Purpose. Clarity. Results.

Jo Howorth

I help leaders and organisations create change that matters. Change that is thoughtful, inclusive and built to last. Whether mentoring an academic through a career crossroads or advising a university on inclusive innovation, my focus is the same: supporting people to lead with clarity, confidence and care.

With over 20 years of experience across higher education, innovation and leadership development, I have worked with institutions, start-ups and mission-driven organisations to turn bold ideas into action by putting people at the heart of the process.

Before founding ActuateYou, I led enterprise and innovation transformation at the University of Leeds, designing award-nominated programmes, brokering cross-sector partnerships and empowering hundreds of researchers and leaders to grow.

Now, through ActuateYou, I offer tailored mentoring, strategic advice and programme design. I work with individuals at pivotal moments, helping them reconnect with their strengths, find their voice and move forward with confidence. I also advise leadership teams and organisations on inclusive practice, strategy and culture.

Clients describe me as calm, perceptive and a trusted sounding board. I bring structure, insight and a human touch to complex situations, asking the right questions, listening deeply and helping people see a way through.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about strategy. It’s about people. And helping people lead well is the most powerful change strategy there is.

Director, ActuateYou Ltd

Qualifications and professional memberships

• CMI Level 7: Leadership Coaching and Mentoring – within organisational culture.

• Professional Member, European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC UK)

• Certified Partner, Leadership Effectiveness Analysis & Coaching, Management Research Group

• Experienced Leader, MIT Venture Mentoring Service Methodology

• Fellow, Advance HE

• Mentor, Aurora Leadership Programme (Advance HE) – Supporting women into senior roles in higher education

• ICO Certified - Data protection registered

How I work

I believe leadership is about people, not just process. My approach is personable, collaborative and grounded in real understanding of what helps people and organisations thrive.

I don’t deliver generic workshops, churn out slide decks or rely on one-size-fits-all answers. Instead, I work alongside you as a trusted sounding board, mentor and advisor. I listen carefully, ask the right questions and bring structure and momentum when you need it most.

If you’re looking for honest, human-centred support that helps you see the way forward and the confidence to take it, then we’re a good fit.

Strategic roles and contributions

• Strategic Consultant – Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association

• Advisor – Emerald Publishing Neuroinclusive Advisory Board

• Advisory Group Member – Researcher Education and Development Scholarship Conference (REDS)

• Member and Guest Chair – Network for Coaching and Mentoring Entrepreneurs (NCME)

What People Say About Working With Jo

”If I was to say one thing about Jo it is that she makes things happen that otherwise wouldn’t. In a university context that is incredibly valuable, but in any setting dominated by inertia and process Jo can find a way to add value. Innovation is a word that is easy to say, but so often is just an excuse for chaotic disruption: Jo has shaped and advocated for some of the best examples of meaningful and focused innovation our postgraduate researchers and early career academics have benefited from and I cannot recommend her enough."

- Luke Windsor, Dean, Doctoral College, University of Leeds

”Jo is a highly entrepreneurial, creative and innovative leader. She works hard, but seemingly effortlessly, managing diverse stakeholders to 'get things done' in a way which realises maximum value and impact. Jo is a breath of fresh air and an asset to any team."

- Jayne Glennon, Director of Philanthropy, University of Leeds

”Having had the pleasure of working with Jo on a range of innovation and education projects I have always been struck by her ability to not only generate new ideas, but to then take these flawlessly through the process of implementation and delivery. Jo has an incredible knack for being able to bring the best out of others which combined with her willingness to genuinely shape projects based on expert advice means that she is as effective within projects that focus on unusual and novel areas as she is with those focussed on her usual sphere of work. Ultimately, if you want to work with someone who will help to build and develop innovation, leadership and educational change through overhauling and developing processes, programmes, organisations and individuals then there is no need to look much further!"

- Kieran Zucker, Health Data Scientist, Clinical Oncologist, Researcher, Educator and Innovation Advisor

60+ personal recommendations on LinkedIn

Our Commitment to Best Practice

At ActuateYou, everything we do is grounded in clarity, confidence, and care. We're guided by the standards of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC UK), which promotes excellence and ethics in coaching, mentoring, and supervision.

As the founder and lead practitioner, I’m a professional member of EMCC UK and apply these principles throughout every stage of our work together—from first contact to contracting, data handling, and delivery. That means honest communication, mutual respect, and consistently high standards—so you can focus on what matters most: yourself, your team, and the change you’re here to lead.

ActuateYou is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and fully complies with UK data protection regulations. Your personal data is handled with transparency and care, always in line with legal requirements.

For me, it’s not just about good process—it’s about building trust, creating space for growth, and supporting change that lasts.