Team Mates
Dr Jenn Gandhi
Occupation
Chartered Psychologist
Biography
Dr Jenn Gandhi is a Chartered Psychologist who specialises in the connection of mind, body and emotion to optimise health and performance. Using various mediums she helps people to understand the influence of mind and emotion on behaviour so that they can achieve optimal wellbeing and performance.
She completed her PhD in the psychology of trauma associated physical performance breakdown, officially coining the term 'performance blocks' and developing the first successful treatment approach for elite athletes.
She has spent several years in the world of elite sport currently working with the England Football National teams developing a culture in which staff and players are able to perform well and achieve excellence and supporting the delivery of mental health care across the system.
Jenn is passionate about making the science of mind and emotion accessible to everyone, through education, private consultancy, writing, and researching for a variety of companies in mental health, mindfulness, and performance.
When Jenn is not working she loves spending time with family and friends at home near Birmingham. She is never far from her yoga mat and enjoys daily meditations if nothing more than for a bit of quiet time out!
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
STP has given me the opportunity to tap into so many different areas of passion, developing people and using the median of psychology and emotion to support others in getting the best experience out of life they can, overcoming life’s challenges and reaching their goals.
Masterclasses I deliver
David Richmond CBE
Occupation
Director, Office for Veterans’ Affairs in the Cabinet Office; Director David Richmond Consultancy Ltd, COO Worldmaker International; Chair Boccia UK
Biography
David served in the Army for 26 years deploying on operations to NI, Iraq in 1991 (Op GRANBY), Bosnia, Iraq (Op TELIC) and Afghanistan. He commanded The Argylls, 5 SCOTS in Afghanistan and was seriously wounded during an operation near Musa Qaleh in June 2008.
David underwent 4 years of reconstruction surgery and rehabilitation during which he advised Help for Heroes and the UK MOD on the creation and development of their recovery services. He was medically discharged in April 2012 and joined Help for Heroes as their first Director of Recovery.
He was responsible for developing the vision for the charity’s service delivery arm and turning it into an operational reality. He was a Partnership Board Member of the UK Invictus Games team for the first three games, UK Team Director and Chairman of Selectors and a member of the Defence Recovery Board, responsible for providing strategic direction to the UK Defence Recovery Capability.
David left Help for Heroes in December 2017 and developed a portfolio of work that includes: advising other nations on developing their own recovery services for their Armed Forces communities; advising on leadership and team development; coaching and mentoring; motivational speaking; and interim executive roles. David is COO of Worldmaker International which develops resilient leadership and human resilience and is Chairman of Boccia UK, the National Governing Body for the Paralympic sport of Boccia. In October 2019 David was appointed as the first Director of the Office of Veterans’ Affairs in the Cabinet Office, responsible for delivering the government’s vision of making the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I have experienced 4 career transitions and understand the challenges faced. I see the huge potential in sports men and women and love working with them to help them realise their potential in the next stage of their lives.
Masterclasses I deliver
Emily Collett
Occupation
Qualified Psychotherapist/Counsellor and Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant
Biography
Emily is a qualified Psychotherapist and Mental Health and Wellbeing Consultant. Her company, Embrace Sports and Wellbeing, offers counselling for adults and specialises in working with sportspeople, support staff and their families. She believes in taking a proactive approach to wellbeing, including supporting athletes with their off-field development.
She has a strong academic background in the field, including a distinction in Applied Sport Psychology MSc gained through researching professional rugby players’ experiences of being forced to retire through injury.
Emily has gained valuable experience working across the professional sporting world, having worked within the Professional Department at the Rugby Football Union and with Switch the Play itself; supporting athletes across a range of sports. Rugby union has been a lifelong passion of hers, nowadays you will likely find her actively exploring the Cheshire countryside where she is based.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Having researched career ending injury experiences of professional athletes, I understand the importance of planning for a life beyond playing sport. Being involved in sport can also be a bit of a rollercoaster, I’m here to support people in navigating those highs and lows along the ride!
