Hi, I'm Emer
(rhymes with Dreamer!)
I feel very fortunate to have been helping organisations large and small to boost their creativity, enhance their communication and map out their desired future for 16 years now.
I've used the power of simple drawings to connect with a huge range of people; helping youthworkers connect with young people using visual templates; helping voluntary organisations map out their strategy in a visual way and helping trainers move beyond PowerPoint into an exciting world of simple graphics.
As a visual coach I've coached interns and graduates aswell as small business owners and CEOS to tune into their instinct and make their dreams a reality.
I'm particularly grateful for the work I've done with community groups and voluntary organisations, supporting them to feel excited and motivated to draw out their future.
Where It All Started
My career started in 2002 when I moved to Edinburgh and began working for disability organisations in the voluntary sector. This was my first introduction to person centred planning and visual facilitation which now informs all of my work.
This move followed my MA in Ethics where my final thesis was on The Dignity of the Undignified. I have always been interested in the stories of people who fall outwith what is considered 'normal.'
In 2006 I qualified as an NLP Practitioner and soon after set up my first freelance venture, Engaging Company offering personal development training and coaching.
In 2014 a freelance contract with Glasgow Disability Alliance saw me return to my two great passions – designing and delivering training and working with disabled people.
I gained a certificate in the Fundamentals of Interactive Visuals with Chistina Merkley and began working with individuals and groups across all sectors in the areas of training, facilitation, coaching and consultancy. It was then that I started taking illustration commissions particularly from voluntary and public sector organisations. Collected Works (now Emer O'Leary Studios Ltd.) was born!
The journey continues..
I went on to develop signature programmes Secrets of Simple Graphics, Visual Thinking for Business, Draw Out Your Future and Joy of Business, all designed and delivered with a creative person centred approach.
Over the years I have developed practice and learning in a number of areas including Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, aswell as Virtual Facilitation, eLearning design, Designing Training with Neurodiversity in Mind, Designing Training for a Multicultural Audience, LGBTQ Awareness Training, New Virtual Tools for Training Delivery, Introduction to Improv, AI in Training Design, Harnessing the Power of User Generated Content, Liberating Structures. I have a certificate in Group Facilitation Methods from the Institute of Cultural Affairs.
In 2023 I've followed my passion for podcast and audio creation. I've attended courses in Podcasting, Making Radio Documentary and the Story Based Inquiry Method (as part of the Centre for Investigative Journalism) and produced and hosted a podcast with my good friend Julie Crowley,
I'm here to help you build confidence
Whether you're itching to nurture you or your teams' creativity, are keen to give voice to what the future may hold for you or are looking for training with a creative edge, I can help you.
To get started, simply email me on emer [at] emeroleary.com.
We can have a quick conversation by email to help us decide if a longer one makes sense.
I look forward to chatting soon!
Emer
More words From Genuine People Who Know Me!
Sarah Lowes
Director | Excalibur Development
Emer is wonderful human being, who also happens to be a talented facilitator, coach and graphic illustrator.
You will benefit as much from her presence as from the wealth of knowledge she has to share, so I would highly recommend working with her.
Dr. Mary Anne Walsh
Executive Coach
Emer O'Leary is such an outstanding, inspirational, and effective instructor that I have completed not one but two of her courses, Secrets of Simple Graphics and Draw Out Your Future. And I plan to sign up again! Each class is a unique learning experience guaranteed to improve your drawing ability.
The classes, however, are about much more than this. They are a golden opportunity to be in a calming no stress experience in the company of delightful colleagues and a master facilitator who is full of wisdom and charming wit. When in the zoom classes, we all feel transported to a better place.
Liz Moss
Director | Value and Worth Ltd.
I feel like Draw Out Your Future has given me permission to spend more time on the things that give me pleasure and energy in and out of work in a way that no other coaching or course I've done before has ever achieved.
I have made little changes to my daily routine which feel like big changes to my life. I have a clear picture of the future I want and it feels realistic. I have the tools I need to keep focusing on different elements of my plan and when I feel I'm getting off track or have achieved them – I can re-draw the picture!
Plan your week, Maintain focus and Enjoy the process! *Visual Weekly Planner*
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© Emer O'Leary Studios Ltd 2023