A UNIQUE STORY : A UNIQUE APPROACH

Early in my career, I worked with underrepresented groups through participatory photography and creative practice, initially alongside hard of hearing street children in Vietnam, helping individuals tell their stories and share perspectives that would otherwise remain unheard. This deepened my understanding that lasting change does not purely come from imposing solutions from the outside. Sustainable change emerges when people are given the opportunity to recognise their own strengths, voice their experiences and shape their own future.

My curiosity led me to Rwanda, where I produced Beyond A Thousand Hills, a photography book featuring stories and essays from local entrepreneurs. It was an experience that reinforced the power of storytelling, participation and community-led change.

With a desire to explore evidenced based research, I completed a Masters in Inclusive Arts Practice, concluding in a publication, Cross Cultural Conversations, Creative Connection Beyond The Image. The book addresses the UK’s constantly changing demographics, and increasing need to mobilise cross cultural conversation, communication and connection across the fabric our societies. The research offers small insights into the power of photography and the potential of Inclusive Arts to provide life-affirming, captivating and sometimes ironic ways of building and strengthening bridges between people of different cultures.

My next steps included coaching within homelessness services, delving deeper into Voice, change and shifting perceptions of under represented groups. I particularly enjoyed facilitating an Arts Council funded programme in partnership with Articulate Arts. 'Secluded’ was a 12 month photographic project working with young people who identify as homeless in Brighton & Hove. Via workshops, participants explored homelessness and life in supported housing, creating large-scale images shown outdoors in 'null' or hidden public city spaces. The outdoor spaces are, paradoxically, equivalent to indoor spaces denied to the participants. The outdoor artworks created were exhibited across Brighton and Hove and won Curators Choice Award at Brighton Photo Fringe.

Consolidating my front line experience and my understanding of the evolving challenges that diverse communities face, I moved into leadership development and coaching, where I spent six years supporting graduates, career changers, detectives, and emerging leaders through nationally recognised, award winning leadership programmes in policing. Working across eleven police forces and coaching more than 200 clients, I supported diverse individuals leading change in complex environments, often challenging established cultures and navigating significant resistance and uncertainty with a primary objective to build public confidence and trust. With a passion for strength in difference, I specialised in coaching ethnically diverse change makers in complex systems.

During this time, I gained Senior Practitioner Accreditation with the EMCC and developed a particular interest in strengths-based coaching, values-driven leadership and Positive Psychology. Delivering regular group sessions and workshops became a key component of my practice. My work today is heavily influenced by the VIA Institute on Character and its research into the universal character strengths shared across global cultures, communities and backgrounds.

What continues to inspire me is the connection between personal growth and collective impact. Whether I am coaching an individual leader, facilitating a strengths workshop, or working alongside a community group, my focus remains the same:

Helping people discover what is strong, find their voice and create what matters.

Drawing on experience with diverse participatory methodologies across communities and systems, I was excited to extended my approach to include an innovative introduction to the therapeutic power of photography in the pursuit of positive wellbeing and mental health within policing.

“I wasn't sure where you were going to go with this - I'm so pleased with where it went.”

 – Nathan, Former Participant

Through Veya Coaching Studio, I bring strengths-based coaching, leadership development, participatory practice and creative facilitation to help individuals, organisations and communities navigate change, develop authentic leadership and build positive futures.

The name Veya has ancient associations with ideas of wind, path, journey, life and victory which feels particularly fitting. Every client, team and community begins in a different place. Some arrive with a clear destination in mind. Others are searching for direction. My role is certainly not to provide all the answers, but to create the space, challenge and support needed to uncover strengths, explore possibilities and move forward with clarity and purpose.

Whether you're navigating a transition, leading change, exploring what's next, or seeking to make a positive impact in the world, I'd be delighted to join you for part of the journey.

I believe that every person, team and community has strengths waiting to be recognised, stories waiting to be heard, and potential waiting to be realised.