Meet Our Directors
Melanie Hawkett
Co-Director Make Strides Learning & Development
Melanie is a big believer that learning should feel exciting, not like a box to tick. She’s passionate about helping people and organisations unlock their potential, grow in confidence and take bold steps forward. Known for her friendly, down-to-earth approach, Melanie has a talent for bringing people together, sparking new ideas and turning plans into action. She’s driven by making a real difference, whether that’s supporting young people to shine, helping teams work better together or building partnerships that create lasting change. Melanie is a mom of three, loves a challenge such as trekking across the Sahara or in the Himalayas for charity and adventures in her camper van.
Gemma Stuart Young
Co-Director Make Strides Learning & Development
Gemma is passionate about helping people develop, realise their potential, and discover they’re capable of more than they ever imagined. Drawing on a strong industry background and senior leadership experience, she combines insight with a warm, approachable style and a can do attitude that inspires confidence. She loves seeing individuals grow, teams work better together, and ideas turn into real results. A sudden cardiac arrest survivor and CPR champion, Gemma is dedicated to raising awareness of life saving skills. Away from work, she’s mum to two teenage girls, a devoted dog mum, and happiest when she’s outdoors or travelling to explore somewhere new.
Dont just take
our word for it.
From early steps to major milestones, we’ve helped people move forward in life and career. Hear directly from our clients about the impact.