Lisa is a professionally accredited executive coach. She previously worked for 25 years in libraries, publishing and private education. Specialising in recovery after burnout caused by the ‘midlife collision’ of work pressures, health issues and /or caring responsibilities, Lisa has a keen interest in encouraging employers to embrace workforce age diversity. Creativity and communication in multi-generational teams and taking action for sustainable change. She is a life-long learner and loves to support people through the challenges of life and work.

Gemma is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Career Coach. She has had a varied career within the ‘people’ space. She has worked in-house in learning and development and talent management roles for different organisations and has also worked for consultancies who specialise in change management and assessment. She now works freelance. She trained as a coach and a career coach over 20 years ago and particularly enjoys working 1 to 1 with those who want to change career direction and find their new passion.  

Declan is a professionally accredited coach with over a decade of experience spanning the non-profit, education, and private healthcare sectors. Specialising in supporting those navigating career transitions, Declan is particularly passionate about empowering individuals from minority and neurodivergent backgrounds to build confidence, adapt to workplace dynamics,and establish a strong professional identity.

Jo is currently pursuing a Master’s in Career Development and Coaching Studies while balancing roles as a part-time accountancy tutor and an ambassador for Brave Starts, where she facilitates several workshops. Prior to her switch into coaching, Jo was a Head of Finance and Finance Director. These three roles reflect Jo’s considerable experience in the finance sector, passion for learning and dedication to helping others achieve their career aspirations.

Katie has 20+ years of experience working in the Careers sector. After working in recruitment for several international organisations such as KPMG and Korn Ferry for over a decade, Katie left the corporate sector in 2020 to embark upon on a new chapter. She established her own coaching business, Elevate Careers, and joined Lucy and the team as a Brave Starts ambassador. Katie is passionate supporting ‘mid-life’ professionals for confidence in career transition, job search and work/life integration and loves the connection that comes with 1-to-1 conversations.

Rebecca is an HR Professional and Career Transformation Coach with 20 years of experience, primarily in the technology sector, in international roles. She transitioned from corporate HR to launch her coaching practice, helping high-achieving professionals navigate career transitions, redefine success on their terms, and sustain both professional impact and personal fulfilment. Rebecca has worked with startup founders and professionals across industries, including tech, marketing, media, arts, and advertising.

David joined Brave Starts when he was wondering ‘what next’, and has since become a volunteer careers coach. He had a major career change from his management roots in property and telecoms in his mid 30s, having realised his true potential lay in the field of people, careers, and workplace effectiveness. Since 2003 David has worked as an independent occupational psychologist with a particular interest in careers. He is a coach on the Cambridge Judge entrepreneur programme and gives our members 1:1 support with their CV/Linkedin Profiles and job applications

After a forty-plus years career, working for global ad agencies, a tech start up and latterly higher education (Oxford University) I am now setting up a personal coaching business called StayCurious. When traditionally I might have been expected to spend all my time in the garden and being a grandfather, I have become a student once more! I’m studying at Henley Business School to become an accredited ICF coach. My specific interest is in coaching people in their 50’s,60’s and beyond, on how to manage that often difficult transition from full-time, corporate employment to whatever might be next.