About Rika

Workplace gossip strategist

Rika Whelan is a seasoned teacher and trainer with 20 years experience in the Education Sector. Rika has spent the last 10 years in various leadership roles and have experienced the detrimental effects of workplace gossip first-hand.

Having successfully eradicated workplace gossip and cultivating a culture where employees feel safe, heard, and respected, she noticed increased employee productivity, and commitment to the organisation. Employees became more loyal and ‘wanted’ to come to work each day. The working environment became fun and people seemed to enjoy coming to work.

Rika has trained over 200 managers and employees on various topics including conflict management, time management, leadership skills, relationship building for leaders and other relevant topics.

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Rika Whelan – My Story

My passion for workplace culture, and a thriving one at that, started when I experienced a toxic workplace culture first-hand. Subjected to gossip, blasphemy, mockery, profanity and other behaviour that simply did not belong in the workplace, I vowed not to tolerate such behaviour if I ever had the opportunity to step into a leadership role.

Those first few years were tough, and I had no influence over my team, and I had an unsupportive line manager that was caught up in the toxic workplace culture themselves. I decided not to participate and keep to myself. That was difficult, too.

When I finally had the opportunity (at a different workplace) to change the fate of the workplace culture… I didn’t hesitate to jump in and create a workplace culture where everyone in my team could thrive and ‘actually’ love coming to work.

Gossip was already ruling the roost, but I wasn’t going to sit back and watch. I jumped in and put certain steps into place to eradicate gossip and keep it away… for good! I didn’t know at the time that those steps that I implemented would become my signature program that I would teach to others one day.

However, long before that, I was also part of the problem. I have worked at various places and gossip seems to be the norm. Everybody does it… so if you can’t beat them, join them, right?! So, I did.

It was only really when it started to affect me personally that I realised the detriment it can have. I saw the negative effects not only on me but on our team and the organisation. It affected productivity, team morale, and our customers.

My eyes were opened, but unfortunately, it took too long to get there.

Now, I’m on a mission to create awareness regarding the detrimental effects of gossip on organisations and individuals and to equip leaders to successfully eradicate workplace gossip and finally enjoy an environment where their employees are productive, get along, collaborate and know how to handle and deal with conflict.

“Leaders can no longer afford to ignore workplace gossip. The detrimental effects of workplace gossip on organisations and individuals will take its toll on productivity, time management, mental health and ultimately, the bottom line. When leaders commit to eradicating workplace gossip, the organisation and individuals will all be better for it!” – Rika Whelan

Why Work With Me?

My expertise lies in pinpointing and eradicating the roots of negative workplace culture, leveraging a proven framework that transforms gossip into growth.

In today’s competitive landscape, ignoring gossip can cost you not just in turnover and morale but also in your bottom line.

Partner with me to build a resilient, unified team and secure your organisation’s future success.

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Qualifications & Awards

Rika has earned the following qualifications, experience and recognitions over the past 20 years in the workforce.

Education

- 2 Teaching Degrees (Bachelor and Honours Bachelor)
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Certification in Executive Coaching
- Currently completing an MBA through AIB (50% complete).

Experience

20 years’ experience in education
10 years’ experience in leadership and training
Trained over 200 leaders and employees on various topics including conflict management, time management, leadership skills, relationship building for leaders and other relevant topics.