Hi, I'm Carrie-Ann.

I got my first director role at 34. I know what it takes to push for a seat at the table, and I know what it feels like to finally get there and still be the person quietly holding everything together, wondering if anyone's noticed.

I've spent 20 years in communications, including over a decade in executive teams. What got me through? Brilliant mentors, people who had my back, and learning (sometimes the hard way) to be as kind to myself as I was to everyone else.

Now I get to be that person for others.

TALK TO ME

Who I work with

Mostly communications people, from first time managers to directors.

But the feeling of being brilliant and still stuck isn't unique to comms, so I also work with managers in other professions, charity directors and small business owners.

And I support teams and organisations who want to do the right things, together, without burning out on the way.

How I work

I'm a mentor, not a coach, and the difference matters. A coach is trained to ask the questions. I've also sat in your chair, so I'll ask the questions and share what I've seen work, what I'd do differently, and when I think you're being too hard on yourself.

I'll say the honest thing, kindly. I'll listen properly. And I'll bring a bit of humour, because hard things are easier when you can laugh about them.

My background in psychology, sociology and media studies means I'm endlessly curious about how people tick, at work and beyond it.

I want to use my experience & learning from my career to date to nurture & empower you to thrive.

Sound like the kind of person you'd like in your corner?

Let's have a relaxed, no-pressure chat about what's going on and whether we're a good fit.

What I believe:

Kindness and integrity aren’t “nice to haves” — they’re the foundation of strong leadership.
Growth should feel authentic to you, not like squeezing into someone else’s mould.
Communicators deserve recognition as strategic leaders.
Teams thrive when people feel supported, valued and listened to.

I truly believe that with commitment, dedication & the right support you can achieve what you desire.

What I've led

A decade in executive management teams in the public sector
Elected Chair of a national communicators network, four years running
Former Vice-Chair, PRCA Public Sector Group
Trustee at Heard, a brilliant charity sparkign stories that create change
Co-founder, AWEsome Women's Retreat
Co-host, How to Take the Lead podcast

Recognition

Winner, Comms Hero Fearless Trailblazer Award 2024
Named in F:entrepreneur's Female Founders List
Small Business Saturday's #SmallBiz100

And when I'm not doing all of that...

You'll probably find me hunting for the perfect Art Deco detail, somewhere near the coast, ideally with a sea swim pencilled in. I genuinely believe that rest, joy and a bit of beauty make you a better leader — so I practise what I preach.

LET'S TALK

Carrie-Ann's mentoring came at a point when I'd been through a bit of a rough time and was desperately needing to find time to focus on me, just for a bit! I wanted to feel I was doing the best not just for me, but for the brilliant team I lead.

Her insight and experience meant that each session resulted in copious notes, ideas and "oh my gosh yes that's it" moments! It wasn't that she gave me all the answers, but her ability to guide me to think about challenges differently and to constructively support my reflections is something that I know I will refer back to many times.