Say hello to The Bright Thread

Welcome to The Bright Thread - a small, intentionally limited coaching offer for people in impact-facing roles.

The “bright thread” refers to something I see again and again in the people I work with (and in myself): a hidden but shining thread that runs through their values, their work, the things they care about, the choices they make, and the people they surround themselves with.

It’s the thread that pulls them towards work that matters. Towards impact. Towards people. Towards trying to make something better.

If you work in charities, research, communities, or any space connected to social or environmental change, you probably recognise your thread - even if it feels a little tangled.

The Bright Thread is about helping you find that thread, gently untangle it, and follow it - reconnecting with yourself along the way.

A bit about me

My career has been, in the best way, a little wiggly. Over the past 15 years, I’ve moved between the charity sector and higher education, with a couple of detours along the way.

I now work as a Research Impact Lead, supporting researchers in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences at King’s College London. It’s a role I genuinely love. Every day, I’m exposed to awe-inspiring work, from groundbreaking academic research to thoughtful, creative projects led by professional services teams.

It was through this role that I was able to formally train as a coach. At the time, I remember thinking, “Easy! I already do this - I might as well get the certificate.” How wrong I was! The training challenged me, stretched me, and ultimately improved how I support others in my day-to-day work. After 15 months, I qualified… and then immediately became unwell :)

Slowing down (and starting again)

After months of testing, I was diagnosed with an acute form of sarcoidosis affecting my lungs and lymph nodes. This illness stopped me in a way I hadn’t experienced before. As you might expect, it triggered something of an existential crisis. All the goals, the plans, the hobbies I’d neglected - they suddenly felt impossible. I was suddenly aware of how much time I had left (morbid I know). I knew I had to step back from the constant busyness of my life, and really consider how I was spending my time and energy.

To rewind slightly - I grew up in a small, working-class family. I was the first to go to university, and the first to move away from literally everyone I knew. My journey has been incredible, and I've had a wonderful career, but I've had to face challenges around identity, belonging, and what success is supposed to look and feel like. For a long time, I said yes to everything that might help me “progress,” often at the expense of doing things that made me feel most like myself.

As I began to recover from sarc, I started making small but meaningful changes. I returned to the things I’d quietly set aside - painting, making, creating. Things that felt joyful, low-pressure, and mine. At work, I became more intentional too. I chose projects that felt purposeful and aligned. Some worked beautifully; others didn’t - and that’s part of the process.

That mindset - making space, trying things, letting ideas emerge - is something I bring into my coaching.

I know what it feels like to:

• want to do meaningful work

• care deeply about impact

• and still feel unsure, pressured, or slightly out of place

That’s a big part of why now feels like the right time to launch The Bright Thread.

What I’m offering

Through The Bright Thread, I offer:

• Coaching for people in values-led impact-driven roles who want more clarity, confidence and balance in their career.
  

• Training for charities, researchers and community organisations on impact, theory of change, and doing meaningful work well
  

• Practical resources that are accessible, inclusive, and useful. This will include guides, tools, reviews and videos, shaped by my professional experience and rediscovered creativity.

  
  

Accessibility is central to this work.

I know that coaching and training can often feel out of reach, especially in the sectors and communities I care about the most.

Because I’m building this alongside my full-time role, I’m able to offer:

• lower-cost options

• free resources

• and supported spaces for people who might not otherwise have access

This does mean the offer will remain intentionally small (or, if we’re being generous…✨exclusive✨). (Explore my coaching offer here).

Say hello

If you’re someone who:

• cares about doing work with real impact

• wants to feel more confident and grounded in such roles

• and doesn’t want to lose your values along the way

then I’d love to hear from you.

Whether you’re interested in coaching, training, or just a virtual coffee - you’re very welcome to get in touch.

Or simply follow along. I’ll be sharing more thoughts, tools, and ideas here soon.

With love, light, and gratitude,

Vx