Bio
Vanessa is a writer, speaker and experienced leadership and organisation development consultant. She is a Board member of Action for Happiness (AfH), the leading UK-based not-for-profit that focuses on proactively building skills for psychological wellbeing and resilience. She leads the translation of psychological research into practical action for individuals, organisations and communities as well as Action for Happiness’ consulting work with organisations. She is the architect of the 10 keys for Happier Living, which have engaged and inspired people around the world in communities and workplaces and school curricula. She also trained as a facilitator on the University of Pennsylvania's Master Resilience Training team.
Vanessa’s evidence-based book on the 10 Keys to Happier Living – A Practical Guide was recently published in the UK by Headline and international editions are forthcoming. She regularly speaks nationally and internationally for general public, workplace and education-based audiences including: two TEDx talks (Southampton University and St Peter Port); Guardian Masterclass and Live events, in the House of Lords, NHS, Government Departments and corporates. Also at many international fora and conferences including in: Australia, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Netherlands, Romania, Turkey and the US.
In her consulting, Vanessa has worked with a wide range of organisations. She led the design and implementation of a range of workshops for AfH, focused on building well-being, resilience and innovation skills including: Practical Ideas for Happier Living course for individuals in community, healthcare and education settings; the ‘Doing Well from the Inside Out’ programme for managers, leaders and teams; and most recently a Mindful Leadership programme.
Vanessa has an interest in the intersection of wellbeing science, design and creativity. She has guest lectured and tutored on the topic at a number of leading design schools: TU Delft, RCA and Ravensbourne as well as Birmingham City University School of Architecture. She has also undertaken training in Service Design/Design Thinking.
Early in her career Vanessa qualified as a chartered accountant, working at Arthur Andersen and PWC. She held positions in HR with two global banks, Morgan Stanley and Bankers Trust and then with Towers Perrin (now Willis Towers Watson). She is an affiliate of the University of Cambridge’s Well-being Institute.
