Emma and I met each other on Twitter back in the days that social media platforms were fun, vibrant and full of unexpected opportunities to connect with like minded people in the real world.
Since then we've worked together, coached one another and formed a strong friendship.
Emma is impossible to put in a box, which is ironic, as she can often be found inside one of her many shipping containers - Playboxes that appear in town centres, parks, or neighbourhoods around Yorkshire.
While I was at Asda, Emma was a thought-partner of mine - helping me on a monthly basis think better, share ideas, and be heard. An important aspect of me being the best I could be in a senior leadership role.
Emma has many superhero powers - one of which is an amazing ability to ask questions. She is curious, and is fascinated by what makes people tick.
In her day job, Emma uses play to blur the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds, encouraging participants to get creative with all manner of media, from cardboard to code. To the naked eye it is a street event with crayons or Play-Doh, but to the trained observer you can see Emma in her element. Giving people a safe space to explore and discover. By doing so she creates a space for psychological welcome. Where people can stay for five minutes or linger for five hours.
She believes the 'theatre of the street' is a key component, because people love to look at things, to observe. She wants people to feel they can do more of what they love in places where they live with other people.
Emma manages to give groups of people on a busy high street, what seasoned coaches take 30 years to master in a 1-2-1 environment with a paying executive. Giving people time to think with distractions everywhere - it is a wonder to behold.
I really loved capturing Emma's story on this podcast - let me know what you think.
If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter