COGNITIVE CAPACITY
quadruple your team’s
productivity in 3 months
shift your team from overwhelmed,
to achieved, confident & energised
For leaders in the environmental industry
Did you know that:
- 80% of global workers experience information overload, contributing to daily stress?
- In workplace settings 36% of managers say poor health is due to information overload, and 44% of employees report feeling burned out from too much data.
- A report involving 108 environmental organisations found that burnout is widespread across levels in environmental work — exhaustion, emotional distancing, apathy, shame, etc., were frequently reported.
- Environmental and climate workers are often subject to “climate burnout” — i.e. emotional fatigue, despair, and disengagement arising from the persistent pressure of climate change and environmental crisis contexts.
- In the sustainability / “green transition” roles more broadly, research suggests that ~62 % of sustainability professionals report experiencing burnout in a given recent period.
High workload, feeling overwhelmed and high personal expectations leads to overload and it is a serious concern for your industry; affecting our productivity, decision-making, and work quality.
Information overload can lead to:
- Loss of time due to difficulty in evaluating information
- Lower productivity due to scattered focus and high stress
- Reduced job satisfaction and motivation
- Increased risk of burnout and stress
Not feeling productive affects how we feel about ourselves. Our minds are overloaded and we try to do it all, every day. The way we work is negatively impacting our self-confidence and we feel mentally exhausted at the end of the day, not leaving capacity for other aspects of our lives and this is not sustainable.
Are you leader in the environmental (or related) industry and you:
- Have high expectations of yourself and feel strongly about the work you do?
- Have a high workload, that feels never ending, combined with a high sense of responsibility?
- Are exhausted at the end of the day, feel like a failure and afraid you won’t be able to achieve what you need tomorrow?
- Feel you’re letting people down?
- Are concerned for the wellbeing of your team as you see them struggling and falling behind, yet you know the work is so important to get done?
- Are worried about the reputation of the organisation and your responsibility in it?
- Sometimes leave work think you’re not being a good person?
You are not alone.
Why we struggle with our productivity
We face a combination of high workload, high expectations and high sense of responsibility in the work we do, leave us feeling exhausted, deflated and stressed. When we are so committed to the work we do, wanting to making a difference to our environment, we become too attached to our work responsibilities which means it becomes extremely hard for us to let go. All the responsibilities build up which makes us feel overwhelmed. We take our work home, we can’t shut off our minds, and we worry constantly. The overload is real.
Through this program together we implement a highly effective, yet simple approach designed for high-performing professionals like yourself who want to maximise impact of the work without risking burnout.
Based on a proven framework, this program helps your team to move from reactive, frantic work to strategic, focused achievement. For them to be productive in a long-term sustainable matter. That you all can do the meaningful work, and also enjoy the life you have with your loved ones and feel good about yourself at the end of the day.
HOW DOES THE TEAM CURRENTLY WORK?
Crisis work mode – You’re firefighting. Every ping feels urgent, and you spend the day reacting. Lots of avoidable mistakes happen, deadlines get missed. It’s survival mode; highly ineffective and deflating. The focus needs to be on rectification of your workflow; core priorities and strategies to overcome overwhelm.
Frantic work mode – Work is still reactive and lacks intention. We are the cliche of the rat in the wheel; we are stressed and exhausted. It’s chaos. You feel you let yourself and others down. We seem to be doing it all, yet our output is not sufficient. The focus needs to be on setting up trustworthy methods and systems that support you.
Busy work mode – You’re checking things off and feel “productive”. we work busy and mostly productive. Quality of output is not consistent, which concerns you. You feel driven by urgency and work is draining. The focus needs to be on your decision making; rather than letting activity rule your day, you need to make it meaningful.
Hard work mode – You’re pushing through with determination and sheer effort. Output is happening, but at the cost of energy. You put in extra hours to get the job done and your list is never finished. The focus needs to be on effective information processing to make your workflow smarter and more manageable.
Sustainable work mode – You’re managing your mental load, balancing effort with recovery, and starting to experience consistency. Productive and engaged; we feel enthusiastic and energised. The focus needs to be on mental load management to sustain you.
Capacity work mode – You are clear, calm, and intentional. You can zoom out, think strategically, and align your actions with purpose. In capacity mode, you’re equipped to handle challenges without depleting yourself. The focus needs to be anticipation; knowing your workpath isn’t a straight line and you are prepared for new input.
HOW TO CREATE CAPACITY
When we are faced with a surplus of information (data, requests, communication) our minds reach a point of capacity and beyond that our information processing (efficiency) goes down. When we are in information overload we still function, but not to the best of our ability.
Our environment has a huge impact on how we operate, and we need to take responsibility to manage this.
The issue isn’t information overload, it’s filter failure: we let too much in and we let it overwhelm us.
When supporting high-achieving environmental professionals, I commonly find that the following is stopping them from feeling achieved, confident and energised:
- Not taking time out for yourself or being clear on their core needs
- Not having reliable systems that support their workflow
- Prioritising being busy and productive over recovery and self-care
- Believing the status quo of overload is acceptable, the norm
It’s time to maximise your productivity, and your mental bandwidth.
By becoming truly productive, in a sustainable holistic manner, this will help you and your team to:
- Have boundaries, non-negiotiables and the team support to keep them
- Recognise cognitive traps, overcome the emotional load and prioritise yourself without the guilt
- Remove the burden of responsibility and perfectionism and have the tools to handle overload
- Establish your desired work-life balance; a holistic approach to fulfill your needs
The key pillars to creating cognitive capacity; a method to filter your input that supports your information processing and your mental bandwidth, are:
Criteria: Deciding what matters & how to engage.
Chunking: Structuring and batching work for efficiency.
