I turn complex ideas into stories people believe, care about, and act on
Narrative strategy, positioning and high-stakes writing for leaders and organisations with something important to say
30+ years | 6 published books | Microsoft | BT | Waterstone’s | Cambridge Judge Business School
You’ve got something important to say. You just can’t quite see the story.
I can find, test, and shape your story into a memorable narrative that sounds like you at your best and moves your audience to act.
And if you need it, I can stay alongside you as your story evolves.
I’m a narrative strategist and ghostwriter. Over the years, clients have described me as a CSR news hound, a developmental editor, a thought partner, a writing companion, an impact writer, a word hag, and “the closest we’ve got to a unicorn”.
Where I can help:
- Strategic positioning — shaping brand guidelines, websites, success stories, sales decks, internal comms, and newsletters around a clear narrative
- Thought leadership — from case studies and white papers to presentations, blogs, and books
- Rehumanising AI-generated content so it sounds like you at your best
I bring the strategic thinking of a consultant, the curiosity of a journalist, and the craft of a writer. That’s what people buy — and why they tend to buy it more than once.
“After witnessing the types of messages and stories Nicki unearthed in the research project I commissioned whilst director of citizenship for Microsoft UK, I knew we could trust her to find golden seeds in the most unlikely places, to plant them in a way which would engage our intended audience, and to do so quickly and consistently. So, we recommissioned her as our CSR news hound.” — Bronwyn Kunhardt, director of citizenship, Microsoft UK
What this looks like in practice
ieso Digital Health — Three contracts. $56m raised. 47% → 98% clinician training completion. Positioning for their first digital product fed a marketing strategy that helped raise $56m. I then provided editorial direction for the second contract, followed by communications support through a full platform transformation — reducing staff onboarding from 4 months to 3 weeks and increasing clinician training completion from 47% to 98%. When their Chief Innovation Officer became a CEO elsewhere, she brought me with her.
Aspuna Group — I started by writing their profile for Cambridge Social Ventures at Judge Business School. Then came the brand guidelines, website, and repositioning that helped establish them as the world’s first social-impact commodities business. I became their communications partner, then a non-executive director. Now I’m writing the positioning for the founder’s next venture.
Cambridge Social Ventures, Judge Business School — Alumni profiles that won an award and led to a Pioneers Post commission for the Social Enterprise World Forum.
Why clients keep coming back
30+ years finding stories that change what people think, feel, and do. Six published books. Two more in development. Many long-term retained clients across technology, training, HR, coaching, and social impact.
Clients trust me to untangle their thinking, find the story that’s hard to see from inside their heads or their organisation, and shape it into something that speaks for them in rooms they’ll never enter.
Creative, credible
“The most credible and creative writer I have worked with. She brings new ideas and a fresh approach, which means you produce a piece of work that stands out and differentiates your organisation.”
Creative, collaborative
“Nicki has supported me on several book projects and publications. Her creativity, copywriting, and proofreading skills are exceptional — delivering outcomes that are clear, engaging, and memorable for our audience. Her positive energy, empathy, and collaborative approach complement her expertise and professionalism perfectly.”
Monumentally creative
“She basically makes me look fantastic. Incredibly wise, quick turnaround, monumentally creative, and a joy to work with.”
Amusing and insightful
“Nicki’s initial work with me was on uncovering some of the stars of the company — ‘Hidden Heroes.’ The team look forward to reading her amusing and insightful pieces. The stories have been so successful that we now use Nicki to write for our customer newsletters too.”
Thought-provoking, engaging, compelling
“Nicki demonstrated an exemplary use of storytelling techniques in creating a Citizenship brochure for us, which was thought-provoking, engaging, compelling and positive. I would not hesitate to recommend her. She is great to work with and delivers the results every time.”
Perpendicular thinker
“What I love about working with Nicki is her ability to do perpendicular thinking. She listens to what needs to be communicated and transforms it into readable, relatable communication. It’s like a superpower.”
Clear, engaging, consistent
“Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering encouragement have been fundamental in building my confidence. She crafted our style guide so our materials are clear, engaging, and consistent.”
Trusted, reliable
“Nicki was one of the most reliable and effective PR account directors who worked for me at Pipex / UUNET / Worldcom. Her prowess almost led to us handing our entire national account to her team. Only scale stopped us. A trusted and reliable asset at all times.”
Natural storyteller
“Well able to translate our random ramblings, and some pretty complex concepts, into accessible, reader-friendly language. She is also a highly effective and natural storyteller.”