In this episode of Shame-less Stories, I am joined by the compassionate, wise, and quietly rebellious Kerry Tottingham, co-founder of A Brilliant Thing CIC, author of Healing-Centred Transformation, and co-creator of the Brilliant Box coaching cards.
Together, we explore what it means to build a values-led business in a system that often rewards burnout, compliance, and shame. Kerry shares her powerful framework for healing-centred design, blending trauma-informed practice, creative coaching, and systems thinking, to help individuals and organisations design work that truly works for them.
You will hear all about:
How Kerry turned her lived experience of caregiving, chronic illness, and community work into a transformational framework
Why "selling" can feel icky and how to shift toward inviting, not pitching
The difference between trauma-informed and healing-centred approaches
How entrepreneurs and changemakers can build businesses with wellbeing at the core
Practical rituals and rhythms that ground you in chaotic times
Why Kerry and her team delete all their emails every August (!), and what happened when others followed suit
Building a future with collective care, rebellion, and brilliance at the centre
Upcoming Event: Mend, Tend & Change the Future
Where: GRIT Studios, Manchester.
When: 21st June 2025.
A joyful, action-oriented event for founders, freelancers, and changemakers with workshops, speakers, markets, and live storytelling
Find out more here: https://brilliantthing.co.uk/2025event/
Connect with Kerry & A Brilliant Thing CIC:
Website: brilliantthing.co.uk
Instagram: @abrilliantthing