Our Story

Career coaching and wellbeing advocate Laura Capell-Abra founded Stress Matters in 2017. She also runs a coaching and development company called No More Ifs Or Buts, and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire. Laura previously ran an international marketing agency called Sledge. She’s known for her ability to translate complex subjects into accessible and fun content. Laura has won a number of awards during her career, including the Top 35 Under 35 list, being voted number 36 in the Event Top 100 and being commissioned to write a For Dummies guide.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   Go big or go home!  I naturally play it safe and so I have to remind myself to be bolder on a daily basis (and it’s one of Stress Matters‘ values) If we want to make a big impact, we have to make big moves.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Seeing the ‘penny drop’ for someone in a workshop, where they reason they can make a simple change that will have a big impact on their life.  Our mission is to make workplace wellbeing easy. So, when we inspire someone to make simple changes we know are going to have a huge positive impact on their whole team, it’s pretty special!
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?
   No idea!  I love tagliatelle so I guess embody what I love?!
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Appetite to try anything at least once!
5. Favourite quote?
   What will be will be – so much is out of our control so influence what you can and enjoy the ride.
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   Going to Japan and experiencing Japanese culture.  Ever since I worked at Toyota I’ve wanted to learn more about Japan.

James is the lead Mental Health First Aid Instructor at Stress Matters. His own personal experience with depression and anxiety drew him into the world of personal development, wellbeing and mental health, inspiring him to become a MHFA instructor. Before working with Stress Matters, James ran his own surface manufacturing business working primarily in the construction and shop fitting industries.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   Start each morning journaling on your intentions for the day. Where attention goes, energy flows and results show.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Hearing people’s stories of how they’ve used what they’ve learnt either to improve their own wellbeing or help someone else. That is always inspiring.
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why? Ravioli. Because one of my values is curiosity, and I think you’re always left curious of what’s inside ravioli.
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   Coffee-making skills. I got crowned ‘Barista King’ at my old job.
5. Favourite quote?
   “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   To build my own house.

Amy joined Stress Matters in 2021 after working at a nuclear membership body, where she completed her Events Assistant apprenticeship with Merit and became a Communities Officer. She enjoys weightlifting, boxing and is obsessed with her Kindle and is always looking for new recommendations.

1. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
   If you believe you can, you are halfway there.
2. What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
   Being able to be part of companies’ journeys of putting their team first and them focus on their mental health. It is really cool to be part of this journey!
3. If you were a pasta shape, what shape would you be and why?
   I would be tagliatelle because I am very tall and a not very delicate on my feet.
4. If we held an office talent show, I’d wow everyone with my…
   I know my way around the local Costco like the back of my hand, I would be able to find you anything that you are looking for.
5. Favourite quote?
   Believe you can and you’re halfway there.
   – Theodore Roosevelt
6. What is one thing on your bucket list?
   I would love to go skiing at the Whistler Resort in Canada.

Business Wellbeing Coach and founder of A.life.more.mindful Laila Datoo works with businesses on transformational wellness strategies. She started her career managing global events for the Prime Minister’s office and international media companies, before moving into COO roles. Laila takes extra care of her own mental health since becoming a mum in 2019, with daily walks, PJ dance parties, meditation, and plenty of deep breaths. Her dream super power? To fly! She’d love to get places faster AND see the world from up high.

Rosanna had worked in events and communications for 20 years and she’s passionate about people development. She’s a Group Coach and Lecturer at the Event Academy and is also studying for her diploma in Executive Coaching. Her hobbies are somewhat eclectic, from open water swimming to playing darts to a love of the London Underground…as long as she’s always learning something new! If Rosanna had a superpower, she’d love to be able to make people laugh involuntarily! (She does try, but it doesn’t always work!)

Carina is a behavioural Psychologist who works as a Coach, Facilitator and Business Consultant. Curious, innovative and results-focused, she creates deep human connections, empowering people and teams to transform their thinking and behaviours. She equips them to make life-enhancing decisions by working on their courage and resilience in pursuit of their personal and professional goals. Whether she’s pushing her son on the swings, walking her two mini dachshunds across the fields or conducting a corporate coaching session, Carina consistently exudes positive energy and enthusiasm for the diversity and possibility life offers.

Rose has lived and breathed the hospitality sector for over 30 years. An experienced ‘all-rounder’, she’s worked in all aspects of Operations, Meetings and Events, Sales and Marketing, Revenue Management and, most recently, Training & Development. Two years ago, Rose became a Mental Health First Aider. This inspired her to study for a counselling qualification. Her hobbies range from lane swimming to going to gigs and festivals. Wherever there’s live music, she’ll be there! If she had a superpower, it would be to talk to animals. She loves cats, dogs, and guinea pigs, and would love to have a proper conversation rather than a woof, meow or squeak in return!

Bonnie is our Head of Rest and Play and is a very vocal member on our team calls. Her personal best at destroying a toy is 27 seconds, though she looks like butter wouldn’t melt most of the time. Her favourite thing is a cuddle on your lap, nudging away at laptops to encourage the team to take breaks. Superpower – making strangers stop and take photos on a walk!

Penny – AKA Princess Penny, rules the roost. She’s super intelligent and acts like a mini human, with everyone in the house wrapped around her little paws! She can often be found hidden under a blanket on the sofa(of course), or hanging out in the kitchen – lapping up any accidentally dropped scraps. Copper – AKA ‘Top Tops’ likes to think he’s ‘top dog’, but actually he’s ruled by Princess Penny – of course! He likes to think he’s a ‘BIG’ dog, defending his owners and our property with his booming bark. But his wagging tail always gives his kind, happy nature away! He’s the soppy sausage of the house and loves a belly rub at any given opportunity.