Barbara Campbell

Founder 

We spend so much time in work and with the many demands that are placed on us work can be quite a stressful place…right? My great passion comes from a genuine desire to see people succeed and fulfil their potential, overcome these workplace challenges, adapt and change techniques and develop new skills that equips them to not just ‘survive’ work but to thrive in work. From directors, to first line managers, from shop assistants, to chip fryers, from warehouse operatives to engineers…I have trained them all and more. Seeing people grasp a concept and apply it to get an improved result is exciting and rewarding. Which is why I love what I do! Feedback from clients indicates that my strengths come from the fact I put people first, I invest in understanding them and their business culture and that my style of delivery is fresh and engaging.Feedback from friends and family is that I am a bit of a workaholic. I am wife to Russell and Mum to Adam, and when I am not working I can be found whiling the hours away being creative. I am also a foodie and my love of chocolate is legendary!

The boring but important bit…

• 23 years’ experience in the corporate world of retail, media and hospitality in various senior, management, sales & training roles

• Designed and delivered training across many sectors and industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, recruitment, FMCG, Construction, Transport, Energy, Telecoms, Hospitality, Publishing and Voluntary sector.

• Client portfolio has included global and international companies as well as SME’s

Russell Campbell

Operations and business development director

Having spent more than 30 years as a journalist and editor in the NI news and business media, including a period where I worked in public relations, you could say I know the power that words have to motivate, shape and move us to action – never more effectively, perhaps, than when they are used in training and coaching to reveal new possibilities and fresh opportunity. I am always amazed and encouraged by the boldness with which people are willing to step out of their comfort zones and my role is to assist in making this possible. I love working with Barbara to help develop new courses and programmes for our clients. I’m kept busy liaising with clients and supporting learners as they transition in their development. I assist Barbara and all our amazing associates so they can do what they do best. And I do what I can to shine a light on the things we do as a business so that others can reap the rewards and gain tangible results by learning about new approaches to the problems and challenges they face. In down time, nothing beats a good book, a cold drink, binge watching on Netflix and walks in the Northern Irish countryside….in good company of course.    

•        Over 30 years as a journalist and editor in newspapers and magazines

•        Former editor of Ulster Business and AgendaNi magazines

•       Nine years as a B2B magazine editor and events organiser

Kate McKay 

Associate Trainer

I love working with individuals to develop knowledge and skills for career enhancement and organisation success.  It’s those ‘light bulb moments’ on a training course that inspire me.  When a participant stops in their tracks and says, “why didn’t I know this before? or “That will really change how I do x, y or z”.  That’s where my buzz comes from, knowing it’s really worked. I have developed a vast knowledge within the education and training industry for over 23 years. With extensive experience in the design and delivery of training to a range of public and private sector organisations within marketing, communication, business writing and interpersonal skills. I’m wife to Gordy and mum to Alex (my favourite job of all!)  When I’m not working I’m usually watching a crime drama or walking my dogs, Travis and Douggie (Westies), in the park. This usually goes hand in hand with exploring the pond wildlife with Alex who is an avid lover of all bugs and animals. My latest interest is looking after our newest pet – Slither – the corn snake...I’m still getting used to that one!!

• Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

• Senior Associate with the Belfast Academy of Marketing lecturing on the Chartered Institute of Marketing Qualification in Northern Ireland.

• Designed and delivered training to: Department for Infrastructure, Consumer Council, NI Water, Utility Regulator, Ulster University, Danske Bank, Health NI, Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, Northern Ireland Assembly, North Down Borough Council, Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, Fold Housing, Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales

Mark Mason

ASSOCIATE TRAINER

I enjoy helping people work well together, and my specialism,  as an employment lawyer helps me do just that! The workplace is all about team work and I think that good employment law and HR practice has an important role to play in ensuring that employers and employees understand their rights and responsibilities to each other. Equipping people to understand what is expected of them and what they can expect of others, enables positive working relationships.  I love to see organisations being well led. In a work context, there are legalities around this and  I enjoy supporting employers and managers in this area of “legal leadership” through delivering training and providing sound advice. I am married to Gillian and dad to Emily and Rory. As a family, we take every opportunity to spend time on the beautiful north coast and I also take a keen interest in a wide range of sports and am a long-suffering supporter of Liverpool Football Club. 

• Qualified as a Solicitor in 2006

• Established  employment law consultancy practice in 2012.

• Provide services to clients from a diverse range of sectors including retail, hospitality, engineering and the charity sector

Isla Morton

Associate Trainer

As an accountant, my passion lies in helping people to develop ‘financial leadership’.  I have designed and delivered finance training for 10+ years and found that so many people are intimidated by ‘the numbers’.  I love being able to change this.  Feedback from clients suggests that my skill lies in making the complex simple.  My aim is to help clients understand the story behind the numbers.  Understanding financial information empowers people to perform better in their role and helps their business to thrive. I’m wife to Paul and mum to Luke and Molly.  With 2 dogs, Mylo and Beau, it can be chaotic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I love baking and there’s usually a tin of my latest efforts somewhere nearby for sharing.  I’m currently working on perfecting macaroons……!

• Associate Member of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

• Designed and delivered finance and technical training in UK, Europe and USA.

• Clients range from global companies to local SME’s across a range of industries (professional services, manufacturing, financial services, pharma, telecoms).

Caroline Magee

Associate Trainer

Straight after graduating from Ulster University, Jordanstown I started my career in a bank call centre. Hyped to get straight to the phones my expectations were dampened to find there were 4 weeks of training before being let loose on real customers. But, walking out of the room after that first day, I turned to a fellow colleague and remarked “I want to do her job!” (I was referring to the Trainer). Within 12 months I was living the dream and quickly progressed from a Telephony Trainer to Learning and Development Consultant for Ireland. This is where I ‘learnt my trade’ and found my vocation. Now, post bank, I facilitate workshops and training programmes across all industries.

Personally speaking it doesn’t matter if you have been in an organisation for 1 day or 10 years, are a graduate or a CEO. The main focus is always to get to the core of ‘why you do what you do’ and how that motivation and desire can continue to be unlocked and developed. In 2007, while on a career break, I spent 6 months teaching English in a Tsunami affected area of Sri Lanka. I have returned several times so if you are in a training room with me, it is highly likely you will hear a few of those stories. Al and I got married at the end of last year, so it’s likely that he’ll be dropped into conversation too. House renovations are almost done so hopefully there’ll be less 'matt or gloss?' chat.

• Degree in Business Studies