Masterclasses I deliver
Mark Roberts
Occupation
Semi-Professional footballer at Warrington Town F.C, Associate at Switch The Play, Athlete mentor at the League Football Education (LFE)
Biography
A proud husband and father to three amazing children who he loves to share his passion for travel with. He describes himself as “a life-long learner whose curiosity to develop as an individual is matched by my ambition to help other people unlock their true potential”.
He has lived experience of the ecstasy and agony of the football industry during his 15 years as a professional player. Mark is currently relishing the opportunity to add to his 600 plus competitive appearances as current captain of his local side, Warrington Town.
At Fleetwood Town Mark realised his childhood dream of walking the Wembley steps as a winning captain but it was at Stevenage where he enjoyed his most successful time on the field. He counts himself fortunate to have been part of an extraordinary squad that created history and Mark led the club from the bottom half of the National League to the verge of the Championship. Although proud to have been named player-manager on two separate occasions he says “nothing can compare to when we secured victory at Old Trafford in the League Two Play-Off Final”. As a Manchester United supporter and former season ticket holder it was the ultimate honour for him to lead his side out at The Theatre of Dreams. Lifting a trophy in front of the Stretford End was a moment he will treasure for the rest of my life.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Since making my transition out of professional sport I’ve tried to align myself with organisations whose vision matches mine.
StP have given me the ideal platform to reach more athletes whilst developing my own skill-set and I’m excited for what the future will bring.
Masterclasses I deliver
Paul Reid
Occupation
Sports Consultant
Biography
Paul has had a journey through a near 20-year career as a professional footballer that was never a linear pathway. The experiences gained include the pressure of being one of the most expensive teenagers in British football, representing England, being matched up against Ronaldo, captaining a play-off winning team to the Championship and eventually using the acquired transferable skills to transition into the world of business.
A constant thirst for self-improvement has resulted in numerous qualifications since the step away from the grass. Paul completed a master’s degree in Sporting Directorship which has allowed an academic framework to compliment knowledge gained through lived experiences. Paul is a passionate advocate of well-being and duty of care within sport has led to keynote speeches at many conferences including the Johan Cruyff Institute at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.
The mantra of ‘From the head down rather than the feet up’ has been a constant reference point for him and something that underpins any involvement he has in organisational culture or strategy.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
StP were an instrumental part of my own transition from an elite athlete into strategic leadership positions within sport. Passing on that real-life experience and helping to develop young people is both a passion and a privilege.
Masterclasses I deliver
John Ackerley
Occupation
Owner & Principal Consultant, Summitpeople Ltd, www.summitpeople.co.uk
Biography
John is a highly experienced consultant with over twenty-six years of expertise in the fields of football, education, coaching, mentoring and business. John is a skilled educator. A qualified teacher and higher education lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and Sheffield Hallam University, John has educated internationally having worked in the UK, US, Asia, Africa and South America. John has developed teacher education and mentoring programmes as an expert consultant for The FA National Faculty and is currently a FIFA Expert in technical leadership, providing training and supervision to FIFA mentors worldwide. Additionally, John is practised at directly delivering executive coaching/mentoring and team development, delivering to current clients such as FIFA, UK Sport, The Football Association and The Brazilian Football Confederation. A UEFA Qualified Coach and a council member of The Football Association, John uses his talents to guide strategic thinking at a National level within English Football.
John is a successful business owner, having established his consultancy, Summitpeople Ltd. John has been a CEO for an award-winning County Football Association and Regional Manager and National Manager for the Football Association. He successfully achieved year on year growth in participation in football for over 20 years through the skilful mentoring of many senior leaders within The Football Association and County Football Associations in the UK, using his expertise in football development and strategic business planning to drive performance.
John has a Master’s degree in coaching and mentoring, accredited by the EMCC at professional level and a Bachelor of Education with Honours specialising in Physical Education. John’s research to date includes, leadership, coaching and mentoring and inclusive education.
