I am a Chartered Librarian, with a background of providing information services to industry. For the past 13 years I have been advising members, industry, government and the wider community, on behalf of the professional body the Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals (CILIP).

I have mind mapped since I was 17yrs, when I was bought my first copy of Use Your Head, by Tony Buzan. I credit mind mapping with helping me through my A Levels and my degree, as I had always found exams daunting until the revelation that I could enter an exam room with an image of the relevant topic(s) in my mind. This technique released my brain to concentrate on responding to the questions, rather than worrying at the stuff I had tried to cram before-hand.

Subsequently I used mind mapping to plan and develop the various library and information services I managed. I also increasingly used it for agenda setting, minutes, business planning etc with colleagues. Seeing people who were initially resistant suddenly ‘get it’ is magical.

In my personal life, mind mapping is my default for life: whether planning parties or holidays, preparing present/card lists, journalling, or just thinking.

I have set up a business focussing on creative transitioning. Helping people, at all stages of life transition, move towards a more fulfilling and rewarding life. Mind Mapping is the cornerstone for helping people adjust their lives and to approach things from a fresh perspective. For those entirely new to the concept, mind mapping frees up their minds to think differently and to allow for more freedom and flexibility.