Public Speaker | Burnout & Stress Management Expert | Executive Coach
Hi, I’m Katie Maycock, founder of GYST Wellbeing. I help business leaders and their teams spot the early signs of stress, perform under pressure and avoid burnout.
I’m on a mission to change the idea that stress is something we just have to accept. Yes, it’s part of working life—but when we learn to manage it, we stay in control, instead of letting it control us.
My Story
The damage that stress causes isn’t just theory to me - I’ve lived it.
I know firsthand how it creeps in, takes hold, and derails even the most driven people.
A few years back, I ignored the warning signs of stress and ploughed on. By the time I was 27, it had made itself well and truly heard. Along with the anxiety and brain fog, the symptoms were physical: shingles, gut issues, joint pain, cold sores, and chronic fatigue. I couldn’t even leave the house without severe stomach cramps, and my memory was shot.
For someone who prides themself on being capable and focused under pressure, it was soul-destroying.
And the most terrifying part? I didn’t know why it was happening to me.
I spent four years and a ridiculous amount of money trying to figure out what was “wrong” with me. And every time, I was told it was stress. But I thought, nah. I was good under stress. It made me better and gave me an edge, right? Wrong.
I’d confused pressure with stress. It’s not a badge of honour – it’s a big old red flag. And my mind and body had paid the price for my ignorance.
So I did the work. I got my sh*t together. And once I got help and started talking to others, I realised just how many brilliant, successful and (seemingly) together people were stuck in the same patterns. Burning out quietly while their teams cried out for better leadership.
In 2017, I founded GYST with a mission: to change the way leaders and organisations think about pressure. Since then, I’ve worked with hundreds of CEOs, founders, and senior executives across industries worldwide.
My approach is direct and pragmatic. I’m not here to give superficial pep talks. I’m here to deliver process-driven strategies, rooted in research, designed to deliver measurable results.
I know leaders are judged by outcomes, not intentions. That’s why everything we do at GYST links wellbeing, leadership, and culture directly back to performance management and business growth.
It is possible to be successful and high-performing without sacrificing our health or sanity. It’s time we recognised the true cost of stress to both people and organisations and arm ourselves with the tools to manage it.
Fortunately, many forward-thinking leaders are with me. If you are one of them, I’d love to meet you.
'til then, Katie
Hi, I’m Katie Maycock, founder of GYST Wellbeing. I help business leaders and their teams spot the early signs of stress, perform under pressure and avoid burnout. I’m on a mission to banish the idea that stress is a normal part of working life.
Not sure where to start? Let’s start things off with a chat, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Advice To Help You Change Your Life
Check out our published articles on dealing with stress, burnout and learn how to put your wellbeing first.
What you can expect
Working with GYST means honest conversations, practical strategies, and clear outcomes. There’s no judgement here – just a calm, confident space to reassess what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.
We help leaders and teams take back control: not just of their workload, but of how they feel, think, and perform every day.
If you’re ready to take action and build a healthier, more successful workplace, contact GYST today to start the conversation.
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Leadership coaching by location
Practical leadership coaching for businesses in London, Manchester and Birmingham, helping leaders manage pressure, build resilience and support healthier team performance.
GYST also works with businesses across the UK, so please get in touch if you are based outside these locations.
London
Leadership coaching in London for senior leaders and high-pressure teams who need to perform with clarity, confidence and resilience.
Manchester
Leadership coaching in Manchester for ambitious leaders who want to manage pressure, lead healthier teams and prevent burnout.
Birmingham
Leadership coaching in Birmingham for managers, directors and business owners who want practical support to lead well under pressure.