What gets measured, gets managed.
But most of us only measure the “big” stuff — steps, sales, deadlines, achievements.
What if you started measuring the things that actually fuel your energy and happiness instead?
Motherhood was everything I hoped it would be—yet I found myself running on empty. I loved my children deeply, but guilt and exhaustion crept in when I couldn’t enjoy every moment. Through EmPower, I realised I’d become the all-giving mother, doing too much for others and too little for myself. By rediscovering what I truly value—fun, excitement, and new experiences—I began to carve out moments just for me. The result? I not only found balance but started enjoying motherhood more than ever.
When Purpose Becomes Pressure
In the charity sector, purpose is everything. It drives us, inspires us, and keeps us going when the work gets tough.
But sometimes, that same purpose can quietly push us beyond our limits.
This is the story of a senior leader who gave everything to protect a vital organisation — until the cost became too high.
Through EmPower, they discovered how to rebuild, realign, and choose a life that fuels them instead of depleting them.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of purpose becoming pressure, this reflection will resonate deeply.
“I don’t belong here.”
That was the quiet fear I carried into every meeting room, every job interview, and every new role — even after years of success in the charity sector.
In this honest and powerful reflection, Duncan Batty shares how imposter syndrome shaped his career and how discovering the EmPower Mental Fitness programme changed everything. From small, practical actions to deep mindset shifts, this story is for anyone who’s ever doubted their place in the room.
➡️ Read the full story and discover what’s possible when you stop surviving and start strengthening your mental fitness.
Duncan brings over 25 years of experience in fundraising, leadership, and social impact across the UK charity sector. From supporting young people and volunteers to strengthening our NHS and protecting natural spaces, his career has always centred around making a difference. Now, as a senior leader at EmPower Mental Fitness, Duncan helps individuals and organisations build lasting mental resilience. A graduate of the EmPower programme himself, he knows firsthand the transformational power of investing in emotional fitness — both for people and the workplaces they belong to.
Fundraising is tough work — and for too many, it’s quietly taking a toll on mental health. In this powerful follow-up to Michelle Reynolds’ report on fundraiser wellbeing, Alan Clayton draws from decades of research, personal experience, and insights from EmPower Mental Fitness to explore what’s getting worse, why burnout is on the rise, and most importantly, what we can do about it. This blog shines a light on the hidden epidemic of isolation in the sector and offers one of the simplest but most transformative solutions: real human connection.
What if you could face life’s most stressful moments with confidence—knowing you won’t break? In this powerful blog, Alan shares his personal journey from stress and burnout to resilience and strength. Discover the science-backed approach behind EmPower Mental Fitness and how simple, repeatable actions can transform your ability to handle stress. Ready to take control of your mental fitness? Read more inside.
One of our founders (please meet Alan) created the programme for himself. The root of this is in multiple Adverse Childhood Experiences and he has lived with much anxiety and some addictions. Although sober for years, the COVID lockdowns, in his own words ‘broke him.’
EmPower: for people like Mary. Read her story to learn how EmPower helped her build resilience, joy, and unlock the power of connection.
EmPower: for people like Chris. Read his story to learn how EmPower helped him reclaim control over his mental health and life.
