About yugen connections

Yugen Connections was founded from a deeply personal place, following my own experience of burnout. That experience reshaped how I understood work, wellbeing, and the conditions people need in order to thrive. It also became the foundation for a business built on the belief that when people are supported with clarity, care, and intention, they create remarkable things.

Today, I specialise in workplace resilience, corporate wellbeing, and recovery from burnout; working collaboratively with organisations to shape cultures that are more open, humane, and sustainable. My approach is grounded in the belief that resilience is not an individual luxury, but an essential part of modern organisational success. When resilience is placed at the heart of culture, leadership strengthens, teams perform better, and people feel more connected, capable, and valued.

With over two decades of experience in global learning and organisational development, I have designed and led transformational projects across sectors and brands including ScottishPower, Reuters, BBC, MTV Networks, Moving Picture Company, Sony Pictures, Defra, DWP, Selfridges, Karen Millen HQ, Trinity Mirror plc, Kate Spade New York, and Westminster University. Across every role, my work has centred on helping people navigate change with confidence, strengthening performance through engagement, and creating experiences that are both impactful and considered.

I believe the future belongs to organisations that are willing to lead with humanity. As the world continues to evolve, the most successful businesses will be those that empower people to speak openly, act positively, and build resilience in ways that support both individual wellbeing and collective success.

What is yugen?

“Yugen” is a Japanese word that has no equivalent in English. It can be broken down into two parts that mean mysterious and profound. It defines our unique inner feelings and connections with nature and the outside world, which at times, no words can describe. This pretty much defines the individual relationship we have with our resilience, our mental health, and the human base for wellbeing. We all have it. We know it exists. However, even in the best of times, we cannot articulate it.

Get in touch if your organisation is committed to employee wellbeing and building a resilient workforce.

Cecilia Shandeva
Founder

Professional Certificates

• Science of Happiness at Work Professional Certification via BerkeleyX University CA. (Based on up-to-date scientific research from the fields of psychology, business, and neuroscience)
  • 1. The Foundations of Happiness at Work – research-based benefits and evaluations of happiness at work – how to increase it across an organisation
  • 2. Mindfulness and Stress at Work – research-based strategies to avoid burnout
  • 3. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work – improving trust & collaboration in the workplace
• RSPH Level 2 Accredited Work Place Health Champion
• Grief Recovery Method Specialist – Licensed Practitioner
• Master NLP Practitioner
• NLP Advanced Skills for Trainers
• Master Time Line Therapist
• Active IQ Level 2 Certificate in Gym Instructing
• Level 2 Certification in Studio Cycling