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

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

As an independent consultant 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.

Additionally, I am a public speaker and author, sharing insights on topics such as user-centred software design, employability, neurodiversity, wellness, and outdoor adventure planning.

With a background in digital design, I also contribute to artistic communities as an art model.

Most recently, I have embarked on academic research in Indic religious studies, supported by my yoga teaching certification and extensive teaching experience.

MY WORK EXPERIENCE

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Digital Experience Consultant (UX) since 2016

Self-employed
Offering expert consulting, mentoring, and business development services with a specialisation in enhancing websites, apps, and marketing for improved user engagement. Experience extends to conducting nuanced user research in challenging domains. Clients include Good With Ltd, HealthPad CIC, Working Planet Ltd, Pesso Boyden Devon, Glade Writer, Echoes.xyz Ltd, I’ve Got Your Back, and more.

Lecturer, Educator, Facilitator, Compère & Public Speaker since 2017

Self-employed
Delivering lectures, workshops, talks, presentations, and webinars to universities, colleges, businesses, conferences, and charities on topics such as user-centred software design, cognitive psychology in the realm of user experience and behaviour change design, the nuances of employability & employee performance, the techniques of stress reduction, neurodiversity and adult autism, and wilderness access & expedition planning. Clients include Arts University Plymouth, City College Plymouth, Bristol Autism Support charity, Venturefest South West conference, Future Sync conference, Adventure Stories...

Art Model since 2016

Self-employed
Providing life modelling services to colleges, art galleries, and art groups. Working in a variety of mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, digital, and photography. Interpreting the 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, art teacher Sara Sullivan at Plymouth College, and more.

Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher since 2015

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

Senior UX Strategist & Researcher 2021–2022

Part-time · Good With Ltd · ERDF EPIC & Innovate UK Grant
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.

UX Director 2017–2020

Full-time · Duesday Ltd · ERDF Grant
Managing a team of five responsible for curating an optimal user experience for Millennials and Gen X across all products and channels. Conducting research, 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 UX & Interface Designer & Developer 2013–2016

Full-time · blur Group Plc / Maistro Ltd
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

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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

"Consumer-Oriented Online Shop Creation"
2011

"Consumer-Oriented Online Shop Creation"

Intuitive E-commerce Guide

Buy now on Amazom
"Wizerunek firm w Internecie"
2009

"Wizerunek firm w Internecie"

Language: Polish 🇵🇱

Download .epub

MY COURSES & AWARDS

Agile Leadership
by Software Cornwall

Copywriting
by NLP Eddu Club

Counselling Listening Skills 📜
by Heartwood Counselling

Data Viz
by Information is Beautiful

Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies 📜
by University of Maryland

Ethical Marketing
by Tad Hargrave

Fire Safety (QCF) 📜
by Phoenix Safety & Education

GDPR Compliance
by HSQE

Google Startup Weekend (Winner) 🏆
by Google

Hill and Moorland Leader
by Mountain Training

Leadership & Management 3 (Award) 📜
by CMI

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
by Sunrise Psychology

NLP Practitioner
by Chris Howard

Process-Oriented Psychology
by START

Safeguarding, Ethics, Boundaries & Facilitating Skills 📜
by Autism Central

Teacher Training
by Code Club Pro

Understanding Autism 📜
by Autism Central

Understanding Media by Understanding Google 📜
by Northwestern University

User Experience Workshops
by Mekonta

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

MY VOLUNTEERING

Nature Walks Guide 2017–2024

& Community Events Manager SW Nature Walks

Tree Planter 2018–2024

Dartmoor National Park

Catering Assistant 2023

The Glade

Facilitation Assistant 2019–2025

Sarasi Rogers Systemic Constellations

Logistics Specialist 2006–2007

Camerimage Film Festival

Videographer & Journalist 2004

TV ProMok

Fundraising Coordinator 2002–2005

The Red Cross

Contact Paula

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