Purpose. Clarity. Results.

Jo Howorth

I help leaders and organisations make change that matters—change that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and built to last. I also work with individuals going through career transitions—helping them reconnect with their strengths, articulate their value, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

With over 20 years’ experience across higher education, innovation strategy, and leadership development, I’ve worked with institutions, start-ups, and senior teams to turn bold ideas into meaningful action. Before founding ActuateYou, I led strategic transformation at the University of Leeds—designing award-nominated programmes, building cross-sector partnerships, and empowering hundreds of researchers and leaders to grow with confidence and purpose.

But my work has always been about more than programmes and policies. It’s about people—how they lead, how they grow, and how they show up for others. That’s what drove me to create ActuateYou: to help individuals and organisations navigate complexity, unlock leadership potential, and build the kind of cultures where people and ideas can thrive.

Alongside ActuateYou, I serve as a Strategic Consultant in University Engagement with the Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association, supporting universities to embed inclusive innovation into their ecosystems. I also work with mission-led organisations as a mentor and advisor—helping leaders build adaptive teams, lead with integrity, and drive positive change from the inside out.

I’ve been told I bring energy and clarity to complex environments—someone who listens well, asks the right questions, and helps others move forward with care and confidence. Whether I’m designing leadership programmes, mentoring senior executives, or shaping strategy at a systems level, my goal is the same: to help people lead with purpose and create impact that lasts.

Director, ActuateYou Ltd

Qualifications and Professional Memberships:

• CMI Level 7: Leadership Coaching and Mentoring – Specialising in organisational culture and adaptive leadership.

• 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

• Network Member, Chair & Guest Panellist, Network for Coaching and Mentoring Entrepreneurs (NCME)

• ICO Certified - Data Protection Registered

Through ActuateYou, I offer tailored mentoring, leadership development, and strategic advisory—designed to help leaders grow from the inside out and lead with clarity, courage, and care.

Let’s build leadership that leaves a legacy—within people, teams, and the systems they shape.

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

65+ 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.