“When I entered the advertising industry a few years back as a keen 20-year-old, I recall quickly noticing that the expectation was for any kind of seemingly “over-the-top” emotion to be suppressed. I noticed this because, like all human beings, I have emotions.” In this honest reflection with Campaign UK for World Mental Health Day, Wonderhatch Head of Client Services, Gigi Riddle explores why it’s time we stop leaving our feelings at the door and acknowledge them as a superpower. While many workplaces preach the importance of “bringing our whole selves to work,” the reality often tells a different story—one where emotion is still labelled as weakness, especially for women. But as Gigi puts it,

“being unafraid and unapologetic of my emotions has enabled me to make work I’m proud of.”

She argues that emotion is not only valid—it’s vital.

“If we as the makers don’t feel it, how can we expect to communicate accurately and powerfully with an audience?”

Drawing on personal experiences, including a recent Wonderhatch shoot for Aveeno, she shows how emotional honesty fosters better work, stronger relationships, and genuine human connection. “Because if you’re not able to be in tune with your own emotions, how are you going to convey the right feelings in your work?”

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