At The Brilliant Club, we believe that every career journey is unique. Our colleagues bring a rich mix of experiences, aspirations and motivations to their roles, and we are proud to support them to grow and develop during their time with us and beyond.
This page shares some of those stories. They reflect the diverse pathways our people have taken into the charity sector, the progress they have made during their time at The Brilliant Club, and how they have continued to shape their careers in ways that matter to them.
We are committed to being a caring and inclusive employer where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to be themselves. Whether someone joins us straight from university, as a mid-career professional, or returns to work after a career break, we are here to support and champion their development.
Our approach to career progression is rooted in trust, flexibility and opportunity. We offer dedicated professional development time each year and encourage colleagues to shape their own learning, whether through mentoring, training, or taking on new challenges. Many of our team members have moved between teams, taken on leadership roles, or continued to grow in their specialist areas. Others have gone on to senior roles elsewhere in the sector, taking the skills and experiences they gained with us into new contexts.
This is not just about promotion. It is about progression in the fullest sense: growing in confidence, building new skills, and making a meaningful difference through your work.
We are proud of the community we have built at The Brilliant Club. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. We hope these stories offer a window into what it means to grow with us.
Explore the journeys of colleagues past and present. Hear about the paths they have taken, what they learned along the way, and what being part of The Brilliant Club community has meant to them.
Whether you are curious about life at The Brilliant Club, considering your next step, or just want to hear some inspiring career journeys, we invite you to explore these stories. They reflect the culture we are building: one that is inclusive, ambitious and full of care.
“I learnt about a whole new approach to line management, the joys of drinking tea while it’s still hot, and ways of collaborating that were so different from my life as a teacher.”
After ten years in the classroom, Vicky stepped into a new chapter at The Brilliant Club – and five years, three roles, and one baby later, she is our Director of School Partnerships.
“Returning to work in tech after having my second child was daunting, but joining The Brilliant Club has been life-changing. With flexible working, supportive mentorship, and projects that truly make a difference in education, I’ve not only reignited my career but also found purpose in every line of code.”
“From Programme Officer to Head of Programmes and Networks, my journey started at The Brilliant Club. The training, mentorship and supportive networks helped me build confidence, lead major projects and find opportunities like the Impetus Leadership Academy that shaped my next steps.”
From nearly failing A-Levels to thriving as a PhD student, Jerome’s story is a powerful reflection on self-belief, second chances and the life-changing impact of opportunity. Now supporting strategy and policy work at The Brilliant Club, Jerome shares how his journey from doubt to confidence shaped his career and continues to drive his mission to support others.
From teaching in Newcastle to becoming Chief Operating Officer, Leanne’s journey through The Brilliant Club reflects a decade of passion, growth, and opportunity. As the charity expanded, so did her role – from running regional programmes to influencing strategy and operations at the highest level. Her story is a testament to what’s possible with commitment, curiosity and a strong sense of mission.
Joining the charity as a part-time Finance Coordinator while studying for an accounting qualification, Rej quickly found himself immersed in high-level finance work. With support from experienced colleagues and the opportunity to collaborate across departments, he’s gained real-world insights that go far beyond the textbook. His journey highlights the power of hands-on learning and the value of a service-oriented mindset in finance.