Who is Willow VA?

After university, I began my career as a Prison Officer and Army Reservist, armed with a Masters in Applied Forensic Psychology and, admittedly, a fair set of rose-tinted glasses.

It didn't take long to learn that the world rarely fits neatly into ideals. Between those two roles, I came to appreciate that life operates in shades of grey, and that meaningful change often requires more patience than passion alone.

That understanding led me to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, where I found real purpose in supporting people through the messier chapters of life. Working within a CBT framework, combining goal tracking with risk assessment, I worked across both custodial and community settings, collaborating with local councils, police, probation services, and various charitable organisations.

My introduction to professional administration came through supporting a visually impaired client in their work at the Food Standards Agency. Accuracy, concision, and the ability to enable swift decision-making were non-negotiable.

From there, I moved into an Executive Assistant role at a not-for-profit membership association, taking on a broad remit: project management, supplier relationships, HR, office management, and everything in between. If the office was an airport, I was the person on the runway with the light sticks, making sure everyone got to the right gate.

Following the pandemic, I joined a global political consultancy, which brought a new layer of complexity and ambition to the work I'd grown into. Stepping into the CEO's shoes to manage staff and business operations while they travelled solidified what I already suspected: this is the work that suits me.

Going independent has allowed me to continue doing the work I find genuinely meaningful while being present for my family as they begin carving out their own paths.

If you're looking for someone who brings calm, competence, and a breadth of real-world experience to the role, I'd love to hear from you.