ABOUT
Hi, I'm Lucy 👋 I am an entrepreneur with a portfolio career.
In 2023, I moved fulltime into the freelance space – giving me time to work on co-authoring my first book as well as being involved in various thought leadership projects.
I am the Founder of Light Spark Group - The Global IT Leadership, Team and Problem Solving Consultancy and Coaching Company.
Additionally, I am a Co-Founder of Women of ITSM which is officially launching Summer 2024.
Continue reading to find out more about my skills, career, projects, publications and how to work with me.
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Skills:
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Understanding People & Cultures
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Collaboration & Creating Communities
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Creative & Thought Provoking Conversations
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Clear & Concise Communication
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Happy & Unhappy Path Planning
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Immersive & Practical Training
Expertise:
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Coaching
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Service Management
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Community Building
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Individual Career Development
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Team Development
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Personal Branding for Women in the Workplace
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Allyship & Women in the Workplace
CAREER
My corporate career is driven by my belief in PEOPLE, passion for PROCESS & experience in TECHNOLOGY which I use as part of innovation across the work I do.
I have worked in global businesses across multiple industries including Banking, Retail and Telco, led cross-functional & international teams as well as worked on multi million £$ & NDA transformation projects.
Businesses worked in:
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John Lewis Partnership
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Selfridges
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Harrods
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TJX Global
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Virgin Media O2
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Investec
In 2017, I faced a turning point in my world when I was confronted with a mental health challenge that forced me to re-evaluate my career and priorities. Inspired by my own experience and the desire to help others overcome similar challenges, a year later, I qualified as an ICF Coach.
**COMING SOON**
This April 2024 I will be announcing the soft launch of a combination of my Coaching Practice + Consulting Business.
It's been over 5 years since I set out on a different path from what I was on.
Over that period, I have become an ICF Accredited Coach, NLP Practitioner, CBT & L2 Counsellor. Started to freelance, write a book, speak at events.
and everything else in-between.
After spending the last two years building my personal brand, client base and network - this evolution is what is needed. It goes beyond a service as I also introduce digital products with a pipeline to turn them into a physical product.
A mail list will be set up soon, and if you would like to be added, please send me an email and I will ensure you are first on that list.
QUALIFICATIONS& MEMBERSHIPS
Behind the practical, the theory fuels ideas and innovation. I am also a self-confessed life-longer learner. So... here's a snap short of my qualifications:
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ICF Coaching Diploma (ACC)
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NLP Practitioner
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Basics)
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Level 2 in Counselling Skills.
Memberships:
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International Coaching Federation (ICF)
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ICF UK Chapter
PROJECTS
Careers & Coffee - LinkedIn Lives + Youtube Channel
Join Lucy Grimwade & Charlotte Picker who are passionate about having creative career conversations usually over a cup of coffee and occasionally a glass of fizz!
Between Lucy & Charlotte, they have 30+ years of career experience across a variety of industries in technology & operational roles.
They are advocates of mentoring, coaching & sponsorship to tailor your trajectory in your career. As well as being passionate about supporting women in the workplace, they believe in cultivating inclusive workplace cultures with a balanced workforce & identify as people-first leaders.
As close friends who share many values in & outside the workplace they formed Careers & Coffee to share their experience, knowledge & thought leadership on all things career and welcome you to join in the conversation too.
On this channel, you'll find the main series Careers & Coffee which, is broadcast on Linkedin as well as an accompanying on-demand-only mini series'.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
Talk Female Friday Podcast
(No longer creating new content)
A podcast that is focused on empowering women who want more from their work-worlds.
The Podcast that is on a mission to empower, coach and educate women and allies around the world to become more confident, knowledgeable and to have the opportunity to listen to real subjects they can either relate to or learn something from.
Talk Female as a term is defined by changing the meaning around words, phrases and stereotypes that tend to have a negative association towards women. Talk Female is about how we can and will edit the narrative to build a valued community with a goal to see justice in the world.
Involvement in ERGs
Employee Relation Group (ERG) - Womens Network Development Workstream Lead - Team leadership for six members and supporting co-chairs with Womens Network Strategy and Representation. Delivered workshops on topics such as CVs, Cover Letters, Personal Branding, Career Development and Goal Setting. Launched an in-house mentorship programme and conduct personalised coaching sessions to help members identify and clarify their VMO2 career objectives, strengths, and areas for improvement. Represented the ERG at a DE&I C-Level day, presenting to the CEO the statistics and objectives.
Reed Women In Technology Mentoring Programme
(2021 - 2023)
Women in Technology Mentoring Programme aims to equip women working in tech with the knowledge and skills to progress and flourish.
Through Reed’s programme, women at any stage of their technology career can connect with an external mentor offering tailored guidance and support, helping mentees to realise their potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.
PUBLICATIONS
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Co-Author - Details to follow.
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Career Column - LinkedIn Articles
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Contribution to 'An Education in Service Management' by David Barrow.
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IIL Article: Understanding the Basics and Benefits of Servant Leadership.
WORK WITH ME
I am always interested in collaborating and supporting organisations or events or even can be a guest on your podcast - I share knowledge of Retail, Career Development & Direction, Allyship and Personal Branding.
I am open to:
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Speaking Engagements
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Collaborations (Podcasts or Articles)
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Consulting & Coaching
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as well as Board Membership.
Email me: lucy@lucygrimwade.com