Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do.
I’m Jessica, and I’m a Category Manager with DHL, working within the global procurement team. I’ve been with DHL for 23 years, working across a variety of roles, most of them with a global focus.
Alongside my day job, I’m also our UK Procurement Health and Wellbeing Ambassador. I love helping create an environment where people enjoy coming to work, feel comfortable being themselves and know where to turn if they need support. I’m also a DHL Foundation Ambassador, working with local schools, charities and community projects, which is another part of my role I really enjoy.
Give us a fun fact most people won’t know about you.
I once performed belly dancing on national television during BBC Children in Need. I’m also someone who rarely says no to a new challenge. I’ve even jumped out of a aeroplane from 15,000 feet!
Wellbeing is clearly something you’re passionate about. Why is it so important to you?
The biggest thing we can all do is simply get to know the people around us. Everyone behaves differently when they’re struggling. For me, I become very quiet. Other people become frustrated, withdrawn or emotional. If you know what’s normal for someone, you’re much more likely to notice when something changes.
Sometimes all it takes is asking, “Are you okay?” or “You don’t quite seem yourself today.” Those simple conversations can make a huge difference.
DHL has been recognised as one of the World’s Best Workplaces. What do you think makes it such a special place to work?
It genuinely invests in its people. We’re encouraged to protect time for our own wellbeing every month, whether that’s focusing on our mental health, physical health or personal development. Managers receive wellbeing training, our support services are confidential, and there’s a real culture of looking after one another.
Something I particularly value is that people are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work. Many years ago someone once told me they had one personality at work and another at home. That never really sat comfortably with me. Of course we’re all professional, but I want to work somewhere that accepts people for who they really are. When people feel accepted, they do their best work.
Nature seems to play a big part in your own wellbeing. What does your happy place look like?
Anywhere my family is. But if I can be outdoors as well, even better.
Nature has always been my reset button. I joke that I’m a bit of a tree hugger because I genuinely stop and hug trees sometimes. My dog just looks at me wondering what on earth I’m doing. Being outside helps me slow down, clear my head and reconnect with what’s important.
These days I probably prefer a nice hotel or a bit of glamping to sleeping in a tent, but as long as I’m outdoors with the people I love, I’m happy..
What do you do when life starts to feel overwhelming?
One thing I’ve learnt through my own ADHD journey is that movement really matters. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I simply get up. I’ll walk upstairs, step outside into the garden or just leave my desk for a few minutes. Changing my environment helps calm my mind.
The other technique I use is imagining myself looking back on whatever challenge I’m facing. I picture future me saying, “That was hard… but I got through it.” Remembering that today’s problems eventually become tomorrow’s achievements helps keep everything in perspective.
During filming you mentioned something called “Type Three Fun.” I love that idea. Can you explain it?
It came from an Outward Bound expedition I did through the DHL Foundation. The instructor explained there are three types of fun.
Type One Fun is enjoyable while it’s happening.
Type Two Fun is enjoyable during the experience and makes a great story afterwards.
Type Three Fun is absolutely awful at the time.
…but eventually becomes your favourite story because of what it taught you.
I’ve never forgotten that. Whenever work gets particularly difficult or life throws something unexpected at me, I often think…”This is probably Type Three Fun.” I might not enjoy it now, but one day I’ll look back and realise how much I’ve learnt from it.
I think that’s a really positive way of reframing difficult moments.
How important is physical activity when it comes to looking after our mental wellbeing?
Hugely important. One of the biggest reasons is actually my dog. No matter how I’m feeling, she still needs walking. Even on difficult days, getting outside changes my mood almost immediately. That said, I also understand how hard it can be when you’re genuinely struggling.
Sometimes you know exactly what would help, but finding the motivation feels impossible. That’s why supportive people around you are so important. Sometimes we all need someone to encourage us to take that first step.
If readers took away just one message from today’s conversation, what would you hope it would be?
Look after yourself before you think you need to. Get to know the people around you. Ask how someone is really doing. Spend time outside. Move your body. Take a breath. And remember that some of life’s hardest moments often become the stories that shape us the most.
Sometimes you’re simply living through Type Three Fun.
