Values driven life

I grew up on a farm in rural, coastal south west Scotland. In a household of 8 lively personalities, family values were strong. The ones I adopted were fair shares for all, work and play in balance, take (calculated) risks, speak up, do your best, be kind.

I studied in Edinburgh and started my working life at BBC TV Centre in London in the heady late 70s. The culture was curious, creative, often courageous. The values were… quality, diversity, integrity, access for all. Right up my street.

Returning to Scotland in the 80s, I worked my way up in the arts and local government over 30 years, growing my skills and expertise in media relations, communication, marketing, public relations, stakeholder engagement, culture change, customer service. I studied Counselling, Life Coaching and Executive Coaching. I set up my own consultancy in 2010 and for 15 years supported CEOs, Boards and organisations across Scotland: national government, national agencies, NHS, local government, arts charities.

In 2012 I launched Final Fling, a public-facing multi-award winning platform to transform end of life planning.

In 2014 I founded the Humanist charity, A Quiet Revolution and over a decade trained and developed a network of celebrants.

In 2016, I went back to school and achieved a Masters in Design Innovation (Service Design) from Glasgow School of Art, winning the Chairman’s Medal for Innovation and the Innovation School’s inaugural Innovation by Design prize. The focus of my thesis: transforming 21st Century Funerals. I started applying my new service design skills with Snook, Scotland’s leading service design agency working with clients interested in improving end of life experiences.

From 2022 to 2025 my service design and engagement skills helped my hometown Stranraer develop a community-led Place Plan and the local council develop an eco-restoration plan for the 200 mile long Solway Coast and Marine Project.

Now and next

I’m in wind-down mode in my consultancy life though I’m still up for ‘playing’ with exciting and challenging projects so speak to me if you think I can help… even as a sounding board.

I still conduct a select few legal weddings, funerals and memorials, and support advance planning for people who want to plan or co-create their funeral in advance.

"Extraordinary
  in every way" 

John Halliday, CEO
Community Renewal Scotland

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