Where I Really Shine (most of the time)

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Where I Really Shine

People often ask me what I actually do. I usually mutter something like, “I work in social enterprise support,” before they nod politely and back away, looking for the crisps.

So here’s the honest version:

I shine when I’m sitting with a founder who’s juggling 17 brilliant-but-chaotic ideas, and together we untangle them without killing the magic. I love that moment when they realise they can run a social enterprise and sleep at night and not have to write a 64-page strategy document that no one will read..

I shine in workshops where people turn up, arms folded, convinced it’s going to be another death-by-slide-deck session and leave saying, “That was actually fun,” even though we talked about governance structures and cash flow.

I shine when I can decode that funder language (you know the one: “transformative systemic innovation at scale for participatory stakeholder ecosystems”) into something that makes sense, and helps people tell the real story of their work.

I shine in the moments when a messy project finally has a plan, or when a small community group suddenly realises they’ve achieved more impact than a big shiny charity but never gave themselves credit.

I shine in the bits no one sees: the pep talks before a board meeting, the check-ins on a stressful day, the “You’re not mad, it is hard, and you’re doing it anyway” reminders.

I shine when people remember they’re allowed to enjoy this work, even while fighting for serious change.

I don’t shine all the time.

Sometimes I’m the tired person on Zoom with the coffee stain on my jumper. Sometimes the “strategic plan” is a post-it on the kettle reminding me to go outside. And that’s okay.

Because this work is messy and human, and so are we.

Why does this matter?

Because you are doing something important. And if I can help you find the structure, clarity, and confidence to keep going without losing your joy, that’s where I shine.

And if we can take a breath and have a laugh while we do it? Even better.

If you’re a charity leader, social entrepreneur, or funder who wants strategic support that feels human (and sometimes involves cake), let’s chat.

Or if you just need someone to remind you your work matters, even when your inbox says otherwise, drop me a message here.

See what people say about my work below.

(Photo by Nong on Unsplash)

Testimonials

Some of the organisations I've worked with

GroundworkPilotlightLocal TrustLocalityUnLtdPower to ChangeParticipate ProjectsThe Wildlife Trusts