About

Fascinated by motivation

After Oxford, I started out as a politics lecturer at Queen Mary College (London University), then taught social sciences and study skills at the Open University for 14 years.

During this period I met countless students struggling with deadlines and distractions. And I witnessed the impact of procrastination among teaching colleagues. For so many students and staff, it really was the elephant in the room, the perennial problem that we all encountered but didn’t discuss.

To understand more about the role of motivation in teaching and learning, I trained as a certified professional co-active coach at the renowned Coaches Training Institute.

Then in 2008 I launched my consultancy JLP Coach.

Global Expertise

Since then I’ve coached hundreds of individuals from diverse backgrounds, including many who identify as neuro-diverse or experience physical disability and/or mental health issues. I’ve spoken to audiences of all sizes, from student groups to international conferences.

I’ve led workshops in boardrooms, classrooms, conference halls and even a spa! And recently I’ve led virtual events for individuals and organisations worldwide.

From students avoiding assignments to professionals postponing key tasks, I understand what it means to get ‘stuck’. So I offer solutions to shift the habit and get things done. The aim is not only to boost performance but to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

What are your credentials?

In addition to my degree in Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE), I hold a postgraduate teaching certificate from the Open University. So I’m now a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority. I’m also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a charity committed to innovation and social change.

I’ve been a member of APDO Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers for over a decade and volunteered for 6 years as an Board member. During this time, I wrote and led the 1st UK courses for professional organisers.

And I’m also proud to be involved with ICD, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. I belong to the ICD Time Management & Productivity task force and contributed a chapter on procrastination for the new ICD textbook.

Academy of Virtual Organisers

In 2017 I won the Small Business Sunday award created by Theo Paphitis and in 2019 I was a finalist for the Work Avenue Brand of the Year business award. And just for fun, I was delighted to be awarded the Queen of Organising Skills award by the Aqua Design Group.

During the pandemic, I continued to coach online and to speak at several virtual events. I also founded an Academy of Virtual Organisers and created the 1st UK training for professional organisers who are pivoting to work with clients online. My mission is to support professionals and small businesses during these challenging times by sharing advice to boost productivity and maintain motivation.

Any publications to help with procrastination?

I’ve written two books for the popular What’s Your Excuse? series: Being More Productive (2017) outlines practical strategies to stop procrastinating. Clearing Your Clutter (2018) will help you to declutter and get organised.

My next book will be on how to help teens develop effective time management and study skills. In addition, I’ve written countless articles about time management, organising and productivity, and am regularly featured in the media.