About Dr Elsa
Every journey has its turning points that unnoticeably shape who we become. Mine has been defined by listening to people’s stories, learning from them, and understanding that the smallest shifts can create the greatest changes.
Over the years, I’ve taught at universities, worked in international corporate environments, and served in the charity sector. I’ve worked with hundreds of individuals from different walks of life, leaders, students, and everyday changemakers, each adding to my understanding of what I now call human sustainability: creating conditions where people can thrive, contribute, and live with purpose without burning out.
Speaking on the TEDx stage was one chapter of my journey, but my mission reaches far beyond one talk. Through my work, research, and training, I aim to inspire people to recognise their potential, nurture it, and use it to create ripples of lasting impact.
What follows is my story, the chapters that shaped my mission, my work, and my belief that sustainability starts with people.
Beginnings – A Life Shaped by Early Freedom and Challenge
Growing up without the steady presence of parents meant learning independence early. That freedom brought both challenge and possibility, giving me space to watch how people lived their lives. I saw some bend under the weight of circumstances, while others found sparks of light in the smallest moments. Those early observations became my first lessons in resilience.
Social Work – Meeting the Bravest Teachers
The choice to study social work felt natural. My career began alongside students with special needs, young people whose differences were too often misjudged as limitations. To me, they held unique forms of intelligence, creativity, and courage. They became some of my greatest teachers, showing me that brilliance is not measured by how well someone fits in, but by how fully they live as themselves.
Academic Journey – Exploring Human Potential
Encounters with those extraordinary students stirred a deeper curiosity about human ability. I wanted to understand why some talents are celebrated while others remain hidden. That question led me to pursue a doctorate, researching giftedness, talent, and human capability. The learning was rigorous, but never purely academic; every theory connected back to real people and real stories that shaped my understanding.
Today – Sharing the Science of Small Shifts
From social work to the TED stage, my work has always circled back to one truth: sustainability starts with people. In my TEDx talk, Feeling Tired, Wiggle Your Toes, I spoke about how even the smallest actions can shift our perspective, restore our energy, and change the course of our lives. Today, I share this message through speaking, teaching, and writing always with the belief that when we invest in human potential, we create ripples that sustain the world.
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