About Me
Over the years, I’ve worn various different hats – educator, senior leader, coach, rock climber, business owner, writer, interviewer and community builder.
The thread running through them all has been a love of learning and an interest in people: what motivates them, their strengths and hopes, and what becomes possible when we're given the right environment and opportunity to thrive.
I started climbing over 25 years ago, and what began as a university hobby has evolved into a way of life. It is a passion that has introduced me to extraordinary people and experiences, opened doors I never expected and has certainly shaped the way I see the world.
Through climbing, I’ve also found greater freedom, purpose, joy and community.
Before spending more time working within the climbing industry, I spent 16 years working in further education, including various senior leadership roles at Runshaw College.
In my mid-30s, when I was working as an Assistant Principal, we opened Boulder U.K., Preston. For a number of years, I balanced my role in education alongside developing the business and my own rock climbing.
Whilst I valued working in further education and a profession focussed on empowering others, I reached a point in my early 40s when I was feeling jaded, craving a change and wanting something different.
During this period, I trained as a coach and created more space in my life for the things that mattered to me most - travelling, climbing, spending time outdoors and with family and friends.
Photo: Mimi White
Photo: Sam Pratt
When I left my established career at the college, I gained freedom, autonomy and flexibility. I also had the opportunity to become more involved in the community aspects of Boulder U.K.
Today, alongside Neil Mawson and our Team Leaders, I help shape our business and lead on initiatives such as the Rab Women’s Social and Community Social, creating opportunities for people in the area to connect through shared experiences.
Alongside Boulder U.K., I work selectively with organisations and individuals as a coach, contribute to writing and media projects, and enjoy connecting people, creating collaborations and opening doors to new opportunities.
I’ve recently contributed to several climbing media projects: Extreme Rock 2, interviewed for UKC, and been involved in filming projects with Brit Rock and UKC.
Photo: Al Lee (Brit Rock)
Photo: Tim Hill (UKC)
Photo: David Sutcliffe
I’m particularly interested in creating opportunities for others to use their gifts in service of the things they care about most. Whether that’s through climbing, creativity, business, education or community, I believe great things can happen when people are encouraged to share what they uniquely bring to the world.
I'm also passionate about increasing opportunities for women and girls in sport and helping to create welcoming, representative spaces where more women can experience the confidence, adventure, connection and sense of belonging that climbing and sport has brought to my own life.
Some of the greatest opportunities in my own life have come through following curiosity, saying “yes” before I felt completely ready and trusting that I could work things out along the way.
Whether you’ve arrived here through Boulder U.K., coaching, an interview, a climbing project or a shared connection, I’m pleased that you’re here.
I hope you’ll find stories, conversations and ideas that inspire you, along with opportunities to connect, collaborate and discover what’s possible.
Professional Training & Qualifications
I am a certified coach, with a Diploma in Transformative Coaching, accredited by the Association of Coaching (AC), the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) & the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Prior qualifications include Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - Post-Compulsory Education from the University of Wolverhampton a BA (Hons) in History (First Class) from the University of Leeds.
I am a trained Rock-Climbing Instructor (SPA), Climbing Wall Development Instructor (CWDI) & Mountain Leader (MLS). In addition to this, I have completed the British Mountaineering Council’s (BMCs) Fundamentals of Climbing courses as well as the Foundation Coach training & REC (Rescue Emergency Care) Outdoor First Aid qualification.
I am committed to continuous professional & personal learning (CPPL), work 1:1 with my own coach & am a member of Animas alumni coaching forums.
I am also passionate about the importance of prioritising health & wellbeing for success in sport, business & life & have completed Yale University’s The Science of Well-Being course to support coaching conversations in this area.
