I’ve been through a workplace conflict - Here’s how I can help

A woman sitting on a teal armchair in a living room, looking at the camera with a slight smile, wearing a black long-sleeve top, with a window and curtains in the background.

Meet Nicola Rowles

I have been where many employees find themselves - overwhelmed by workplace conflict , burned out and unsure of the next steps. Going through that experience taught me how isolating it can feel and what real support looks like. That’s why I founded The Burnout Club - to guide employees through disputes , restore confidence and help them to move forward with clarity and control.

A person with blonde hair typing on a laptop at a wooden desk. The laptop screen displays a document titled "Our Way of Being."

I wanted to change systems

With over 24 years of experience in the public sector, I have held senior leadership positions including Director and Acting Chief Executive, leading large multidisciplinary teams within complex and highly regulated environments.

After a successful career, I faced a challenging time navigating a workplace conflict and the legal system, experiencing burnout and needing to rebuild my values and confidence. I know how isolating workplace disputes can feel - and it inspired me to make support accessible , affordable and holistic for everyone. I noticed a gap in services : the system felt fragmented , leaving employees to navigate legal , HR and wellbeing needs separately. I wanted to change that.

A woman with blonde hair sitting at a white table with a black laptop showing the text 'the burnout club' on the screen.

Aiming for mediation, not escalation.

Throughout my career, I have managed and resolved complex workplace matters involving a wide range of sensitive issues. Much of this work has taken place in high-pressure environments requiring sound judgement, discretion, and strong strategic oversight. I have also chaired cross-organisational steering committees and acted as a skilled negotiator in challenging contractor and stakeholder disputes. 

Through the Burnout Club, I built a strong team of legal, HR and coaching professionals to support every need you may have - from conflict resolution and tribunal documentation to mental health support and career transitioning. I am an accredited mediator and firmly believe that work place conflict , when handled correctly, should aim for resolution and mediation, not escalation.

Woman with blonde hair sitting at a desk, looking at a laptop.

Rebuild confidence and regain control

Educated to degree level and more recently accredited as a workplace mediator, I am trained in conflict management and experienced in navigating highly complex workplace situations that require both strategic vision and a careful, balanced approach. My work has consistently focused on resolving disputes, supporting individuals through challenging circumstances, and helping organisations manage conflict effectively.

My experience supporting individuals with disability and neurodiversity further opened my eyes to the barriers many face in the workplace- and reinforced my commitment to creating practical, compassionate support. Now recovered and focused , I founded The Burnout Club to help employees navigate conflict , rebuild confidence and regain control- offering guidance , coaching and wellbeing support without the coldness or cost of the traditional system

Meet the Team

  • Statue of Lady Justice holding scales and a sword, with her eyes covered by a blindfold.

    Tim

    Employee Advocate & Workplace Investigator

    Tim has over 18 years of experience supporting employees through workplace disputes and conflict resolution. As a PIP Level 2 Investigator and accredited workplace mediator, he is passionate about ensuring that employees’ voices are heard and their rights are protected. Tim holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Tribunal Representation, giving him deep expertise in employment law and tribunal processes.

    He helps employees confidently address workplace challenges, ensuring they are treated fairly and supported throughout investigations and disputes.

  • Two women are sitting at a table with documents and notebooks, engaged in a discussion or meeting.

    Clare

    HR Exit Strategist & Employee Advocate

    Clare brings over 20 years of experience as an HR Exit Strategist, specialising in complex HR and employment-related matters. She holds a Master’s in HR Management Practices and is CIPD Level 7 qualified. Clare is deeply committed to supporting employees while also understanding operational management from her previous roles overseeing employer-side HR functions.

    Clare has extensive case management expertise, including handling disciplinaries, grievances, investigations, and mediation. Her practical experience and strategic insight enable her to guide employees through challenging workplace situations with confidence, fairness, and clarity.

  • Two women sitting at a desk looking at a laptop screen showing furniture images.

    David

    Strategic HR Business Partner and Employment Law Specialist

    Strategic HR Business Partner and Employment Law Specialist with over 30 years of experience across UK and international markets. Expert in managing complex employment law matters, including high-risk employee relations cases, restructures, TUPE, and tribunal preparation.

    Trusted advisor to senior leaders, delivering commercially focused HR strategies that balance legal compliance with business objectives. Proven ability to lead organisational change, resolve sensitive people issues, and build high-performing teams.

  • Person in a brown sweater sitting by a wooden railing, looking at a calm lake surrounded by trees.

    Teela

    HR Specialist

    Teela’s background in HR consulting across both the private and public sectors strongly supports our mission of helping employees navigate challenges in the workplace. With extensive experience in employee relations and complex workplace matters, she brings the expertise needed to guide individuals through difficult situations with clarity and confidence.

    Teela’s practical approach helps employees understand their options, communicate effectively, and self-advocate in a constructive and informed way. Her experience ensures that the support we provide is both professional and grounded in real-world HR practice. 

What Sets Us Apart

Human-Centred Approach

Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.

Holistic Approach

Seeking legal, mental and career advice separately can be overwhelming. We offer all in-house.

Proven Process, Flexible Execution

We bring structure where it counts and adaptability where it matters. Our methods are clear, but always responsive.

View our services