It is important to us that our clients are able to work with the right people for their project and aims. As well as our core facilitators, we sometimes work with carefully selected associates, talented, trusted individuals with a range of backgrounds and disciplines.

Caragh began life as a bio-organic chemist but after completing her PhD, she made the leap into the corporate world, joining Unilever for a number of management and leadership roles.

When she realised that she missed being around science, she moved to become Director of Research Services at Cancer Research UK. Since 2012 she has been a freelance facilitator and consultant with clients including The Institute of Cancer Research and the Francis Crick Institute.

At the ICR she facilitated the coming together of biology, chemistry and physics research groups and specialist imaging technologies to form the Centre for Cancer Imaging.

She says that one of her great joys is seeing people surprise themselves by designing solutions to challenging problems.

When she is not working, she is kept busy being mum to her two girls, keeping track of their social life and homework. Occasionally she swims or rides her bike.

Originally from Auckland New Zealand, Scott came to the UK for a short holiday in the 90s and has now lived here for 21 years.

He agreed to manage the logistics for the Crea Conference in Italy and from there he began working with a network of facilitators in academia.

His background is in publishing, production and IT, a great way to develop problem-solving and organisational skills. He looks after the logistics of running events for The Collective.

His focus is on making sure that participants at events have a great experience and that everything runs smoothly and calmly so they are able to concentrate on their input to discussions.

He says that he enjoys being in a room with groups of really smart people who have a common purpose to make the world a better place.

When he’s not working, Scott still loves traveling and seeing new places around the world.

Liz has over 20 years’ experience in facilitation and leadership development. She has worked for and with organisations from global multinationals, such as Procter and Gamble, to education institutions including Kingston College and micro-enterprises in under-developed parts of London.

Her career has seen her work in Norway, the US and New Zealand, as well as in the UK. In 2016 and 2017 she is Programme Leader for the ARMA Global Research Directors, contributing to excellence in research management and administration.

She has also helped universities and the UK Research Councils to inspire innovative, transformative multi-disciplinary solutions to answer increasingly complex scientific challenges.

She says she learns from every event and finds it exciting to see people building and developing the ideas that emerge.

When she is not working, you will often find her at the theatre or in the kitchen cooking a meal for friends and family.

James has over 25 years’ experience driving innovation and building collaboration across academia, industry and government. He has carried out roles in the UK and internationally, with a focus on developing strategy and delivering transformational change through partnership.

As Research Director for very large programmes in both the UK and US departments of defence, James established new initiatives for international and multi-disciplinary academic cooperation; enabled cross-government investment; enhanced innovation and exploited emerging technologies.

His career has also seen him leading teams investigating electromagnetic and acoustic interactions, maritime systems research and sensor technology at organisations including Imperial College London, QinetiQ plc and the Defence Science and Technology Lab.

He enjoys taking a cooperative approach to problem solving by bringing together different concepts and disciplines to create novel solutions.

When he is not working James enjoys photography, cycling, house renovation and spending time with his family.

Patrizia’s career has been a mix of facilitator, consultant, trainer and coach in the field of innovation and leadership development.

She has enjoyed working in diverse industries and sectors, delivering a range of projects from strategy sessions with senior leaders to development programmes with graduates. She has worked with people from around the globe; as a result of her passion for cultural diversity, she has specialised experience with multinational teams.

Patrizia is a founder of the CREA creativity conference. She has presented at international conferences in Moscow, Singapore, Greenwich and Toronto; and has contributed to the book ‘Business Creativity: Practitioner’s Handbook’.

Patrizia enjoys working with universities and supporting groups to collaborate. Bringing people together and watching them make connections that may change the way we live is the most exciting part for her.

When not working, Patrizia is jive dancing, doing hot yoga and looking for the next immersive theatre experience.

Karen is a creative facilitator with a wealth of experience and knowledge from the public and commercial sectors. She helps teams and individuals to move forward, beyond what is already known, with creativity and innovation.

She is experienced at working with participants on specific real world challenges, using approaches grounded in practical reality and focused on achieving impact.

Her 20+ years of experience working internationally ensures she is always mindful of cross-cultural aspects of collaboration and the changes needed for teams and leaders to be successful today and in the future.

Karen is also an accredited and experienced coach and is developing her interest in graphic facilitation, capturing visually the ideas generated in workshops and meetings.

When not working, Karen loves nothing better than to wander the world, heading to the hills for long walks or to new cities to explore architecture. She is always on the lookout for scrumptious food, intriguing conversations and good coffee.

What it’s like to work with us

“Thank you both so much for your help over the past few months, but in particular the last two days. We wouldn’t have stood a chance without you both and it is wonderful to be in company of two experts in their profession, doing what they do with such apparent ease!”
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

“Thank you for the efforts you made to make us all feel at ease and for enabling us all to absorb as much helpful info as possible.”
Research Development Officer

 

“I loved the gentle nudging that got everyone engaged.”
PhD student

“We are grateful to you both for your continued enthusiasm, professionalism and of course good humour!”
A person

“Many thanks for the sure and deft facilitation of our Open Space workshop.”
A person