An MCIPD-qualified Portfolio People Director with 20+ years of generalist experience gained in fast-paced and high-growth multi-site Consultancy environments, primarily in IT, cyber security, SAAS, legal, sustainability, and other people-centric sectors. Since having founded her own company in 2015, she has been a trusted HR and strategic advisor to many SMEs with aspirations to grow their companies through their talented people. She partners with leaders, supports employees and guides organisational change by bringing a strategic view and hands-on support designed to create a positive people culture, talent resourcing, people retention, employee performance and wellbeing so that teams can work at their best towards business success. Her experience includes setting up and running stand-alone People functions, high-volume resourcing, managing the end-to-end employee cycle, employee relations and change management. Some of Gesa’s achievements for her customers include being instrumental in an SME ranking twice in the Sunday Times Microsoft Fast Track Award of the 100 fastest-growing Technology Companies in the UK; reducing voluntary staff turnover from 20% to 5% in 2 years; saving £100,000 in agency fees over 18 months through direct resourcing; and helping a client’s Employee Net Promoter Score double from 20 to 40 points. She brings focus to the People function, sources the best talent, optimises a supportive employee environment and staff performance, enhances processes and technology, ensures governance to protect the business, and maximises efficiencies. She enjoys working with start-ups and SMEs with positive, energetic and driven people who wish to scale their businesses.”