Away from John’s professional life he relaxes with his family in Ripon, North Yorkshire. He enjoys sport, playing football, cycling and being a keen gym enthusiast.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Passionate about educating and supporting others to grow, develop and meet their aspirations. Having worked in sport in various roles and levels I have experienced those that find transitioning from sport difficult and feel I can support them on their journey.
Kieron Achara OLY
Occupation
Sports Development Executive at Frog Systems
Biography
Kieron Achara is a former Olympian and Scottish professional basketball player. He played college basketball at Duquesne University and ended his professional playing career at Glasgow Rocks after playing most of his career in mainland Europe, in Italy, Spain and Greece. Kieron captained both Scotland and Great Britain at a national team level and is now an Ambassador for Great Britain Basketball.
Currently working towards a Master’s degree in Business Leadership and Management from Northumbria University, his dissertation focused on the factors that lead to a successful transition out of sport.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
"The subject of transition is very personal to me as I found it difficult to find direction and purpose. Support came through researching in my dissertation, speaking to others who had left sport and hearing their thoughts on what they would have done differently. I want to return the favour by working with Switch the Play to make sure as many athletes as possible make a smoother transition out of sport when their time comes."
Masterclasses I deliver
Ian Braid FMHC, M.Sc.
Occupation
MD of DOCIAsport
Biography
I have been involved in sport and sport administration for a VERY long time. I have been a Board director (E.g. British Triathlon), a Trustee (e.g. SportsAid) and a CEO (British Elite Athletes Association. I had the privilege of being asked by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson to be in her exec team that produced the review of Duty of Care in Sport (published Apr. 2017.) Working on this report and my own personal experience at the BEAA offering advice, support and guidance to athletes led me to set up DOCIAsport in 2017. The company has the wellbeing of all the stakeholders in sport – such as coaches and administrators (the people looking after the people – as well as athletes and has proudly won awards for the work such as TCH Mental Health Consultancy of the Year. DOCIAsport is the wellbeing partner of Switch The Play.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I have been involved with STP since 2017 because I believe in the aims and ambitions of the charity and have always had a lot of personal and professional respect for the leaders in the organisation. Support for athletes in transition in Olympic and Paralympic sport is under resourced and STP has a role to play in working with these people many of whom will go on to be leaders in the industry. It is our duty of care to help them.
Masterclasses I deliver
Neil Clark
Occupation
Occupation: Academic Researcher / Consultant
Biography
Neil is based in Richmond, London, is a father of 2 and an avid amateur triathlete. He has competed at Ironman Austria 2012 as well as representing GB as an age-group triathlete at the 2014 & 2016 ITU World Sprint Triathlon Championships. He is currently competing at middle distance (half-ironman) triathlons.
In 2019, Neil was awarded a distinction for a MSc in Sports Business and Leadership at Loughborough University London, where his dissertation examined how Secure Base Leadership could enhance Athlete’s mental health and well-being, in particular managing the challenges of career transition. He is currently continuing his research, as part of a PhD, into further understanding the impact of secure bases (e.g. people, places, objects or goals) on an Athlete’s wellbeing before, during and after career transition.
He has over 20 years’ experience leading diverse teams and transforming business through complex project delivery. Neil is passionate about enhancing emotional intelligence and well-being in the workplace through coaching and mentoring.
A qualified Mental Health First Aider and deliverer for Mental Health UK in secondary schools and elite sport academies.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
During my research, I have become acutely aware of the numerous challenges Athletes experience during career transition and the impact on their mental health and well-being. I passionately believe these challenges can be successfully managed and the impact on an Athlete’s well-being dramatically reduced by early proactive interventions that address the potential pitfalls.
Darren Lawrence
Occupation
Consultant and Personal Performance Coach
Biography
Darren has enjoyed a career in sport for over 25 years, starting out as a local authority sports development officer and then working for organisations such as Sport England and The Football Association.
