About Me
A calm, human-first approach to business support
Hi, I’m Debra, founder of CollabWork.
I support small business owners, consultants, and organisations who want their work to feel more organised, more intentional, and less overwhelming.
My role is to bring clarity and structure to the way people work, while also acting as a trusted sounding board — someone you can think out loud with, sense-check ideas, and rely on for calm, considered support.
How I Work
I work best in partnership.
Some clients come to me for practical, day-to-day support. Others want help thinking through decisions, improving systems, or staying focused on what matters most. Many need a combination of both.
I bring a steady, collaborative presence and adapt my support to fit your business, your pace, and your priorities. My aim is simple: to make work feel more manageable and decisions feel clearer.
I lead CollabWork personally. When projects benefit from additional capacity or specialist input, I work with trusted associates — ensuring consistency, quality, and clear communication throughout.
Background & Experience
I bring over 25 years of experience supporting senior leaders, founders, and teams across corporate, public, charity, and wellbeing settings.
My work spans executive business support, operations, project coordination, and workplace wellbeing — supporting both day-to-day delivery and complex periods of change.
I hold professional qualifications including a Mini MBA for Executive Assistants and AgilePM Foundation certification. This strategic and organisational thinking underpins every client relationship, with a focus on what will genuinely help.
What Shapes My Approach
Over time, my work has increasingly centred on helping people work in ways that are sustainable, realistic, and human.
My background in workplace wellbeing and people-focused organisations shapes how I support clients. I prioritise clear communication, thoughtful planning, and reducing unnecessary pressure.
I don’t believe in rushing, forcing productivity, or one-size-fits-all solutions. I believe in creating space, building trust, and supporting real people in real businesses.
Neurodiversity & wellbeing training
I am a trained Neurodiversity in the Workplace instructor, with additional training in workplace wellbeing and mental health.
This informs my work with wellbeing-led organisations, HR professionals, charities, and individuals who want practical, informed guidance around inclusive ways of working.
My Values
Integrity · Dedication · Responsiveness · Compassion · Clarity
These guide how I work, how I communicate, and what clients can expect from a partnership with me.
Leadership & Community Involvement
I am a member of the Leadership Team for Let’s Improve Workplace Wellbeing (LIWW), a cross-sector network focused on creating healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
In this role, I contribute to strategic direction, collaboration across sectors, and initiatives that support people-led, wellbeing-informed practice. This leadership work reflects my long-standing commitment to thoughtful, human-centred ways of working and continues to shape how I support both individuals and organisations.
I also run a peer-to-peer support group for neurodivergent Virtual Assistants. The group provides a calm, confidential space for connection, reflection, and shared understanding. Staying closely connected to lived experience strengthens my perspective and informs how I support clients to think more carefully about inclusion and sustainable work practices.
Outside of Work
When I’m not working, I spend time with my two Romanian rescue dogs and my cats.
I also volunteer with UK-based animal rescue charities, supporting fundraising, fostering, and adoption work. Animal welfare is something I care deeply about, and this work provides balance, perspective, and a strong sense of purpose alongside my professional life.
Let's Connect
If you’re looking for calm, practical business support — and someone you can genuinely think things through with — I’d be glad to hear more about where you are and what would make the biggest difference.
We can start with a conversation to see whether working together feels like the right fit.