Elke
Rethink stress. Redesign society.
Meet Elke Van Hoof, PhD — psychologist, author, and leading voice in mental well-being. With more than 25 years of experience, she helps individuals and organizations move beyond mere survival and reclaim a genuine sense of momentum, laying the groundwork for lasting well-being at work.
Stress as a compass
What if stress weren’t a threat but a signal worth paying attention to? For Elke, stress isn’t an enemy to battle — it’s a meaningful indicator of what truly matters. Her goal is simple yet transformative: to shift the way we understand stress so that sustainable mental health becomes as instinctively valued as physical health.
Science that makes a difference
Elke’s research has played a key role in advancing our understanding of mental health. Her studies have appeared in international journals such as the European Journal of Cancer Care and BMC Public Health.
Her true strength lies in translation: she turns complex scientific insights into clear, practical strategies that people and teams can apply right away. Her communication style is warm, direct, and consistently geared toward action.
A trusted and influential voice
Media outlets frequently seek her expertise on television, radio, and in podcasts. She has spoken at TEDx and the University of Flanders. Through her books — First Aid for Stress and Burnout, Back to Work, Chief Happiness Officer — and her podcast Stress as BFF, she reaches a wide audience looking for grounded, human guidance and a deeper understanding of what drives sustainable mental health.
From practice to expertise hub
In 2006, Elke founded her own practice, which quickly evolved into a fully-fledged center of expertise bringing together psychologists, coaches, and consultants. Together, they support organizations in building resilience, cultivating conscious and effective leadership, and designing meaningful return-to-work pathways.
In partnership with Oh My People, she helps companies bridge leadership, culture, and well-being — turning stress from a breaking point into a driver of sustainable growth, supported by strategies that genuinely work.
Her signature
What sets Elke apart is her boundless curiosity and genuine care for people. She sparks meaningful conversations and creates environments where individuals can grow with confidence and unlock their potential. Her trademark: translating psychological research into simple, everyday practices that strengthen resilience in real life.
Or, as she often says: embrace your stress — it’s not your enemy.
