After graduating in Modern Languages from Southampton University, Louise gained a teaching qualification and taught for a few years before taking a different path in retail management with John Lewis. Over many years she worked in different aspects of shopfloor management, and also as an Assistant Registrar, a uniquely John Lewis role which combines counselling, mediation, Partner welfare, advocacy, and involvement in disciplinary and grievance procedures. While in this role she took courses including Mediation in the Workplace (ACAS), Mediation (CIPD), Basic Counselling Skills (RELATE), and MBTI and Belbin profiling.
A mid-life change of direction took her into a career as a professional actor: over the last decade she has worked extensively in theatre, including several tours in the UK and France with the award-winning Antic Disposition theatre company, regional tours for Theatre Royal Bath, and a solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe. She also works in TV, film and voiceover.
She has ten years experience in corporate roleplay, including one-to-one scenarios, forum theatre, and bespoke roleplay, delivering courses including customer service, leadership, performance management, interviewing skills and influencing skills. Louise has found her previous career to be invaluable in understanding the demands of the business environment.