Maria Gardner
Maria is an experienced Business Psychologist and the founder of Psychology Works. With over 20 years of experience spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, Maria has made significant contributions in the fields of assessment, leadership development, organisational change, and wellbeing.
Her expertise in assessment includes the design and implementation of innovative and immersive assessment and development centres, as well as the creation of a wide range of bespoke psychometrics. In addition, Maria has developed several proprietary models for both Psychology Works and other consultancies, related to high potential, culture, and workplace wellbeing.
Maria has led numerous award-winning initiatives, including the ABP Excellence in Change Management Award in 2023. She was also the lead architect of a Leadership Development Programme for one of the UK’s fastest-growing Ombudsman Services, which helped the organisation place in the Sunday Times' Top 100 Employers for the first time, within 12 months of the programme's launch.
Maria is also a visiting lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, former Association for Business Psychology Board Member and an experienced event speaker.
On a mission to optimise organisational performance and the employee experience, Maria describes her approach as one that blends knowledge, humour, style, and a great pair of shoes!
Superpowers
Creating immersive assessment, development and learning experiences
Making the complex simple - give me any random topic or area of research and I'll distil it into what you really need to know - then turn it into a deceptively simple model or an engaging report, assessment or learning experience
Creating order out of chaos - additional opportunities for use of colour coding are also welcome
An uncanny ability to not only walk, but dance all night, in six inch heels