The Longer Version

For over a decade, I've helped people from businesses like Adidas, RICOH and LSE be better at what they do – talking openly about big issues, nurturing big ideas and helping people stay grounded amongst the stress and pressures at work.

From global brands and charities to local schools and change-makers, people are finally starting to have vital conversations around health and happiness, personal success, and how no one has to choose between the two. Through all my work, I’m helping lead those conversations.`

In amongst it all, I made the time to write a book – a brave book, people tell me – about entering and navigating the world of work, wrestling with mental health challenges and finding direction in our lives.

Inspired by my struggles as a creative person walking blindly into self-employment, I founded Creators Club in 2017, growing into a support system and community for fellow creators of all kinds.

Now, whether I am working with creative entrepreneurs, business leaders in large multi-nationals or young people in schools, my focus remains on creating ways for people to tap into their own potential.

Get to know Andy personally

1. What did you imagine you’d be when you grew up?

   A Disney cartoonist or animator.
   

2. What’s your proudest achievement in work so far?

   Writing my first book. The dedication and courage it took was immense
   - the process was really rewarding.
   

3. Why did you start Creators Club?

   I wanted to be in a supportive community for self-employed people doing good things for the world. It just grew from there…
   

4. What advice would you give your younger-self?

   To more open to trying things. I’ve worked hard to tame the fearful and anxious mind.
   

5. What drives you more - success, money or impact?

   Definitely impacting people. Closely followed by being successful. Making money is a driver being self-employed, but it’s not my deeper why.
   

6. How do you switch-off?

   Usually doing yoga, ideally Jivtamukti yoga. I’d like my answer to be playing sport, but that’s not as often.
   For my mental wellbeing, yoga works wonders.
   

7. What helps you be creative?

   Being playful in life, practicing a lot and seeking new inspiration. In work and at home, I’m often in a state of creativity or exploring things. It also helps having people around me that encourage creativity too (and allow my imaginative soul to play!)
   

8. Does your Newcastle accent help or hinder you?

   Firstly, being British and speaking a global language makes me very privileged and lucky. Secondly, having a likeable ‘Geordie’ accent is a massive bonus! Whilst iI’m conscious to moderate it and be understandable, being a facilitator and presenter it’s helpful gift.
   

9. Do you have a party trick?

   I can say the alphabet backwards really fast!
   

10. What’s something you deeply care about?

    Evolving Education. Whilst lots of teachers and schools are doing great work to teach in innovative ways, our UK Education system (and most around the world) mostly measures people in restricting ways.
    

11. Do you read, and what?

    Yes I do, mostly non-fiction. Books that help me think about my relationship with the world around me more deeply. Authors like Brene Brene and Wayne Dyer are my go-to.
    

12. What are people often surprised about?

    That I have a degree in Product & Furniture Design.
    

13. One life-changing thing you’d recommend?

    Improvisation Theatre. Both to stretch your comfort zone and build your creative confidence.
    You’ll Say “Yes...and” a lot more to life and opportunities.
    

14. You support so many people, what do you do for yourself?

    I have a coach which is priceless. I commit every year to a deep personal growth retreat. On top of that, I see a counsellor when I need to, read a lot of books and journal lots.
    

15. Your favourite book?

    The one that’s had the biggest affect on my life is ‘Start Something That Matters’ by Blake Mycoskie.
    

16. One quote that inspires you?

    “Loving ourselves, through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do” - Brené Brown