Our Work

The Impact of our work

We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional career coaching, organisational development, and bespoke people development services that make a tangible difference in the lives of our clients and their organisations. Our success is best reflected through the voices of those we've worked with and the impactful projects we've undertaken.

In this section, you'll find a collection of testimonials and case studies that highlight the value we bring to our clients. These real-world examples demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. By showcasing our expertise, dedication, and the positive outcomes we've achieved, we aim to provide you with a clear understanding of how we can support your goals and drive success within your organisation.

Our testimonials offer a glimpse into the experiences of our clients, highlighting the trust they place in us and the significant results we've helped them achieve.

Professional Practice Modules

At Escape Studios, Kate was engaged to to deliver Professional Practice modules to 3rd year Animation and VFX students. This project aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, equipping students with practical skills and insights necessary for a successful career in animation and visual effects.

Challenge:

The primary challenge was to create a curriculum that not only covered essential professional practices but also resonated with students who were about to enter a highly competitive and dynamic industry. The modules needed to be both comprehensive and engaging, providing students with real-world scenarios and practical knowledge.

Solution:

We designed a series of 8 Professional Practice modules that included topics such as:

  • Personal Branding 101

  • Effective communication and collaboration within creative teams.

  • Developing a professional development plan.

  • Networking strategies and job search techniques.

Implementation:

The modules were delivered through a combination of 80-minute interactive lectures and practical assignments. We utilised proven theories, and practical templates to ensure students gained a well-rounded understanding of what to expect as they started their job hunt.

Outcome:

The project was a significant success, with students reporting increased confidence and preparedness for entering the workforce.

“Kate both informs and inspires. Her thoroughly engaging workshops helped fire up my students and properly prepare them for the workforce. She gives both practical knowhow and inspiration to help the mental energy for the job hunt.”
— Paul Harrison, Head of Faculty

Global Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Programme

At 9 Story Media and Brown Bag Films, through OD Consultation and Diagnosis, Kate identified a need for a structured mentorship programme to support key role development across multiple departments over 5 global locations. By engaging with HoD's and Senior Producers to analyse needs, she designed and launched a global peer-to-peer mentorship programme aligned with skills forecasts.

Challenge:

The company required a structured mentorship programme that could effectively bridge skills gaps, support career development, and foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the organisation.

Solution:

We designed a comprehensive global mentorship programme that included:

  • Detailed needs analysis and mentor-mentee matching process.

  • Development of mentor training materials and support documents.

  • Implementation of a global communications strategy to promote the programme.

  • Integration with the company’s Learning Management System (LMS).

Implementation:

The programme was launched across five global locations, involving more than 40 mentors who provided career and industry coaching to both internal and external mentees. We coordinated the recruitment of mentees, facilitated mentor training sessions, and established a global mentorship matching committee.

Outcome:

The mentorship programme significantly enhanced career development opportunities within Brown Bag Films, driving global engagement and professional growth. This initiative helped the company address hard-to-fill roles and improve succession planning.


“I have learned so much from working with Kate. She has a vast knowledge of learning and skills development and is an excellent project manager. Kate has the ability to command a room and get people on board with ideas—even people who were initially on completely different pages.”
— Ruth McElhone, formerly Head of L&D

Access to Industry Work Programme

The Game Academy engaged Kate to design and deliver a series of employability modules aimed at supporting gamers transitioning into industry roles. This programme was specifically tailored to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully enter the workforce within the gaming industry.

Challenge:

The primary challenge was to create a curriculum that addressed the unique needs of gamers, providing them with practical skills and strategies for navigating the job market. The programme needed to cover a wide range of topics, from personal branding to portfolio development, to ensure participants were fully prepared for their career transitions.

Solution:

We developed a comprehensive employability programme that included the following modules:

  • Personal Branding: Techniques for creating a strong personal brand, both online and offline.

  • CV and Cover Letter Creation: Guidance on crafting professional and impactful CVs and cover letters tailored to the gaming industry.

  • Portfolio/Showreel Development: Strategies for showcasing skills and projects effectively through portfolios and showreels.

  • Job Search Strategies: Effective methods for searching and applying for jobs, including networking and leveraging industry connections.

  • Interview Techniques: Preparation for interviews, including common questions, presentation skills, and follow-up practices.

Implementation:

The programme has to date been delivered to multiple cohorts of 40 learners each, through a combination of online workshops and one-to-one coaching sessions. This approach ensured that participants received both group-based learning and personalised support. Interactive elements, such as breakout sessions and practical assignments, were incorporated to maintain engagement and reinforce learning.

