About us
Because real development starts with real people.
At Sharpstone Skinner, we don’t believe in off the shelf solutions or surface level change. We take time to listen, understand your world, and ask the questions that truly matter.
Drawing on experience across sectors, industries, and cultures, we help leaders grow, teams work better together, and organisations perform at their best while keeping wellbeing, humanity, and the future firmly in view.
Working with us is hands on, engaging, and sometimes a little uncomfortable, but it’s always supportive, purposeful, and worth it.
A few words from Helena, our Managing Director
Our associates
Helena works alongside a small group of trusted associates who share her values and approach. Each brings their own depth of experience - from leadership development and coaching to team dynamics, culture and communication - adding richness and breadth to the work we do.
What unites us is a genuine curiosity about people and a commitment to helping others grow. Together, we bring fresh perspectives, warmth and honesty to every project, creating the space for real learning and lasting impact.
What unites us is a genuine curiosity about people and a commitment to helping others grow. Together, we bring fresh perspectives, warmth and honesty to every project, creating the space for real learning and lasting impact.
Caryn Owen
Fiona Dawe, CBE
Jhumar Johnson
Juan Carlos Herrera
Lynne-Marie Howden
Sukhi Vella
Our approach
Because we know development only works when it’s real
We’re not about off-the-shelf training, buzzwords, or quick fixes. We take the time to listen, ask the right questions, and tailor everything to your people and your world. That’s why the changes we help make actually stick.
Because we bring experience that counts.
Led by Helena Sharpstone and backed by a great team of associates, we've spent years working across different sectors, industries, and cultures. We get what makes leaders tick, what helps teams work well together, and what tends to trip them up.
Because we care about people and performance.
We believe the two go hand in hand. Our approach helps people grow, teams work better together, and organisations get results all while keeping wellbeing, humanity, and the bigger picture in focus.
Because it feels different to work with us.
It’s hands-on, it’s engaging - and sometimes it’s a bit uncomfortable. But it’s always worth it. We create learning experiences that get people thinking, boost confidence, and lead to real action.
Who we work with
We work with people and organisations who want to make a real difference for themselves, their teams, and the people they serve. Many come to us at moments of change or growth, when they’re ready to do things differently and looking for thoughtful challenge and support along the way.
- Charities, both large and small, across the UK and internationally
- Professional services firms navigating growth or transition
- SMEs and start ups
- Public sector organisations in healthcare and education
- Household names
- Purpose driven organisations seeking lasting impact
All our clients share a desire to learn, connect and lead with purpose. We meet them where they are and bring openness, honesty and energy to help them create lasting change.
Helena recommends...
Sometimes you ask us for something we can’t do – but we know someone who can. We love to recommend good people and we partner with the following brilliant companies and people.
THINK
Six connected services. One goal: helping purpose-led organisations make confident decisions, build capacity and deliver better results. Consultancy, recruitment, interims, forums, data and research.
Learn moreMiriam Rich Communications
Straight talking public relations to meet your needs including: public relations, media training and crisis communication.
Learn moreVoyager Flight Simulation
Team building sessions and leadership events where you can experience flying a 737 and a helicopter!
Learn moreGet in touch