“A toxic narrative has shaped how we see ambition. We’ve been told that success means grinding ourselves down, and many of us have absorbed that pressure without question. It wasn’t until I looked honestly at my own limits and spoke openly about my struggles that I realised this was a conversation we were all wanting to have: to strip back the pretence, challenge the old rules and champion the freedom to define success on our own terms.”

I’m Rebecca Jarvie-Gibbs, PR leader and entrepreneur. For nearly two decades, I’ve helped brands find their voice, shape stories that matter and connect with culture. I’ve always loved the work, but not always how I was working.

For many years, I believed that stress was the cost of ambition. That being in demand, under pressure and always pushing harder meant I was doing it right. If I was exhausted, surely that must mean I’m on track.

I built a “successful” career on those rules. On paper, I was ticking every box. But behind the scenes, my light was dimming. As my business grew, so did the pressure. Most mornings, I woke up with an elephant on my chest. My inbox was the first thing I reached for, the last thing I looked at. Every win brought more internal expectation and less space to breathe. I let outside voices get in my head and my confidence started to erode. I was always on and always under.

When full-blown burnout collided with the birth of my child, everything cracked open. I realised I’d been working against myself. Nineteen years in, I finally questioned the systems that told me I had to keep proving my worth. I realised it didn’t always have to feel so hard.

Now, I’ve stopped believing that being stretched thin is a sign of strength or that saying yes to everything means you’re doing a good job. I believe in ease. In removing friction. In knowing where our energy is best spent. And in finding professional resonance - the alignment of ambition, values and habits.

I’m still in the thick of it - growing a global business, leading a team and delivering high-stake campaigns. There are early mornings, late nights and tough days. But there’s also space - for presence, rest and joy.

Fine Form is where I share what I’ve learned (and what I’m still learning) - the mistakes, the pressure points, the unravelling - and hopefully offer encouragement to any woman asking herself if there’s a better way to work, lead and live.