Meet the team

The Mind Gym is the sum of all its fascinating parts.

As well as the dedicated teams in both London and New York, we have a wealth of experts who bring everything to life. From our network of coaches who deliver our services, the academics who keep the psychology rigorous, to the leaders driving it all – meet the team.

Leadership team

The leadership team is responsible for ensuring that The Mind Gym delivers on its three core values:

  1. Clients are delighted.
  2. The integrity of our service is beyond question.
  3. Every interaction is stimulating.
Global managing director

Octavius Black

Global managing director

Global solutions director

Sebastian Bailey

Global solutions director

Non-executive chairman

David Roberts

Non-executive chairman

Head of client team

Spencer Forrest

Head of client team


Academic board

Keeping the content up to date, rigorous and useful is The Mind Gym's lifeblood.

The Academic Board was created to guide The Mind Gym's in-house psychologists. These critical friends challenge and inform The Mind Gym's thinking on topics varying from personality profiles to measuring impact.

The role of the board is to:

  • Advise on the overall integrity of what The Mind Gym offers.
  • Highlight new thinking and fresh approaches that The Mind Gym should consider.
  • Adjudicate the annual prize for original psychological research.
Visiting Professor of Psychology and Learning Bristol University

Professor Guy Claxton

Visiting Professor of Psychology and Learning Bristol University

Programme Leader - MSc Applied Positive Psychology University of East London

Doctor Ilona Boniwell

Programme Leader - MSc Applied Positive Psychology University of East London

Professor in the School of Psychology University of Exeter

Professor Janet Reibstein

Professor in the School of Psychology University of Exeter


Coaches network

The Mind Gym workouts are run by qualified Coaches with a wide range of experience and interests ranging from conflict resolution in Sierra Leone to writing feature films.

All our solutions and services are delivered by our global network of qualified coaches. Wherever your business, whatever your need, we'll provide a coach to suit your company's style.

Here's a selection of coaches from the global network. Contact us to find out more.

Anisha Kaul

Anisha Kaul

Anisha works as an executive coach and learning and development consultant. She has worked with organisations in the finance, retail and public sectors including Shell and The Singapore Ministry of Defense.

Jessica Chivers

Jessica Chivers

Jessica has a first class psychology degree from Stirling University and previously worked for Waterstones and Whitbread in people and culture development.

Karen Sigalas

Karen Sigalas

Karen comes from a 7 year background in Management Consultancy in Change Management. She recently set up her own practice as a professional coach, working with investment bankers.

Simon Rollings

Simon Rollings

Prior to becoming a coach, Simon worked as a Senior Consultant. Since qualifying, Simon's clients with The Mind Gym have included Diageo, MTV, Fujitsu and Virgin.

Tom Blaisse

Tom Blaisse

Tom worked as an organisational consultant and program facilitator for over 20 years. He was Director of Training and Development for HERCO and holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology.

Chirag Jain (CJ)

Chirag Jain (CJ)

As a management consultant, Chirag has worked in the IT, Leisure, Telecoms, Wealth Management and Financial Services sectors. He also has experience working with Coca-Cola and Unilever.

Jose M Ruperez

Jose M Ruperez

Jose is a native Spanish speaker and a business development consultant. Since qualifying as a Coach, Jose has worked with United Biscuits International and Hewlett Packard.

Noel Woodgate

Noel Woodgate

Noel worked at Xerox for over 18 years. He qualified to work as a Coach with the Mind Gym in 2005 and has delighted participants at BT, Curry's and Whitbread.

Stephanie Hopper

Stephanie Hopper

Stephanie has over 14 years experience working with Thomson Reuters. She has worked extensively in both the financial services and media industries.

Tracy Gunn

Tracy Gunn

Tracy's most recent role was Head of Leadership Development for Marks & Spencer. Since qualifying as a Mind Gym coach, Tracy has worked with clients including Invesco, Ofcom, the BBC and Arcadia.