Our People

Jemimah Akrofi

Prior to joining Growing Circles as a Business Growth Assistant, I worked on assisting small-medium enterprises to grow and develop, and taught IT skills to ESL speakers, refugees, migrants and adults of all ages and backgrounds.

Over the years, I have understood the importance of supporting businesses making a good social change to thrive and witnessed the impact it has had on individuals and the wider community. Growing Circles is a business that aims to do just this, which makes it very exciting to be part of the team.

Currently, my role in Growing Circles is to ensure that the finance and general business systems we use run smoothly. I believe that if systems can run seamlessly and consistently, it frees up capacity for us be able to directly reach and collaborate with clients who need us most to grow and thrive.

Rachel Coles

I'm a creative designer based in North Lincolnshire specialising in branding, print and digital media. I have over 20 years' experience in the creative industries, the first 13 years as senior designer for Design Week Top 100 agency, The Workshop in Sheffield. I produced work for a range of diverse global, local and non-profit organisations across a variety of sectors, including Sheffield Cathedral, M&S, BBC and John Smedley, bringing fresh thinking to design approaches whilst working alongside creative directors, designers, writers and developers.

For the past 10 years I've worked as freelance graphic designer working collaboratively with other creative organisations and businesses specialising in branding, digital, print and environmental design. I enjoy freelancing as it enables me to work with smaller organisations, charities and start-ups.

Working alongside the Growing Circles team and associates is extremely exciting, I'm able to use my skills and experience to help innovative businesses and social enterprises engage better with their audiences and achieve positive social impact. It doesn't get more rewarding than doing what I love and using it as a force for good.

Kris Mackay

I founded Growing Circles in 2022. Having worked alongside some fantastic entrepreneurs, I caught the bug and took the step to move away from my safe salary and grow a social purpose business.

I have been lucky enough to work across health and social care, public health, voluntary and community, education, housing and commercial sectors at local, regional and national levels. This has given me a broad perspective to draw on in my practice which has always focussed on tackling social inequality.

I love working with socially minded people to deliver real change in practice. I believe in taking a strengths based, solution focused and pragmatic approach to achieving outcomes. I embed the values of co-design, equality and inclusion in the way I work and am always on the look out for innovation and improvement opportunities. As a critical and creative thinker I enjoy joining ideas and opportunities together to seek out innovation. I am a qualified business coach and hold a master’s degree in Leadership and Innovation.

Justine Gaubert

I began my career as a writer for start-up graphic design agency ‘The Workshop’, which quickly made Design Week’s top 100. Here I worked with some of the most complex brands in the world, including BP, M&S and various Government departments; and scooped numerous national and international awards including: BP Chairman’s Award for Innovation and being featured in the D&AD annual.

I’m an award-winning writer, creative producer, brand consultant and social entrepreneur and I’m delighted to be working alongside the team at Growing Circles as a brand and copywriting associate.

Vicky O’Donoghue

I am an entrepreneurial project management, co-production, and facilitation expert, with an inclusive and dynamic delivery style. I have over 20 years’ experience of working with individuals, teams, and groups in a range of sectors within both community and commercial settings, I am adaptable, business focused, and passionate about enabling others to recognise and develop their skills and strengths.

My expertise includes - learning & development, co-production, workplace coaching, psychological approaches, and health & wellbeing.

As a qualified counsellor and coach with a speciality in mindfulness, I also deliver mindfulness-based programmes, workshops, and retreats in the UK & Europe.

I have a natural ability to think outside of the box, join people together and focus ideas to create innovative outcomes. I have a warm approach, a sense of humour and an eye on the bigger picture. I bring a mix of diversity and wisdom to the team.

Amy-Jane Parry

I’m passionate about providing excellent customer service and making a positive impact on the world. I originally studied drama before moving into education and community work.

I took a career break to home school my children and am now returning to the world of 9-5. I’m really excited to join Growing Circles as their Sales and Marketing Executive. I’ll be taking a lead on our social media and online presence along with building relationships with potential clients. I’ve always been passionate about people, so it’s great to step into a role which will allow me to play to my strengths. I’ll also be working with Kris to deliver support to our clients.

Jo Purseglove

I am a Virtual Assistant and Project Manager based in Sheffield with over a decade of skills and experience in Business Administration, Project Management and Marketing. With my degree in Drama, I started my career working in the arts and cultural sector but made the move to a large corporate company for financial security and training opportunities. Here, I achieved awards for my Innovation, Organisation and Engagement in motivating the department at a national level.

In 2020, following my maternity leave, I decided that if I was going to spend time away from my child to work it would be for people, companies and objectives that I felt passionate about. From this point, I’ve worked on some great projects that have reignited my love for working with people and assisting them with their business goals. When Kris first discussed Growing Circles with me, I instantly knew that I wanted to be part of this team who were delivering such great work and right on my doorstep! I’ll be working with the Growing Circles team to keep the backstage area running whilst Kris and the team deliver to our clients.

Lindsay Stockley

I am a certified creative business coach and consultant with over 20 years experience in the creative and cultural sector that spans the festivals and events, theatre, circus and visual arts industries.

With a certificate in coaching, a masters in cultural management and foundation in psychotherapy I help creative entrepreneurs and leaders of creative businesses expand their business and manage their well-being. I support them to impact more people with their work, experience increased profitability and greater work life balance.

My drive in life is to inspire and support others to make a difference in the world. I help people to make the most of their own creativity, harness their unique talents and use these to make their big visions happen.

Our Values