Creating Space for Progress

What I do:

  • Design workshops: virtual or in person

  • SWOT workshops for staff & trustees

  • Away Days (planning and leading)

  • Coaching high-performance teams

  • Stakeholder input and strategy sessions

  • Panels and roundtables

  • Innovation labs

  • Focus groups (DEI, consumer experience, product prototyping and more)

  • Sticky messes and impasses

Building on 15 years of practical experience in programme design and entrepreneurship, I upskilled with a business Master’s in Innovation, Creativity and Leadership. This layered in principles from psychology, corporate best practice, leading academic research, and mixed methods from the creative industries...a smoothie of insights from around the world that energises me every day. 

To facilitate powerful idea generation and development, I draw on a wide range of proven methodologies that truly bring out the best in teams.

"I never knew I could be so creative" and "I can't believe I never thought of that!" are things I hear over and over again. Let's talk about what problems need solving and who you'd like to bring together. I'd be honoured to help design the right approach for you.

A male and female charity trustee face each other in chairs, their knees almost touching as they engage in a Board Away Day designed and facilitated by Diana Squires. They have open body language and are listening actively.

Case Study

Charity in the Midlands

The CEO and Chair of a small UK charity approached me to facilitate a Board Strategy Day at a critical inflection point for the organisation. Governance of this non-profit had broken down, due to conflicting views of its mission and divergent ambitions for its charitable objects. I designed a session to mediate these differences and tackle the interpersonal conflict head-on. The trust that the Chief Executive and Board Chair placed in me was an essential ingredient. During the process that I facilitated, I heard one participant say, “I never thought I would change my mind, but suddenly I see the valid points on the other side.” Another participant said at the start, “My goal today is to convince everyone to go in the direction I think is right.” By the end, several options had been explored and all but one agreed to support the direction that had emerged as most viable and mission-aligned. The individual who did not support this outcome decided to resign from the Board and allow the remaining group to move forward.

“Thank you for helping us reach a consensus! I am excited for the future.”

Chief Executive

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  • "Diana has a strong ability to structure conversations in a way that moves a group beyond surface-level agreement. She effectively draws out high-quality thinking and is particularly skilled at creating space for every voice. This consistently leads to richer discussion and more original perspectives."

    Rosa Campbell

    Vice President, JPMorgan Chase

  • “Diana was a superb facilitator from start to finish. With natural passion she guided us clearly through the day, was specific about how to approach the task and engage with our team. She instilled confidence when ideas were not yet completely formed. A wonderfully kind, energetic and knowledgeable partner.”

    Event Participant, 2024

  • "Diana has a genuine gift for helping people find their voice and use it with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Her coaching session struck a chord with inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs who face anxiety or impostor syndrome. She effectively addresses how to lead the change you’re seeking to make in the world."

    Dr. Bola Olabisi

    CEO, Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network

  • "Diana is an exceptional facilitator. She has a rare ability to create environments where people feel both stretched and supported. Her facilitation consistently unlocks meaningful dialogue and practical action."

    Sarah Fullick

    Assistant Director of Knowledge Transformation, Trussell

  • “Diana is a creative collaborator who unleashes each person’s best while confidently leading the team to success. Her ability to hear others and see things from many angles ensures an outcome that satisfies diverse perspectives.”

    Angela Konrad

    School of the Arts, Media and Culture

  • "I'm so grateful for your exemplary support of our organisation. It’s been a challenging time for us and you have been a beacon of calm light: sage, considered, but bright optimism."

    Managing Director, arts organisation in London

  • "Diana is a first-class public speaker and a skilled and deft facilitator. She has creativity in her lifeblood and I’m delighted to recommend her."

    Ed Mayo MBE

    Former CEO of Pilotlight

FAQ

  • Everything is up for discussion, especially if you are with a charity. The best way to start is to share your desired objectives and the budget you have in mind.

  • Working with people who inspire me. Causes that make a tangible difference in the world. Stories worth telling. Teams that value excellence. Room for big ideas.

  • Less social media, more conversations. LinkedIn is it for me!

Ready to work together?

Contact Me