Outcome:

The Access to Industry Work Programme was a significant success. Participants reported increased confidence and readiness to enter the gaming industry, with many successfully securing roles within the sector, and many gaining employment in other industries after significant periods of unemployment. The tailored approach and practical focus of the programme were highly appreciated, leading to positive feedback and high levels of satisfaction among the learners.

“I want to express my gratitude to the fellow game industry experts who made this journey even more enriching; - Kate Lander for her comprehensive support throughout the course, from creating an effective CV to setting up LinkedIn, and sharing portfolio/showreel knowledge and job search strategies.”
— Tony
“Industry professional lectures were extremely insightful- one that particularly helped me a lot was Kate Lander’s on building strong resumes and recognizing valuable skills I might have overlooked otherwise. (Thanks again, Kate!)”
— Martyna
“Kate Lander, What you have taught us over the last few weeks is beyond words. You should be hired for the education board so your knowledge of creating an effective CV and setting up an efficient LinkedIn profile can be taught in schools. Thank you. ❤️”
— Molly

Bespoke Leadership Training Programme

Kate was engaged by Maverick Media to design and deliver a bespoke leadership development programme tailored to the needs of their leadership team. The programme aimed to enhance leadership skills, address specific organisational challenges, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Challenge:

Maverick Media identified a need for a comprehensive leadership training programme that could address the unique challenges faced by their leaders in an Agency setting, with a cross-section of permanent, contracted, and freelance teams.
The goal was to develop a curriculum that was both engaging and effective, incorporating industry-specific scenarios to ensure relevance and applicability.

Solution:

We developed a bespoke leadership development programme that included the following components:

  • Assessment of Leadership Needs: Conducted an in-depth analysis of the leadership team’s strengths and areas for improvement through consultation with Senior Leaders and HR.

  • Customised Training Modules: Created twelve interactive modules using gamification techniques to fully engage participants. The modules covered various aspects of leadership, including strategic thinking, decision-making, team management, and communication.

  • Blended Learning Approach: Utilised a mix of online training, self-assessment reflection activities and self-led learning, interactive workshops, and online resources to provide a well-rounded learning experience.

  • Continuous Feedback and Support: Implemented regular feedback sessions and one-to-one coaching options to ensure participants could apply their learning effectively.

“Kate has delivered high-quality leadership training to our management teams at Maverick. Having designed and delivered tailored / bespoke training to the gaming industry makes it valuable and gives us a great ROI. Highly recommending Kate and we will definitely have her back for future training!”
— Allison Theunissen, Mavericks Senior HR Manager

Executive Outplacement Programme

Lander Consulting was engaged to design and deliver an Executive Outplacement Programme for senior management and executives at South Lakeland County Council. This programme was initiated due to the amalgamation of four county councils into two district councils, necessitating a comprehensive outplacement solution to support the affected leaders during this transitional period.

Challenge:

The primary challenge was to provide tailored outplacement services that addressed the specific needs of senior management and executives, helping them navigate the complexities of career transition during a significant organisational restructure, each had over 20 years of tenure with their employer and had not been actively job seeking in at least 2 decades. The programme needed to be both sensitive and robust, offering strategic guidance and practical support.

Solution:

We developed a bespoke Executive Outplacement Programme that included the following components:

  • Career Analysis: Conducted detailed assessments of career ambitions, capabilities, and strengths using psychometric analysis and career anchors evaluation.

  • Career Planning: Supported individuals to develop short, medium, and long-term career plans to provide clear direction and actionable steps for either redeployment, or re-employment.

  • Professional CV and LinkedIn Optimisation: Provided full CV writing and LinkedIn coaching, and gave training on the development of professional bios to enhance visibility and marketability.

  • Advanced Interview Training: Delivered extended interview training, including mock interviews (on request) with feedback, to prepare participants for senior-level job interviews.

  • Networking and Job Search Strategy: Offered advanced LinkedIn coaching and developed networking strategies, including introductions to key agency and industry contacts.

Implementation:

The programme was delivered through group coaching sessions, ensuring personalised and confidential attention and customised support through 4 training modules:

  • Personal Branding

  • CV Writing Skills

  • Navigating the Job Market

  • Interview Skills

*Some individuals also embarked 1:1 coaching once their consultation had ended.

