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, 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.
I've also established myself as a public speaker since publishing my first book in 2011. I passionately share my expertise on a diverse range of topics. These include user-centred software design, cognitive psychology in the realm of user experience & behaviour change design, the nuances of employability & performance, the techniques of stress reduction, neurodiversity & adult autism, 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 art 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.
MY WORK EXPERIENCE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Self-employed
Offering expert consulting, mentoring, and brand development services with a specialisation in enhancing websites, mobile apps, and marketing for improved user engagement. Experience extends to conducting nuanced user research in challenging domains. Clients include HealthPad CIC, Working Planet, Echoes.xyz, I’ve Got Your Back, R&H Home Assistance, The Dreaming Circle, and more.
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 product management & design, as well as employability & entrepreneurship. Clients include City College Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, Bristol Autism Support charity, Venturefest South West conference, Future Sync conference, Adventure Stories, and more.
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 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, artists Helen Wheatley and Cheryll Kinsley Potter at Birdwood House Art Gallery, and Jason Parker of Rhythm Media.
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, Exeter Golf & Country Club, Mount Edgcumbe Country Park, Cowork Ventures Ltd, Michelmores LLP, Lotus Loft Yoga Centre, Exeter Phoenix, and more.
Part-time· ERDF EPIC & Innovate UK Grants · Good With Ltd
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.
Full-time · ERDF Grant · Duesday Ltd
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.
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.
Self-employed
Full-time · All-In Design Ltd
Full-time · Hanza Creative Agency
Contract · Slajd Magazine
Self-employed
Save it for later?
MY EDUCATION
MY PUBLICATIONS
MY COURSES & AWARDS
Agile Leadership
by Software Cornwall
Copywriting
by NLP Eddu Club
Counselling Listening Skills 📜
by Heartwood Counselling
Data Viz
by David McCandless / Information is Beautiful
Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies 📜
by the University of Maryland
Ethical Marketing
by Marketing For Hippies
Facilitating Skills 📜
by Autism Central
Fire Safety (QCF) 📜
by Phoenix Safety & Education
GDPR Compliance
by HSQE
Hill and Moorland Leader
by Mountain Training
Integrated Skills in English (III/C1) 📜
by Trinity College London
Leadership & Management (Level 3 Award) 📜
by Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
by Health & Care Professions Council
NLP Practitioner
by Chris Howard
Process-Oriented Psychology
by START
Safeguarding, Ethics and Boundaries 📜
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
Exeter Startup Weekend (1st Place Award) 🏆
by Google
Yoga Teacher Diploma (500 hours) 📜
by Devon School of Yoga
MY VOLUNTEERING
& Community Events Manager SW Nature Walks
Dartmoor National Park
The Glade
Sarasi Rogers Systemic Constellations
Camerimage Film Festival
TV ProMok
The Red Cross
Contact Paula
Let's start by discussing your goals & needs