My name is Paula, or Pa'a for short.

I'm an award-winning multiprofessional with 20 years of experience.

As an independent consultant, educator and researcher within British SMEs, my role entails overseeing the integration of user, business, and technology experiences. This involves serving as a user advocate, devising complex user research, and mentoring employees.

Additionally, since publishing my first book in 2011, I've established myself as a public speaker. I passionately share my expertise on a diverse range of topics. These include cognitive psychology in the realm of user experience & behaviour change design, the nuances of employability & performance, the techniques of stress reduction, and wilderness access & expedition planning.

Furthermore, my academic background in digital design has cultivated a strong affiliation with artistic communities, thus enabling me to contribute as an assistant and artist's model.

More recently, I've embarked on an enriching academic journey driven by my aspirations to become a scholar-practitioner of Indic religious studies. This pursuit builds upon my successful completion of yoga teacher training and years of experience as a teacher.

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User Experience Digital Consultant PRESENT 2016 →

Self-employed
Offering expert consulting, mentoring, and brand development services with a specialisation in enhancing websites, mobile apps, and social media for improved user engagement. Experience extends to conducting nuanced user research in challenging domains. Clients include HealthPad CIC, Working Planet Ltd, Echoes Ltd, I’ve Got Your Back Rebecca Cunningham, The Dreaming Circle Ricardo Goni, and more.

Lecturer, Educator, Facilitator, Compère & Public Speaker PRESENT 2017 →

Self-employed
Delivering webinars, presentations, talks, and workshops to schools, charities, businesses, and conferences on topics such as mental health, mindfulness & stress management, wilderness access & expedition planning, user-centred software design & planning, as well as employability & entrepreneurship. Clients include Bristol Autism Support charity, City College Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Venturefest South, User Replay Ltd, Adventure Stories, and more.

Artist's Model PRESENT 2017 →

Self-employed
Providing life modelling services to schools, art galleries, and individual artists, working in a variety of mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, digital, and photography. Interpreting artist’s vision, utilising physical endurance, yoga-boosted flexibility, and meditation, as well as creating a comfortable and productive working environment. Notable clients include award-winning painter Gregory Mason, TV storyboarder Rob Pybus, Helen Wheatley and Cheryll Kinsley Potter at Birdwood House Art Gallery, Sara Sullivan at Plymouth College, and Jason Parker of Rhythm Media.

Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher PRESENT 2015 →

Self-employed
Leading Rāja & Haṭha Yoga one-on-ones, group classes and retreats in various settings – studios, gyms, business parks, beaches, yachts, homes, and online via Zoom. Notable venues and partners include Naleia Yachting International, Blue Chip Holidays Ltd, Exeter Golf and Country Club, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cowork Ventures Ltd, Michelmores LLP, Lotus Loft Yoga Centre, Exeter Phoenix, and more.

Senior User Experience Strategist & Researcher 2021 – 2022

Part-time · Good With Ltd · Reporting to CEO · ERDF EPIC & Innovate UK funding
Planning and conducting in-depth research on the intersection of mental health, financial education, and AI technology. Utilising methods such as user interviews, academic paper reviews, and usability testing. Analysing data, producing insights & reports, and prototyping and testing solutions tailored to Gen Z. Leveraging outcomes to devise effective UX strategy and inform other areas of business.

User Experience Director 2017 – 2020

Full-time · Duesday Ltd · Reporting to CEO · ERDF & private funding
Managing a team of five responsible for curating an optimal user experience for Millennials and Gen X across all products and channels. Conducting research and prototyping and testing solutions addressing the challenges arising from financial hardship and billing constraints. Working collaboratively in areas such as brand, design, marketing, sales, usability, and user support to ensure a seamless experience for the target audience.

Lead User Experience & Interface Designer & Developer 2013 – 2016

Full-time · blur Group Plc / Maistro Ltd · Reporting to UX Director
Designing and FE-developing digital tools for project management and business matching. Ensuring consistent brand identity across products. Conducting usability audits and tests for optimal user experience. Fostering collaboration between design and development teams.

Publishing Editorial, UX Microcopy & Writing Assistant 2005 – 2021

Self-employed

Web Designer & Developer 2011 – 2012

Full-time · All-In Design Ltd

Project Manager, Web Designer & Developer 2008 – 2009

Full-time · Hanza Creative Agency

Photojournalist 2006 – 2008

Contract · Slajd Magazine

Web Designer & Developer 2002 – 2011

Self-employed

MY EDUCATION

MA
SOAS University of London
DISTINCTION in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation
2023
MSc
The Technical University of Lodz / University of Porto
DISTINCTION in Information Systems in Management and e-Commerce
2011
BSc
The University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz
FIRST CLASS HONOURS in Graphics and Multimedia
2009
Level 3
The Complex of Economic Schools in Pabianice
Economics and Business Administration: Maths, English, Polish
2005

MY PUBLICATIONS

"Wizerunek firm w Internecie"
2009

"Wizerunek firm w Internecie"

🇵🇱

Download .epub
"Consumer-Oriented Online Shop Creation"
2011

"Consumer-Oriented Online Shop Creation"

Intuitive E-commerce Guide

Buy now on Amazon

MY COURSES & AWARDS

Agile Leadership by Software Cornwall

Copywriting by NLP Eddu Club

Data Viz by David McCandless / Information is Beautiful

Developing Innovative Ideas by University of Maryland

GDPR Compliance Training by HSQE

Hill and Moorland Leader by Mountain Training

Integrated Skills in English (III/C1) by Trinity College London 🏆

Intro to Counselling (Level 2) by National Counselling Society

Leadership & Management (Level 3 Award) by CMI 🏆

MBSR by Health & Care Professions Council

NLP Practitioner Training by Chris Howard

Process-Oriented Psychology by START

Teacher Training by Code Club Pro

Understanding Media by Northwestern University

User Experience Workshopping by Mekonta

Exeter Startup Weekend (1st Place Award) by Google 🏆

Yoga Teacher Diploma (500 hours) by Devon School of Yoga

MY VOLUNTEERING

Community Events Manager 2017 – 2020

South West Adventurers

Facilitation Assistant 2019 – 2020

Sarasi Rogers Systemic Constellations

Logistics Specialist 2006 – 2007

Camerimage Film Festival

Videographer & Journalist 2004

TV ProMok

Fundraising Coordinator 2002 – 2005

The Red Cross

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