Outcome:

The Executive Outplacement Programme successfully supported senior management and executives during a critical transition period. Participants reported increased confidence in their career prospects, with many securing new roles that aligned with their career goals and aspirations. The tailored approach and comprehensive support provided were instrumental in helping these leaders navigate their career transitions smoothly and effectively.

“Kate provided a suite of outplacement services and training to myself and our Executive Team as the Council went through a significant time of change. She delivered a bespoke programme of 4 outplacement modules for us; For many colleagues, significant time has passed since they were last actively looking for jobs outside of the Council, and Kate’s extensive experience, patience, and up-to-date insights on the ever-changing world of employment provided us with the confidence and courage needed to prepare for career transition. Personally, I also had a 1:1 coaching session with Kate to gain clarity on my next steps, and in just one hour, her expert direction and coaching enabled me to define my own brand and establish a strategy for the next interesting and exciting stage of my career.”
— Lawrence Conway, former CEO of South Lakeland County Council

In this section, you will find a collection of individual testimonials that highlight the transformative impact of our services. These personal accounts showcase the trust our clients place in us and the significant results they have achieved through our coaching and support.

  • "Some people you meet change your life. Katie is one of those people. I had opportunity to have some career development sessions with her. I had been floundering and was looking for 'the answer' for my next career steps. Katie, with humour and immense care and knowledge, taught me that I was asking the wrong questions and that I had the answer I really wanted within myself. She taught me to take ownership of all my achievements and not to hide my fear of failure behind the mask of responsibillity, enabling me to move my career forwards. I cannot recommend her more highly."

    Ruth Ducker: Creative Director in Animation

  • "Meticulous and passionate are words that spring to mind when I describe Kate. I worked with her one-to-one where she used her skills and industry knowledge to advise me. Kate really excels at identifying skills and competencies, and getting them down on the paper, yet her service provides much more than just that. Kate helped me identify who I am as a professional and what I offer future employers. Her excellent communication skills helped build a narrative that I can confidently and effectively relate in pursuing new career opportunities. She is a real talent and I highly recommend her services."

    James Joyce: CG Artist and Animator

  • "Kate’s passion, knowledge and genuine care literally brought me back to life and armed me to step out and create the life I wanted. I’ll be forever grateful for the work we did together in those coaching sessions. She’s an invaluable coach and person to have by your side!"

    Waynette Hollis: Legal Counsel & Executive Coach

  • "Kate was fantastic and best of all a lovely human being. It was a real pleasure to do business with her and the work she produced for me was fantastic. Highly recommend."

    Bradley Channer: CFO, CIMA Council & Investment Leader

  • "Highly recommend Kate to provide job seeking advice from CV and cover letter writing to styles and techniques for applications and interviewing. She is super professional, positive, upbeat and a talented writer who works quickly and efficiently to suit your timeframes."

    Jane Patterson ONZM: Chief Operating Officer at FIFA

  • "It’s rare that you come across standout talent like Kate. ‘Genuine expert’ is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Kate. Kate worked with me in helping me create a killer linkedln profile, and supported me throughout my journey of changing my career and helping me with my CV. Kate is so efficent and nothing is too short notice. She is a real talent and would highly recommend her to help you secure your dream job."

    Michelle Banks: Sponsorship & Strategy Director at Brouha

  • "It was a real pleasure working with Kate. Kate took the time to understand my needs as a client and that combined with her experience and expertise, allowed her to achieve the desired results for me. She was very diligent in keeping us on track as well as being flexible when the need arose. I am already seeing result from working with her which is a testament to her skill. I highly recommend her for her services."

    Salma Bello: Management Consultant

  • "I thought i was good with my CV, Kate was better! I loved the process. It helped to pull all my experience together in a cohesive way. Kate's tips for improving the style and content were amazing. Really appreciate it. She made a difficult time a little bit easier."

    Michael Weber: Director of Food & Hospitality Services

  • "I signed up for the ‘7 Steps to Successful Self Promotion’ programme with Kate, out of curiosity to see what tips I could pick up to help with my job search. Kate was simply brilliant ... not only is she a very experienced career coach, but with her sales background as well, she really knows how to support individuals in promoting themselves in the job market. She is very down to earth, authentic, extremely friendly, helpful and likeable. Following this programme, I have refined my CV and LinkedIn profile, and feel I’m in a better position to pick myself for high impact. I would have no hesitation in recommending her services."

    Nadia Simmonds: HR Leader & EDI Specialist