Lesley Gulliver

With over 25 years in the sector, Lesley is a design strategist working with global organizations through to start-ups. Her career began in brand consultancy, and she has worked at the Director level in a number of design companies. She is focused on measurable returns and understands design in terms of impact, growth, service development, and culture change.

She has led projects for large organisations yet particularly enjoys working with SMEs looking to embrace design to help them move to their next level of growth. She is a seasoned design workshop facilitator and has contributed to and/or led Design Council programs such as Designing Demand, DiPS, Design Academy, and Transform Ageing. Since 2013, Lesley has been managing director of award-winning strategic design consultancy The Engine Room. During her tenure, the business has increased NP by circa 37%, escalated its turnover per capita, and received the highly accredited Grand Prix Award at the national Design Effectiveness Awards.

A highly inclusive approach informs all of Lesley’s work, and her style is particularly well suited to coaching and facilitation. She has trained in person-centered psychotherapy and works with a person-centered style ensuring empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. Her approach is non-directive and non-judgmental. She believes this provides the best foundation for the development of both colleagues and clients. She is a former Board Director of the Design Business Association.