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. My background is in communications and engagement and I have over 20 years’ experience working in this area. Prior to setting up The Engaging People Company up I was the director of engagement for a not-for-profit housing provider, responsible for both staff and customer engagement. During my time there, I was so proud to lead the organisation’s successful entry onto the Times Top 100 list three years in a row.

Over the last two decades, I’ve worked in-house and within consultancies in Norfolk and Newcastle-upon-Tyne for a range of organisations operating in social housing and the public sector as well as the private sector too. I have always taken a focused and targeted approach to engaging people, depending on the needs and priorities of the different people we are engaging. In this way, we can reach more people.

I’m also a qualified coach and mentor and over the last decade, I’m had the opportunity to support many different coaches to achieve their goals. I’m an experienced facilitator too and I like to lead sessions in an inclusive and empowering way so that everyone gets a say.

I’m passionate about supporting and empowering wellbeing and I’ve worked with a number of clients to develop and embed wellbeing plans. I also get to work with some amazing colleagues to deliver wellbeing themed training.

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

Aside from The Engaging People Company, I write – fiction, poetry, prose, shopping lists….anything and whenever I can. Most recently, I have been curating ‘When The World Paused’, a diary of lockdown featuring 76 voices. (The book is coming soon).

And, 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!”

Anna Tydeman

HR Consultant

“I created my HR consultancy service to allow me to focus on the area of business I find most rewarding – the people! I have over 20 years of experience working in professional organisations and I am able to balance achieving business goals with providing a supportive environment. I am CIPD qualified and have also undertaken studies with the ILM, CII and Warwick Business School. My areas of expertise are around employee experience: engagement, HR practices and processes, and workplace culture. I’ve had the chance to get to know and work with clients whom I never would have crossed paths with in my previous roles; I feel very lucky. Outside of work, I enjoy walks with the dog, tea with friends and lounging on the sofa with a good box set!”

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