A little about me
Hi, I'm Debra — the person behind CollabWork.
I've always been someone who gets involved.
Throughout my career, I've enjoyed working with people, understanding how things fit together, solving problems and finding ways to make things happen.
I've spent over 30 years working closely with senior leaders, executives and teams across corporate, charity and public-sector organisations. I've supported leaders at Lloyd's of London, Royal Bank of Scotland, Aviva and Save the Children, in roles requiring discretion, sound judgement and considerable responsibility.
But I've never been someone who simply sticks to the boundaries of a job description.
If I spot something that needs doing, an opportunity to improve things or a way of bringing people together, my natural instinct is to get involved.
And once I’ve taken responsibility for something, I like to see it through.
At Save the Children, that included coordinating sensitive executive-level work, acting as a key liaison during the recruitment of a new CEO, and working with senior stakeholders to keep complex activities moving forward.
Bringing that experience into CollabWork
CollabWork brings together the things I've always enjoyed most about my working life.
I love understanding how businesses operate, getting to know the people behind them, tackling challenges and helping make things happen.
My work ranges from practical business and VA support to online business management, project delivery and improving systems and processes.
I'm equally comfortable getting stuck into the details or looking at the bigger picture.
And I enjoy being the person a client can talk things through with — someone who understands the business, brings another perspective and can help turn ideas into action.
For me, it’s the combination of interesting work, meaningful responsibility and good working relationships that makes a partnership successful.
Experience backed by professional development
Alongside my career experience, I've continued to develop my professional knowledge and skills.
My qualifications and development include:
Accredited Online Business Manager — EleVAte programme
AgilePM Foundation certification
Executive Assistant Mini MBA
These complement the experience I’ve gained through years of practical work, taking responsibility, dealing with challenges and working alongside people at different levels of organisations.
Bringing people together
One thing that's been a constant throughout my career is my enjoyment of connecting people.
I've organised and run networking groups for much of my professional life, often alongside my formal roles and responsibilities. I founded and chaired the Cross Sector Wellbeing Forum, bringing together professionals from more than 60 organisations to share ideas, learn from one another and tackle common challenges.
I enjoy creating opportunities for people to meet, share experiences, exchange ideas and support one another.
That interest in people and relationships continues today.
I've also led wellbeing programmes and coordinated practitioner networks, working with colleagues, specialists and senior stakeholders to turn organisational priorities into practical initiatives.
I run a peer support group for neurodivergent virtual assistants and have been involved in cross-sector conversations about healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
For me, building relationships has never simply been about networking. It's about genuine connections, shared experiences and helping people move forward.
How I work
I believe the best working relationships are built on trust, good communication and mutual respect.
I like to understand the person as well as the business, because the two are often closely connected.
I'm naturally proactive and curious. I'll ask questions, notice things, share ideas and use my judgement to help find practical solutions.
I'm not someone who sits on the sidelines waiting for instructions, but I'm also not interested in taking over.
I want to work alongside clients, take responsibility for what we’ve agreed and make a positive difference to how their business runs.
And I think it’s important to enjoy working together. A good rapport, openness and the occasional laugh can make a real difference.
Outside of CollabWork
When I’m not working, animals are a big part of my life.
I share my home with my rescue dogs and cats, and I volunteer with animal rescue organisations, helping with fostering, adoption and fundraising.
It's something I care deeply about, even if life with rescue animals doesn't always go quite to plan!
Let's get to know each other
If you think we might work well together, I'd love to hear more about you and your business.