More about Kerene
Kerene Strochnetter
Managing Director - Mindful at Work
I launched Mindful at Work in 2016 after years spent watching smart, capable leaders lose access to themselves under pressure. I’d seen the burnout, the bureaucracy, and the quiet cost of running on autopilot — and I knew the way we were working wasn’t working.
The greatest return on investment comes from one-to-one coaching, which is my sweet spot — helping leaders recognise the patterns that show up under pressure and change the behaviours that shape their leadership, teams, and culture.
I’ve worked with Chief Executives, senior leaders, and managers across the public and private sectors, including health, education, government, consultancy, law, banking, IT, energy, pharmaceuticals, retail, and small business.
I combine neuroscience, developmental mindfulness (not just calming practices!), behavioural change, and straight-talking honesty to help leaders see what pressure reveals — and change what no longer serves them.
Clients tell me I bring humour, warmth, and a no-fluff approach to move them from insight to meaningful change — not just another “aha” moment destined to die in a notebook.
I’m also the New Zealand business partner for Triple Goal Leadership Development, supporting leadership teams across Aotearoa.
And despite all this work on human behaviour… I still believe a great pair of shoes can fix just about anything.
Confident leadership
Learn how to focus under pressure, lead clearly and confidently.
Build your team's trust, step up, and stop getting in your own way.
Self-aware
leadership
Become the kind of leader who pauses, listens, makes clear decisions and leads with insight.
The result is a loyal, innovative, and all-in team.
Composed leadership
You can't lead effectively if you're running on fumes, or can't keep your composure under pressure.
Less burnout risk for you, and your team will mirror your calm.
How I can help...
Great leaders don’t need to be louder, tougher, or busier.
They need tools that work, habits that stick, and support that gets them. That’s where I come in.
Together, we identify and change the hidden patterns shaping leadership under pressure, so people can:
Spot and Shift Sabotaging Behaviours
Stop: micromanaging, people-pleasing, and setting vague goals
Start: leading confidently and with influence
Result: when trust goes up, teams step up.
Consistently Make the Tough Calls
No more: waffling, over-consulting, or death-by-committee
Yes to: bold, strategic decisions that move the dial
Result: faster progress, clearer direction, and real momentum.
Communicate with Impact
Stop: sugar-coating, avoiding tough conversations, and steamrolling people
Start: straight talk that’s respectful and inspires action
Result: no more confusion or drama—just aligned, empowered teams.
Lead Through Change Like a Pro
Stop: reacting under pressure
Start: responding calmly, with focus, and resilience
Result: a leader who stays grounded and engaged (even when things get messy).
Handle Stress Without Passing It Up or Downstream
No more: leading on fumes
Yes to: composure under pressure
Result: less burnout, more trust, and a team that mirrors their leaders' calm.
Grow Self-Awareness and Adaptability
Stop: being the bottleneck
Start: becoming the kind of leader who evolves, listens, and leads with confidence
Result: a team that’s loyal, innovative, and all-in.
Little Addicts podcast
Honest conversations & expert insights
Little Addicts is a podcast for high-functioning humans who suspect their favourite way to cope is no longer helping — it’s hurting!
Honest conversations and expert insights that answer three fundamental questions:
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Why do I do what I do?
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Why can’t I stop, even when I want to?
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How can I turn things around?
Based on interviews for my book 'Little Addicts – Why we do what we do', this is your invitation to stop white-knuckling it… and start waking up.
Stream on Apple or Spotify —because the first step isn’t simply quitting…it’s understanding yourself better.