Now a self-employed sports consultant, he works on a variety of projects and undertakes a number of roles, including as a club consultant for The FA on the Women’s National League, an assessor for Quest and the Fan Experience Company, and - since 2016 - as a Team Mate for Switch the Play.
Darren is a qualified life/personal development coach and supports The Coaching Academy with the delivery of their training programmes. He has himself experienced a number of significant transitions in his personal and professional life, and is fascinated by the process of change, transition, and reinvention.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Darren’s motivation for being involved in Switch the Play is to use his coaching experience to help sportspeople identify who and what they want to be after sport, providing the support and guidance for them to achieve it.
Colin Wall
Occupation
Business Development Director at LeadEQ. Personal Performance Coach
Biography
For 18 years Colin played football at youth, pro and semi-pro level. His professional playing career was cut short after a serious back injury. Following a long period of rehabilitation, his determination and positive attitude saw him carry on playing at a semi-pro level for many more years until the long-term impact of his back injury forced him to accept that his career was over finally. Since finishing playing, he has applied the many skills he learnt through his time in sport, his own personal experiences, and the qualifications he's gained to become a highly successful Personal Performance Coach. He works with and enjoys helping others to identify and realise their dreams both in and out of sport. He has worked with Southend United FC Academy, First Team and management staff as their Personal Performance Coach. Colin also takes the learnings from sport into the commercial business world to increase personal performance at a number of levels.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Through my own personal journey both in and out of sport I can fully appreciate the challenges faced by any sports professional transitioning and the importance of planning for your future while you are still in your sporting world which is what STP are all about.
Masterclasses I deliver
Max Oldham
Occupation
Football Player and Account Manager
Biography
Max Oldham is a semi-professional footballer and has played for teams in the US, Norway and England. He has also played internationally for Cascadia in the CONIFA World Football Cup. Born and raised in California, he moved to London in 2014 to continue his football career. He holds a BA in ethnic studies from University of California, Berkeley. Max is passionate about mental health and wellbeing, and is committed to ensuring that non-league footballers have access to the resources that will help them be their best, both on and off the pitch.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Through my own career and experiences in football, I have noticed a lack of support and services around well-being and professional development for players. As a result, I have partnered with Switch The Play to launch Half Turn, an initiative built to help non-league footballers deal with the mental struggles of the beautiful game and empower them to live healthy and balanced lifestyles.
Eira Parry
Occupation
Founder of High Performance Parenting
Biography
Eira's professional background has been in both education and sport. She has worked in primary and secondary schools as a classroom teacher and head of department before moving to full-time coaching, working with British Rowing for 10 years as a Talent Development Coach. In this role she worked with athletes from age 13 up to 30, taking them from their very first outing in a boat, through to making it on to National Teams. Many of the athletes she coached went on to win European, World and Olympic titles.
Eira continues to support former athletes, in an informal mentoring role, when they navigate their way from professional sport into the workplace. She also maintains strong ties with British Rowing, working in a number of volunteering roles, including as an independent selector for the Women's Olympic Squad.
After leaving the coaching profession, Eira set up the organisation High Performance Parenting. Working with sports clubs, schools and national governing bodies, she delivers parent engagement sessions and one to one support for athletes. The aim is to support parents to use the vehicle of sport to enable their children to acquire life skills and develop as great people. Eira is passionate that the journey through sport should be positive and also offer opportunities for growth and learning for athletes, coaches and parents alike.
Ali Tincknell-Smith
Occupation
Teaching Fellow
Biography
Dr Ali Tincknell-Smith is a Teaching Fellow at the University of Bath, specialising in sport psychology and contemporary issues in sport. She teaches on the Foundation Degree in Sports Performance, a programme designed to enable students to pursue academic studies alongside their sporting career. Ali’s PhD and her publications focus on athlete motivation and well-being, and promote the importance of athletes’ possessing a sense of ownership in their sporting career.
