About me

I'm Liana, recognised as one of the "Most Influential Women of 2022" by Startups Magazine. I bring 19 years of expertise in Strategy & Innovation, Influencer Marketing, Community Design, PR, Programme Management and Behaviour-Change to the startup world 🌍. Venture Catalyst, Founder and Inspirer-in-Chief. My experience in venture development and business growth is why I'm a sought-after public speaker, facilitator, brand ambassador, and mentor. Champion for environmental stewardship. Certified Carbon Literate by the Carbon Literacy Trust ♻️. HOST & CREATOR🎙️ You'll find me on 'Unfinished Business,' a new podcast created by Inspiration Space, where I delve into the 'highs and lows' of entrepreneurship through the stories of inspiring founders like Cindy Gallop (The 'Michael Bay of Business'), Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones (The Black Farmer) and Maxine Laceby (Absolute Collagen). I've also had the privilege of interviewing industry trailblazers including: 🌟 Alli Webb, DryBar 🌟 Kat Cole, Former COO of Focus Brands & Current President of Athletic Greens 🌟 Aishetu Dozie, Founder of CEO of Bossy Cosmetics 🌟 Rahaf Harfoush, NY Times Bestselling Author, Digital Anthropologist and Founder of the Red Thread 🌟 Amy Errett, Investor and Founder of Madison Reed And so many more... BUT, I'M NO ONE TRICK PONY My work and interests extend beyond the traditional boundaries of small business support, help to grow and startup acceleration. I geek out about Blockchain, in particular the development of new use cases that connect the dots between transparency, efficiency, storytelling, food security and climate justice. My lived experience navigating ADHD has fuelled my advocacy for neurodiversity, proving that unconventional thinking styles achieve extraordinary results. LET'S CONNECT IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR 👀 : 🤝🏾 Partnership opportunities with an ambitious community of diverse talent 🔥 A dynamic workshop facilitator ⛮ A creative strategist or ideation "gun-for-hire" 🎙️An entertaining and insightful podcast guest to discuss: Founder Life, Working Parents, The Future of Work, Carbon Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Daring to Lead 🤗 A lively and confident event host for salon-style gatherings, panel talks, or the main stage Want a wealth of free resources and stories to accelerate your path to success? Follow @inspirationspace right here on LinkedIn 🧠

PostsProjectsExperienceTeam

• In search of fellow Creatives, Founders & Freelancers with ADHD and/or AuDHD for market research re: Access to Work.
• Are you aware of the impact that new laws about greenwashing and environmental legislation will have on business?
• Looking to collaborate with experts on bitesize workshops (approx 60-minutes) for small businesses and startups. Paid, of course.

Work history

FounderInspiration Space
Jan 2018United KingdomFull Time
Inspiration Space logo DirectorDirector Inspiration Space · Full-timeInspiration Space · Full-time Jan 2018 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mosJan 2018 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos As the founder of Inspiration Space, I lead a nimble team of three, working together to guide business owners who don't always get the help they need. I manage and support startups and small businesses. I help them plan for the future and solve problems as they come up. I use simple methods to create business plans are sustainable and have high-growth potential. In 2020, we created our own startup support programme and peer network, which has already helped over 100 startups. Some of these startups have gone on to do amazing things, like joining notable accelerators such as Techstars and Antler, winning big government contracts and picking up awards. Our programme helps businesses to get their product or service out there in just three months. As a skilled facilitator and podcast host, I've worked with brands like Blinkist, Startups Magazine, British Business Bank and P & G Ventures. I've been a keynote speaker, panellist, and podcast host, offering engaging sessions that inspire and educate. I've delivered Carbon Literacy training to 60+ small businesses for Waverley and Reigate & Redhill Borough Councils. I facilitated the 'Help to Grow' programme for the University of Winchester. I was named one of Startups Magazine's 'Most Influential Women of 2022' and am a finalist in the 2023 Startups Magazine Hustle Awards for 'Inspirational Woman in the Industry'.
Public SpeakerInspiration Space
Jan 2018London, United KingdomFull Time
Disruptive innovation is what leads to progress - change is where the real opportunity for business growth lies. And it takes a special kind of speaker who can inspire people to think outside the box and embrace change. The good news? That’s where I come in. I am a keynote speaker, creative facilitator and ‘Inspirer-in-Chief’ who is passionate about helping teams embrace disruptive innovation and creativity. My talks and workshops will help your teams and attendees learn how to think differently, lead with purpose, and unleash their inner genius.

Skills

• Marketing Communications
• PR
• Community Building
• Community Outreach
• Community Engagement
• Entrepreneurial Mind-set
• Entrepreneurship
• Creative Entrepreneur

Education

U
U
Bachelor of Arts (BA) University of Colorado, Boulder
Sep 2000Boulder, United States