Clarity. Honesty. Momentum.

I help leaders cut through complexity. I'm Jo Howorth, Founder and Director of ActuateYou, and a Clarity Partner for leaders, innovators and mission-driven teams.

For over 20 years I’ve worked across higher education, business and entrepreneurship, helping people and organisations turn bold ideas into meaningful change. I’ve led enterprise and innovation at scale, mentored hundreds of leaders, and designed award-nominated programmes that grew cultures of inclusion and enterprise.

But what clients value most is how I work:

• Asking sharp questions that cut to the heart of the issue.

• Creating space for honesty and new perspective.

• Bringing calm energy and momentum when it matters most.
  

I don’t deliver generic workshops or churn out reports no one uses. I work alongside you, listening carefully, reflecting honestly, and sparking clarity when things feel complex.

Jo Howorth, Director, ActuateYou Ltd

Credibility

• CMI Level 7 Leadership Coaching and Mentoring

• Experienced Leader, MIT Venture Mentoring Service Methodology

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

• Certified Partner, Leadership Effectiveness Analysis and Coaching

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

• Fellow, Advance HE

• Certified Community Walk Leader, National Trust

Advisory Work

I advise leadership teams and organisations on inclusive practice, strategy and culture:

• Emerald Publishing – Neuroinclusive Publishing Environment Advisory Board

• Neurodiversity & Entrepreneurship Association – Strategic Consultant

• Network for Coaching and Mentoring Entrepreneurs – Guest Chair and Panellist

• Researcher Education & Development Scholarship Advisory Group

What People Say About Working With Me

”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