Outside of her University role, Ali has worked as a Lifestyle Support Practitioner and tutors new practitioners through the TASS Talented Athlete Lifestyle Support (TALS) course. Her work in this area has spanned a wide range of sports and levels of competition, and is contributed to by her experience of working in both sport and Higher Education. Ali is also progressing towards British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Accreditation as a Sport Scientist specialising in Psychology, and she has worked with a range of individual and team clients in this role. Since 2011 Ali has also worked as a National Trainer for UK Anti-Doping, educating athletes from youth level to those preparing for International competition.
Ali is a keen promoter of athlete and player welfare. This is reflected in her recent nomination to an International Federation Athlete Commission through which she represents the view of athletes, particularly on topics of athlete retirement and anti-doping.
Tobi Sho-Silva
Occupation
Professional Footballer for Carlisle United
Biography
Tobi is a professional footballer, who came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic and is currently playing for Carlisle United. He has a business management degree, counselling qualifications and is the co-founder of F3 - a charity which supports footballer’s wellbeing and holistic development.
His experiences as a professional athlete have inspired a passion for helping fellow athletes to discover their identity, in and out of their sport, and explore what they want to do in life, during and following the conclusion of their career.
As well as being a keen reader, Tobi also enjoys listening to podcasts and travelling.
Other experience includes; coaching (football), events planning, public speaking, teaching and mentoring.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
STP’s vision of “a world where every sportsperson fulfils their potential at every stage of their lives” aligns well with my passion for seeking opportunities to maximise my potential and helping others to do the same. I want to use this opportunity, working with STP, to encourage other athletes to explore the many possibilities available to them, while still involved in sport, which can continue to be developed once no longer involved in sport.
John Evans
Occupation
Biography
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Adam Daniel
Occupation
Human Performance & Leadership Coach
Biography
Throughout my career, I’ve been invested in the development and success of others and I love it. Why does that matter to you?
Because I thrive working with individuals and teams to help them enhance their strengths, heighten their awareness, and deliberately practice new thinking and behaviours to gain fulfilment in life and work through using the most recent behavioural change science, positive psychology, leadership theory, and coaching science, coupled with my experience as an elite athlete and business owner.
About Me:
- I am a Human Performance and Leadership Coach
- Before focusing on coaching and leadership development, I held senior leadership positions in global health and fitness brands, built and successfully sold a gym, consulted for National Governing Bodies and have written and delivered development programmes for global brands in over 20 countries.
- I have competed internationally in athletics, played professional rugby, currently cycle for GB age group and grow all my own fruit and veg.
- I am a member of the International Coaching Federation, have a Professional Certificate in Executive Coaching from the prestigious Henley Business School, an MBA and am currently in my final year of an MSc in Coaching and Behaviour Change.
Testimonials:
🗣️ "Adam has coached me through my career and has directly influenced the success I have had with my personal development. The strategies he implements are challenging, rewarding and effective. The impact he has had extends much further than my professional achievements and has allowed me to understand and gain a deeper sense of who I am, my strengths, weaknesses and core values. He continues to provide learning and collaborative opportunities through his vast network."
🗣️ "His ability to get the best out of me is unparalleled (I’ve worked with many coaches) and I have things on the horizon that I never even dreamed of before. Adam is inspiring, warm and welcoming whilst direct enough to really facilitate growth. I can’t recommend him enough."
🗣️ "Adam was instrumental in helping me move to my current job. I first started working with Adam in a coaching capacity c.12 months ago, focussing firstly on developing leadership skills and secondly on setting a clear vision of where I wanted to get too in my career. I can’t wait to get started with evolving my career development plan & build my skillset as I continue to work with Adam over the coming months / years."
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
For quite some time, I'd been searching for a charity that truly resonated with my beliefs and values. It wasn't until I crossed paths with Ali from Switch The Play at an event that everything fell into place. Instantly, I recognised that my adventure as an elite athlete, entrepreneur, and current coach could be instrumental in aiding athletes as they transition from the demanding world of sports to life beyond the game. Switch The Play's dedication to supporting athletes through this often challenging process aligns perfectly with my vision of empowering individuals to achieve their full potential, both within and beyond their athletic endeavours. Working alongside Switch The Play allows me to utilise my diverse experiences to guide athletes through the intricacies and hurdles they may encounter along their post-sports journey.
