On starting again
I have done it again. / One year in every ten / I manage it —
Changing jobs is hard. A watershed moment, which entails leaving behind you an established identity, the comfort of routine and a defined status, the reassurance of knowing what you’re doing…
It is also a liberation. The opening up again of possibility. The rephrasing of questions you’ve asked yourself before, but for which now the answers might be different. A chance to build on what you’ve learned and subtly - or dramatically - change tack.
I stepped down from running di:ga Strategy & Communications, the agency I founded in 2012, last summer. I have spent the last six months mostly riding, reading and baking, as well as hanging out a lot more with my kids.
It’s been amazing. Scary at times. The lack of imperatives, of a full diary and a full inbox was disorientating. Who am I if I am not needed? What is my status if I am not doing meaningful work, for which someone is prepared to pay me?
But I have gradually stretched out into the new-found space and learned to enjoy it without too much guilt, or too many questions. Over a wet, cold winter I have been out day after day on the horse, getting muddy, tired - a different sort of work.
I’ve leant into arts and crafts at the kitchen table after school; become a better - more patient - companion and guide to my kids’ learning. My house is alarmingly tidy.
I feel incredibly lucky to have had this time for reflection and decompression. I’ve done bits and pieces of work over the last few months - with thanks to those who have called on my services - and now I’m ready to step back in more fully.
My new ‘offer’ is not a far cry from what I was doing at di:ga - but nor is it in direct competition with them (I continue to Chair the board and mentor the CEO and am fully invested in the continued success of the di:ga team).
I am hoping to use my experience to support leaders and teams in non-profit and social purpose businesses to understand and navigate the challenges they face.
Whether it’s squaring up to the new external political realities, weathering a tricky fundraising environment, or managing internal transitions, I want to act as a valuable sounding board and guide, as well as provide challenge when I feel it’s needed.
I’ll be doing some crisis communications and media training, and would also love to take on some writing and editing projects. I studied English at university and started my career in journalism and I still derive huge satisfaction from crafting text that is clear and compelling.
I also hope to support organisations with their strategy development - including by facilitating meetings and workshops where we really go deep into the problems they’re trying to solve, and come up with new, brave answers that are fit for purpose.
There are so many challenges facing the non-profit sector - and indeed the world right now. I am looking forward to working with people and organisations who have good ideas about how to respond; how to recharge hope and inspire unity instead of polarisation.
If you’re interested in working together then please get in touch!
29 January 2026
