About Martine

I went from well-paid corporate director to burnt-out trainee teacher.

A decade later, I'm a respected educator, consultant, sought-after speaker, and writer, specialising in professional development and wellbeing-driven productivity.

Here’s my story…

I went from well-paid corporate director to burnt-out trainee teacher.

A decade later, I'm a respected educator, consultant, sought-after speaker, and writer, specialising in professional development and wellbeing-driven productivity.

Want to know how I got here?

I spent the first decade of my career working in recruitment, training, and finance. At the age of 30, I was on the board of directors of an international finance company.

Sounds perfect... except it wasn't. I was unhappy doing a job that didn't help anyone.

So, I took an enormous career gamble. I escaped my "golden handcuffs" and left finance for a 1-year contract as an unqualified lecturer in further education.

I'd love to tell you my transition into teaching was easy, but it wasn't. I struggled with anxiety, depression, and exhaustion. I got burnt out. I didn't know it then, but some of my struggles stemmed from undiagnosed autism (I was diagnosed years later, aged 43).

That first year of teaching was the biggest challenge of my life. As exhausted as I was, I recognised that teaching - helping people - was what I needed to do. But if I was going to thrive (not just survive), I needed to do things differently.

And I did.

I completed teacher training, QTLS, ATS, and, most recently, a Master's in Education. I moved into leadership and developed a passion for professional development, coaching, and quality improvement.

My experience of burnout taught me that I needed to be well to do my job well. Prioritising my health and wellbeing was essential. I had to come first.

That's where the concept of wellbeing-driven productivity came from. When you adopt a wellbeing-first mindset, everything falls into place. Everyone wins. You must be your priority.

To do well, you need to be well.

My professional bio

Martine Ellis, Wellbeing-Driven Productivity Expert

Martine Ellis helps ambitious professionals be more productive without sacrificing their wellbeing through expert-led education and training. She has spoken at various national and international events, and her articles have frequently been published in both online and print publications. Martine spent the latter half of her 15-year career in the further education and skills sector, specialising in the professional development of fellow educators. She now extends this expertise to a wider professional audience. Recognised as a highly qualified and respected professional in her field, Martine is a Chartered Teacher with Advanced Teacher Status and a Fellow of The Society for Education and Training.