and published in peer-reviewed journals, but my focus has always been on making research useful in real life.
Alongside my research, I’m an experienced speaker, facilitator, and coach. My work is known for being clear, human, and practical, balancing evidence with lived experience.
I also work closely with women and girls in sport, supporting confidence, identity, and sustainable performance in environments that often demand a lot very early.
Dr Emma Burrows 