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Championing Mental Health

Posting date: 21/5/25

At Wise, we’re committed to supporting each other—through the wins, the tough days, and everything in between. That’s why we have a network of Mental Wellbeing Champions who are crucial in fostering a workplace culture that supports mental health. 

Our champions come from all parts of the business, and the world! Each brings their own lived experience, compassion, and commitment to building a culture where it’s okay to not be okay—and where nobody has to go through it alone. 


Why it matters

Mental health affects how we live, work, connect, and grow. At Wise, our Mental Wellbeing Champions remind us that no one needs to have all the answers—but we can all be part of the support system. Each of our Mental Wellbeing Champions is a certified Mental Health First Aider, ensuring they are equipped with the relevant knowledge to support their peers effectively. 

Our champions promote open, constructive conversations about mental wellbeing, paving the way for a more inclusive environment. Their efforts to raise awareness and encourage positive mental health practices through one-to-one conversations and sharing resources, help create a supportive space where employees feel safe to share their experiences and seek help when needed.

We have recently launched a new cohort of fully trained champions. Hear from a few of them about what the role means to them.


Oleg Zaiezdnyi 
Engineering, Tallinn (He/Him)

“Healthy and happy people are able to be more productive, drive better outcomes, and enjoy work more.”

For Oleg, mental health is the foundation of everything—from creativity to productivity to how we show up for others. Originally from Ukraine, he discovered mindfulness during his first summer working in Estonia, a time when he was in a new role, exploring his new surroundings, and trying to stay grounded. 

Oleg is an Engineer - a sector in which he says mental health isn’t commonly spoken about. Now, as a Mental Wellbeing Champion, Oleg sees an opportunity to offer support. “I can recognise small things in engineering teams that others may not notice and I may be able to help.” He is an advocate for bringing your authentic self to work—because when we feel safe to be ourselves, we thrive.

Sybren Oerlemans

Law Enforcement Liaison Officer, Brussels (He/Him)

“Mental health can be a real struggle, but it's something one should not struggle with alone.”

After years of therapy, self-reflection, and growth, Syb knows firsthand how important support can be—and how hard it can be to find. Becoming a Mental Wellbeing Champion felt like a natural step in turning personal experience into meaningful impact.

“At work, we spend eight hours a day showing up. It matters that we feel safe, resilient, and understood.” In Brussels, Syb is the first to take on the Mental Wellbeing Champion role—something he hopes will help foster more open conversations. His goal is simple but powerful: reduce stigma around mental health, help Wisers navigate tough days, and remind everyone that they’re not alone.

Shahirah Gulam 

People Operations Specialist, Kuala Lumpur (She/Her)

“Mental health isn’t a destination—it’s a process.”

Shahirah describes herself as a friendly first stop: someone you can talk to when you’re not sure where to turn. Her motivation to become a champion comes from deeply personal experience, having once faced mental health challenges with little support.

Now, she wants to be the kind of person she once needed. “Supporting others is a two-way journey,” she shares. In a region where she says mental health is often misunderstood, Shahirah is focused on building awareness and creating safer spaces for open dialogue—particularly if someone is struggling with bereavement. Her goal is to listen better, support smarter, and make a real difference in how we show up for one another.

Victoria Kaasik 

Customer Support Specialist, Tallinn (She/Her)

“If you’re not changing something, you’re choosing to accept it.”

Vici brings candid honesty and lived experience to their role as a Mental Wellbeing Champion. Having navigated everything from depression and ADHD to culture shock and identity struggles, she knows what it’s like to face change—and how hard it can be to ask for help.

Now living independently with a small crew of pets, Vici sees mental wellbeing as a life skill, not just a work topic. “It’s about balance. You can’t thrive at work if things are falling apart at home—and vice versa.” Her hope? To create a judgment-free space where others feel seen, heard, and supported.

Valarie Kusse 

Banking Operations Programme Manager, Austin (She/Her)

“When we support each other, we unlock our full potential.”

For Val, stepping into the Mental Wellbeing Champion role felt like a natural extension of her own journey. After navigating personal mental health challenges, she became passionate about promoting open conversations and creating space for others to feel safe, valued, and heard.

“Mental wellbeing isn't just important for individuals. It also plays a major role in fostering healthy team dynamics and building a positive company culture,” she says. “When we prioritise mental health, we create stronger, more resilient teams, ready to tackle challenges together.” Val hopes to make sure everyone knows: your mental health matters—and so do you.

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