Colin Allan
Occupation
Biography
Colin Allan is a Former S&C coach. Having been part of the Northampton Saints Heineken Cup winning squad in 2000 Colin has since lived and worked in Italy for the last 15 years. Having fulfilled various roles from working in school programs to 1st team defence coach and head of S&C .
Prior to moving to Italy Colin studied for his Masters in Sports Performance at St. Marys University in Twickenham. A firm believer that barriers to success can be overcome through innovation, an open mind, positivity, determination and hard work. His approach has seen him be part of 3 Italian Championship victories and a Coppa Italia.
He has recently stopped coaching to focus on his wine import business, importing natural Italian wines, naturally.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
Having been through the transition process himself the most comfort came while studying for his masters and reading about transition. Being passionate about coaching he wants to be part of a solution that provides support to a group of people who many probably think don’t need any help.
Nicole Allison
Occupation
Owner of Worcester City Women Football Club, Lecturer at the Football Business Academy and University of Worcester
Biography
With over two decades of diverse experience in the football industry, from player to coach to business management, Nicole has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of football and in 2021, took her passion for the game to new heights by founding and leading Worcester City Women Football Club Ltd, demonstrating her dedication to advancing women's football in her community.
With a Master's degree in Football Business and a background managing sponsorship, media, and fan engagement for esteemed organisations like Kantar Sport and The English Football League, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. She also served as the General Manager of Tottenham Hotspur Women and founded NA Sport, a consultancy focused on women's football development.
Today, Nicole wears multiple hats. Alongside Worcester City Women FC, she is the Women's Football Professor at The Football Business Academy, an Associate Lecturer at The University of Worcester in Sport Business Management, and a Project Manager and Mentor at Switch The Play, a charity supporting athletes' transition into post-sport life.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I’m very passionate about using sport as a vehicle to change lives and having been a player, coach and business management professional in the industry I am keen to collaborate with and support athletes on their journey.
Sarah Lewis, OBE OLY
Occupation
Consultant, Non-Executive Advisory Board Member
Biography
Sarah is an Olympian in Alpine Skiing, representing Team GB at the Calgary 1988 Olympic Winter Games.
She transitioned to work in the sport business industry and media, and British Ski Federation from 1990-1994, before moving to Switzerland to join the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) as Continental Cup Coordinator. From 1998 to 2020 Sarah served as the FIS Secretary General. During her tenure she was appointed Secretary General of the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federation, a member of the IOC Programme Commission and Coordination Commissions for the Olympic Winter Games and Youth Olympic Games (2026, 2022, 2020, 2018).
After serving as FIS Secretary General for 20 years, in 2018 Sarah was awarded an OBE on the Queen's New Year Honours List for services to sport.
Sarah has just returned to the UK and is undertaking a number of roles which focus on improving society through the power of sport: as an advisor, serving as a non-executive board member, mentoring start-up companies and athletes transitioning from their sport to careers.
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
I believe that the values of sport, and the lessons we’ve learnt as athletes are highly transferable in the future, both professionally and personally and I would like to support others as they transition to their new life.
Natalie Alleston
Occupation
Psychologist
Biography
Natalie is a former professional dancer with 10 years of experience working with world-renowned choreographers. She has performed throughout the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland and China.
Throughout her career Natalie mentored young artists to help them bridge the gap between training and the high demand at the professional level. This sparked her interest in the psychology of performance.
Natalie is now a psychologist specialising in embodied and nervous system-based practices. She works extensively with high-performers in professional dance companies, across elite training institutions, in corporate businesses and with athletes at all stages of their careers. She uses psychology to support the well-being of the human behind their high performing identity, bringing them closer to their passions and empowering them to forge a life on their terms.
