About us
Our team brings unrivalled, global experience across the C-suite, HR, talent and leadership. We've been in your shoes; we understand how it feels, and what you need to succeed in your role.
Our story
Most leaders know culture drives business growth. What they often don't know is how to make it happen. Culture often gets talked about as an abstract idea or a series of disparate projects, without anyone translating it into a practical, well-sequenced plan that can be implemented.
Optimal People exists to close that gap. We help organisations define the culture they need, understand the real People challenges, and embed that culture. We support individual leaders, leadership teams and the wider organisation, not as a one-off exercise, but as something built to last.
We do this because we passionately believe culture is the single biggest competitive advantage any organisation has. Our team has held senior business roles, not just advised on them, bringing decades of combined C-suite and HR experience. That lived experience — not a consultant's framework — is what makes the Optimal difference tangible.
To improve the working world for future generations.
The Optimal People Purpose
Meet the team
Gillian has 30 years of experience in senior HR & Talent roles, including 15 years as a Chief People Officer at global firms such as RBS Group, Reckitt Benckiser and Allen & Overy. Gillian is also an executive coach and charity trustee.
1 of 5
Our advisory board
Imogen Joss BEM
Imogen is a Non-Executive Director and Chair specialising in Remuneration, chairing Grant Thornton UK and Envetec, and sitting on the boards of SThree and XPS. Her executive career culminated in the Presidency of two S&P divisions, and she was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2023 for her charity work.
Helen Cook
Helen leads People and Communications at Finastra, driving its ambition to be fintech's most inclusive employer and sponsoring its GenAI agenda. Previously CHRO at NatWest Group, with 30 years in financial services including Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley. A Cambridge graduate, she was named 2025 Woman Leader of the Year.
Let’s start the conversation
Whether you know exactly what you need, or you’re not sure where to begin, we're here to help.