Closure: Completing loops to avoid lingering mental load.
Meaningful: Choices aligned with intention.
Methodical: Systematic, repeatable processes.
Manageable: Protecting and sustaining mental processing.
Applying this process in your daily workflow will assist you with deciding what deserves your attention, know how to best work with the incoming stream of input that doesn’t feel fragmented or chaotic, and get the most out of your day and team as we close loops with positivity.
Criteria restores clarity, Chunking conserves energy, Closure provides resolution.
HERE'S WHAT OTHERS SAID
Average Program Rating 8.9 out of 10
FAQs
Where do I make the time to run this program with my team?
You don’t need more time—you need better leverage. This program is designed to fit within your existing workload and help you immediately reclaim time and focus by identifying non-essential tasks, and allowing you to set boundaries, and let go of that mental burden. We’re putting the framework into practice from day 1; that immediate implementation sets us up for success.
Overall the commitment is between 4 and 5 full days of interaction which is spread out over the three months we have together.
How do you prove a return on investment?
Great question. (I would want to know that too!) We focus on measurable shifts: reduced cognitive load, increased energy, more productivity. Our aim is meaningful output, and less rework and stress. Personally you’ll notice tangible changes in how you manage your time, energy, and priorities.
Why would I choose you over another trainer or expert?
Depends on your objectives, but I focus on whole picture of productivity; what we see (task and time management) and what we don’t see (energy and mind management). I believe that input to output isn’t a direct line and we should acknowledge that. I combine scientific evidence with my passion to help people manage information overload: resulting in a better process for your team to work effectively and support each other.
Can we do all sessions online?
No, for our 10 weeks implementation phase (the meat in the middle) we can and we will. For the kick-off and close we need to be in the room together for me to get the outcomes of those workshops and ultimately the success of the program.
Can we cut some or shorten the workshops?
There are three options to choose from based on how you choose to allocate your time and budget. If you want to make any further adjustments, of course, let’s have a conversation.
Is it ok for members from other departments to join some of the sessions?
To be of best service to your team, let’s simplify and focus on this group only. It’s better for the group engagement that we keep it to the original as that maintains our momentum. The program is designed to build upon previous sessions and knowledge.
I’m waiting for one more person to come on board soon; can we start after this person is settled in?
I think that’s a great idea. But let’s be real here too; in your industry and the current work environment there’s a lot of staff turnover and waiting for the perfect moment may never happen anyway. I’m ready when you are.
I feel the team is already too overwhelmed to take on anything new. What if it doesn’t land?
This program is designed for people who are already stretched. It doesn’t add more—it helps you subtract the noise and simplify what’s already on your plate. I’ll make sure to address and eleviate those concerns with the team; the last thing I want to do is add to their overwhelm, so rest assured.
What if a team member can’t make any of the sessions? Will they be recorded?
Only the five team check-ins will be recorded and they are optional to attend anyway. If a team member isn’t able to attend the Smart Systems Training or any of the two workshops, that is quite unfortunate and they will miss out. I’ll do my best to brief them in at another time if time permits.
I’ve tried productivity and time management with the team before and they didn’t work. What makes this different?
This isn’t about output only. It’s a systems-based approach grounded in cognitive science, built specifically for professionals that care and want to do their very best, yet don’t want to burn out. It’s about building a supportive environment, systems and skill, and personal productivity insights, not just managing time or tasks.
Will this actually apply to my industry and role?
Yes. It’s tailored for high-achieving environmental professionals like you and your team (in my previous career as an environmental manager, I’ve been there too)—who juggle competing priorities, tight statutory or project deadlines, and the expectation to deliver results while staying aligned with their values and manage work-life balance.
I’m worried this may not resonate or stick with the team. What support is included?
The program is designed for the three months to give ample time to test and implement, but without a long drawn out process. The final workshop (team support) is where we create the agreements taking into consideration everyone’s learnings to provide . The program includes accountability check-ins, practical exercises, and I’m always available for individual questions for those that need a little more support.
What results have others seen?
Most participants report a calmer approach, reduced stress, and better precesses that support their productivity—without working longer hours. Results build as the system becomes second nature to how you operate.
ABOUT
Eve Broenland is a Productivity Expert who helps teams and leaders manage information overload to boost productivity and mental clarity.
With a double Master’s Degree in environmental science and marine biology, Eve combines her scientific expertise with a passion for simplifying how we work. Her unique perspective stems from experiences living in fast-paced as well as remote locations, allowing her to understand the profound impact of our external environment on our mental capacity.
Eve’s Dutch heritage defines her clear, direct, and structured approach, while her background in martial arts instils focus, discipline, and effectiveness. She has developed a highly effective framework rooted in complexity science, cognitive psychology, and productivity strategies. Her tools empower teams and leaders to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and reduce overwhelm.
Through her workshops, keynotes and tailored programs, Eve has supported organisations like Rio Tinto, Mission Australia, Red Bull, Glencore, CBH Group, and MNG, helping them to be productive without compromising mental health.
She’s based in Perth; travels nationally and internationally to work with her clients as well as running engaging and effective virtual sessions from her home studio – where you get the chance to meet her adorable staffy Cargo.
WORKED WITH
NEXT STEPS
- Ask me any questions you may still have. We can always jump on another (video) call to discuss any questions or concerns you have.
- Decide which program is best for your team if you would like to go ahead.
- Send me an email to let me know your decision, or we have another conversation to ensure everything is right. This program can be tailored as each team and organisation is unique.
- I’ll send you the program agreement to sign and the first (50% deposit up front) invoice for you to approve and we’ll book in a date to get started.
- I’ll then send your team a welcome message and outline the program and dates for them. I’ll also email your administrator the requirements for the in-person workshops.