Abigail Irozuru
Occupation
Team GB Olympic Finalist, Team England Commonwealth Games Finalist, Entrepreneur, Speaker and Coach
Biography
Abigail is a Team GB Olympic Finalist (2021 Tokyo Summer Games) and a Team England Commonwealth Games Finalist (Birmingham, 2022) with a mission to inspire and equip people to live healthier, happier, higher-performing lives. She has represented Great Britain and England teams consistently since 2006. Her notable achievements include a 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games’ gold medal and becoming three- time British Long Jump Champion (2015, 2019 & 2020).
Abigail was elected by her Olympic peers, across the Summer and Winter Games’ sports, to the Team GB British Olympic Association Athletes’ Commission. As one of thirteen elected representatives, she represents the athletes’ voice to the BOA, nationally and internationally. She is also Vice-Chair of the UK Athletics Athletes’ Commission.
Abigail is also a UCL Law graduate, entrepreneur, speaker and coach, delivering talks and workshops to
produce positive personal and organisational change, designed based on lessons learned from her
experiences as a world-class athlete and her study of NLP and the high-performance mindset.
She is a contributing-author to ‘Notes on Feminism’, sharing the unseen reality for women in sports, and
has written for print and online journals, such as HuffPost and Woman Alive.
Her other interests include: French and Italian language study, podcasting and bouldering.
Testimonial:
“I had the absolute pleasure and fortune of experiencing Abigail’s mentorship as part of the FreelanceHer
programme. Abigail brings her sporting mentality to her work and it is definitely a hell yes from me for
recommending Abigail as an inspirational speaker, mentor and business brain.”
Reason for becoming an associate of STP
In 2014, Abigail's journey toward personal and professional transformation began with a book - Jack Canfield's 'The Success Principles', a pivotal read that sparked her passion for guiding others in their own growth. Since then, she has delved deeply into neuro-linguistic programming, learning how the brain’s remarkable capacity to rewire (neuroplasticity) and regenerate allows individuals to reshape their beliefs and redefine their future. Abigail is trained in neuro-linguistic programming and compassion-based therapy, and is a certified life coach. With experience coaching female entrepreneurs and small business owners, and extensive experience coaching and mentoring athletes, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve personal and professional growth, finding her purpose in empowering others to rise and thrive.
Stevie Ward
Occupation
Keynote Speaker | Leadership Consultant | ex Rugby League Captain
Biography
At 18, just a week after his A-level results, Stevie Ward was on the toilet at Wembley Stadium, minutes from his Challenge Cup debut in front of 80,000 people. Terrified and looking for answers, he asked himself, “What am I doing here?” The answer came in a scruffy handwritten note slipped under the door from Brian McDermott, the most successful Super League coach ever.
McDermott’s note revealed the key to elite performance and, ever since reading, Stevie has been on a quest to transform teams with its message. Stevie’s Authenticity Game Plan reminds people that elite performance exists within them, but they can lose touch with their full potential by not befriending fear. Stevie empowers team’s to create their own game plan, not one prescribed by others. Stevie’s keynotes inspire self-reflection and accountability as they recognise deeper parts of themselves through his stories.
Stevie’s rugby career is the stuff of legend: youngest-ever Grand Final winner, two Challenge Cups, three Grand Final victories, and captain of Leeds Rhinos by 26. But behind the trophies were ten surgeries and mental health struggles. In 2016, these challenges led him to launch Mantality, a movement to break the stigma around men’s mental health. After retiring in 2021 with a brain injury, Stevie went on to present with Sky Sports News covering Rugby League, hosted The first of its kind Concussion Roundtable, and starred in his own documentary – Living with Concussion.
Through his speaking and consultancy, Stevie has inspired organizations like Warner Bros. Discovery, NHS, BT, and Southampton FC. His life has taken him from sharing stages with Prince Harry, featuring in a Boy George song to being roasted by Ricky Gervais, all before 30.