A calm, human way of supporting work that carries a lot
Most people I work with are capable, thoughtful, and deeply committed to what they do.
Their work is functioning. Things are moving. But a lot is being carried quietly in the background.
I’m Debra, founder of CollabWork.
I work alongside founders, consultants, and people‑led organisations who want their work to feel clearer, steadier, and less mentally heavy — without rushing, forcing productivity, or handing everything over.
My role is to help reduce the mental load that comes with running a business, while acting as a sounding board when decisions need thinking through.
How I Work
I work best in steady partnership.
Some clients come to me for practical, day‑to‑day support. Others want space to think more clearly about priorities, systems, or decisions. Most need a combination of both.
I work alongside you at your pace, adapting my support to the stage and shape of your work. The aim isn’t to take over. It’s to make work feel more manageable and decisions easier to hold.
I lead CollabWork personally. When additional capacity or specialist input is helpful, I bring in trusted associates — always with consistency, care, and clear communication.
Experience, without the CV
I bring over 30 years of experience working alongside founders, senior leaders, and teams across corporate, public, charity, and wellbeing settings.
Over time, I’ve supported: • complex day‑to‑day operations • periods of growth and change • sensitive, people‑focused work • leaders carrying a lot of responsibility
That experience means I’m comfortable holding detail, spotting what matters, and supporting work in a way that’s grounded and proportionate.
I hold professional qualifications including a Mini MBA for Executive Assistants and AgilePM Foundation certification. More importantly, I’ve spent years inside real organisations, seeing how work actually unfolds.
What Shapes My Approach
My work is informed by long‑standing involvement in workplace wellbeing, mental health, and people‑led organisations.
I’m particularly interested in how work is experienced — not just how it looks from the outside.
I don’t believe in rushing, urgency theatre, or one‑size‑fits‑all systems. I believe in clarity, trust, and creating enough structure for people to work well without burning out.
Neurodiversity, wellbeing, and inclusion
I’m a trained Neurodiversity in the Workplace instructor, with additional training in workplace wellbeing and mental health.
This informs my work with: • wellbeing‑led organisations • HR and people professionals • charities and social enterprises • individuals seeking more inclusive, sustainable ways of working
I also run a peer‑to‑peer support group for neurodivergent Virtual Assistants. Staying close to lived experience helps me support clients with greater care, realism, and thoughtfulness.
Leadership and community
Alongside my client work, I’m part of the Leadership Team at Let’s Improve Workplace Wellbeing (LIWW), a cross‑sector network focused on healthier, more sustainable ways of working.
This work reflects my commitment to thoughtful, human‑centred practice — and continues to shape how I partner with both individuals and organisations.
Outside of work
When I’m not working, I spend time with my two Romanian rescue dogs and my cats.
I also volunteer with UK‑based not-for-profit animal rescues, supporting fundraising, fostering, and adoption work.
That work matters to me. It keeps things in perspective and reminds me what steady, values‑led commitment really looks like.
Let's connect
If you’re looking for calm, practical business support — and someone you can genuinely think things through with — you’re welcome to get in touch.
There’s no pressure and no hard sell. Just a conversation to see whether working together feels like the right fit.
We can start with a conversation to see whether working together feels like the right fit.