The Team

About the team

As a business we are super lean! We have very few overheads and do not employ any more than our core staff (shown below). This means we can deliver services to you for a fraction of the cost of many of our competitors. Having said this, we also have the opportunity to scale up very quickly with a large team of trusted and respected associates who we have known for many years. This means we can deliver any size of project (almost!) for you and your business.

Dave (Founder)

Dave Hider is the Founder/Owner of Mind-Gap. With over 30 years of experience leading transformational change in various social and commercial enterprises, Dave has a strong background in Leadership Theory and Practice, Strategic Planning, High-Impact Training, and Executive Coaching

Dave has a range of qualifications including an MBA in Leadership & Management (Distinction), ILM Level 5’s in Leadership & Management and Coaching & Mentoring. He holds a range of Assessor, Internal Verification qualifications & Teacher Training quals (at Level 4). Dave is also an NLP and Transactional Analysis practitioner (TA101).

Dave is committed to modelling a different kind of business at Mind-Gap, one that is established on four unshakable values. In a 2024 interview on the Big Balance Theory podcast, Dave discussed the Mind-Gap journey, the importance he places on his philanthropic approach to business.

For further information on Dave’s career, see here.

Esme (Head of Psychometrics)

Esme leads on Mind-Gap’s Psychometric offer. She is a qualified Thomas International Practitioner for PPAs and TEIQues (Emotional Intelligence).

She also manages the Finance and Administration functions of the business, ensuring smooth operations and customer relationships.

With a degree in Outdoor Leadership, completed in 2020, Es brings a unique perspective and a passion for personal and professional development. She divides her time between the UK and India and works remotely for Mind-Gap.

Esme’s understanding of Psychology, Personality and Culture informs all she does for Mind-Gap.

Sajjan (Head of Digital)

Sajjan leads the digital initiatives at Mind-Gap, overseeing all aspects of our online presence and technology strategies.

He brings a wealth of knowledge from the tech industry, having spent several years in customer-facing roles within IT.

Sajjan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Madras University and has developed a deep understanding of the evolving tech landscape. His expertise in technology and customer relations ensures that Mind-Gap stays at the forefront of digital innovation.

Sajjan works remotely, bringing his global perspective and passion for digital transformation to the team.

Paul (Head of Quality)

Paul is Head of Quality Assurance at Mind-Gap ensuring that resources and delivery are of a high standard. He also leads our proof-reading offer to businesses and MD/CEO’s

After gaining an Honours Degree in Education, Paul left a job in Information Technology to volunteer as a teacher-trainer in China.

He subsequently spent over 20 years in China, teaching English at Universities, doing curriculum development and providing proof-reading services to Chinese Professors.

In 2024 he returned to the U.K. (with his Chinese wife and 11-year-old son) and now works part-time with Mind-Gap.

Sam
(Facilitator & Coach)

Sam Pratley is an Associate of Mind-Gap. He supports Mind-Gap in facilitating groups and delivering Executive Coaching.

Sam has worked in a range of sectors over the last 20 years; leading social and charitable businesses.

Sam’s core skills/strengths are Organisational and Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Data, Finance Governance, Innovation and Executive Coaching.

Sam has a degree in Management Sciences from Loughborough University, an enhanced diploma in Professional Studies and completed an Advanced Business Leadership Course with Cranfield University Business School as well as numerous coaching, counselling and supervising qualifications.

Sam is a trustee of Close House and a junior football coach at Westfields Football Club.

Karin
(Facilitator & Coach)

Karin Cooke is an Associate of Mind-Gap. She supports Mind-Gap in facilitating groups and delivering Executive Coaching.

Karin has worked in a range of sectors over the last 20 years; leading social and charitable businesses.

Karin’s core skills/strengths are Leadership Development, Strategic planning and Executive Coaching. Karin has a degree in Social Work from Plymouth University, as well as an ILM Level 5 in Coaching and Mentoring. She has also completed numerous coaching, counselling and supervising qualifications.

Karin has led and overseen teams in a global third sector organisation. Karin travels extensively to support teams of leaders in other countries as well as here in the UK.

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