Who We Are

Michelle Gant

Founder and Director

“I set up The Engaging People Company in 2017 because I know that engaging people is key to success.

I have seen first-hand how powerful it is when we engage people.

“I set up The Engaging People Company in 2017 because I know that engaging people is key to success.

I have seen first-hand how powerful it is when we engage people.

My background is in communications and engagement and I have over 25 years’ experience working in this area. Since I set up the company, I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing clients, delivering engagement and communications plans and activities, predominantly in the public sector, regeneration, social housing, and not for profit sectors.

I have carried out consultation for a number of clients to gain meaningful insight into people’s views and aspirations. This has included through surveys as well as workshops and 121 conversations, using my coaching skills and knowledge of techniques such as Time to Think™ I am committed to providing equal opportunity for people to have their say, and I truly believe it is a privilege to be entrusted with people’s views and ideas.

Aside from my family and friends, writing is my number one love and so I am so fortunate to get to write all the time, especially in my communications and campaign work, and through publishing collaborative books for charities. I am so proud of these and the money we have raised for NHS Charities and Women’s Aid, and a recording of my daughter and I from one of our lockdown books is even in the British Library Covid collection!

I am passionate about wellbeing, and I deliver workshops and sessions around themes such as resilience. I also work with colleagues to support the development of Mental Health Champions.

I’m a qualified coach and mentor and over the last decade, I’m had the opportunity to support many different coachees to achieve their goals. I am particularly pleased that this has included supporting women through maternity and beyond.

I have founded the company on my own personal values and these underpin how I live and work.

Away from The Engaging People Company and engaging stories, I spend time with my amazing family. In everything that I do, I’m driven to be an empowering role model for my daughter Thea. I want to inspire her to fulfil her own ambitions, whatever they may be. As a motto that I live by goes:

‘Believe in yourself
and you’ll be unstoppable’

Our Engaging People friends

We are so pleased that we get to collaborate with some amazing and talented external partners who can bring their skills and knowledge to projects and activities. These are our Engaging People friends and they are fantastic. Meet:

Hannah Edwards

Insight Expert and Researcher

“As an experienced researcher of more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of working with clients from a wide range of industries in both the public and private sectors, and continue to do so through my research and insight consultancy service. I see myself as a kind of detective, speaking to people, listening to what they have to say, finding evidence, to support businesses in making informed decisions. I am highly skilled at designing questionnaires, gathering and analysing information, identifying trends and providing actionable considerations for next steps, always with an eye on meeting client objectives.”

“To relax away from work, I enjoy walking in the beautiful Norfolk countryside and singing in a choir. On a less relaxing note, I am an avid supporter of Luton Town Football Club!”

Tom Oxley

Workplace Mental Health Expert

“I am a workplace mental health expert, advising HR directors on managing mental health across their workforce. Using evidence from my reviews, I create relevant and meaningful plans. I also create bespoke mental health awareness training for leaders, managers and front line staff. Clients include ExxonMobil, Cadbury and East Anglian Air Ambulance. I truly believe that any employer can support all employees on mental health – have a listen to my TEDx talk to learn more.”

www.bamboomentalhealth.co.uk

*We work with Tom in delivering workshops, including Mental Health Champions training.

Stu Haysman

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Expert

“I’m a Chartered health and safety specialist delivering bespoke consultancy and training for valued clients, with a particular interest in workplace stress and mental health. I believe that people are pivotal to the success of any organisation – keeping them safe and healthy, as well as providing them with a great work environment, can only support this success. When our people thrive, so does our organisation! Over the last 20 years I’ve supported various industry sectors including manufacturing, engineering, construction, care, retail, warehousing, distribution, education and not-for-profit.

I provide support with management systems, risk management, workplace safety and training, as well as assisting with incidents, claims or enforcement action. I balance my professional role with a creative outlet in the form of wheel-thrown and slab-built earthenware pottery. I have a small clay studio at home, making pots to use in homes and kitchens.”

www.haysmanconsulting.com

Riley

Head of Wellbeing / Facilities Manager

Riley delivers his role as Head of Wellbeing by causing such a distraction that he forces people to take a break. As Facilities Manager, he helpfully shreds discarded paperwork such as envelopes (sometimes even before they have been opened).