Who we are
Meet the Team Driving Change
We lead with experience.
We harness GC Index® insights.
We’re people who turn ideas into impact.
We care about making a real difference.
What small changes could make a big difference?
Richard Harmer - Chief Inclusionist
Richard has spent years navigating the world of healthcare systems, cutting through the red tape, and actually making things happen - not just talking about it. After honing his skills in both public and private sector roles, he followed his real passion – making workplaces that actually work for people.
Now, as Chief Inclusionist at The North Star Collective, Richard brings his sleeves-rolled-up, straight-talking approach to leadership. He’s an Implementer with a Polisher’s eye for detail—a proper completer-finisher who takes big ideas, irons out the wrinkles, and makes sure they actually land. With a knack for impactful storytelling that drives meaningful change, he’s big on inclusion, psychological safety and ensuring peoples’ voices are heard. If there’s a smarter, sharper way to get things moving, he’ll find it—and if something needs fixing, he’s already on it before most people have had their first brew!
If you want inclusion that’s all talk and no action, jog on. If you want real change, Richard’s your guy!
Jo Graham - Learning Experience Director
Jo brings the kind of experience that gets things done - years in education, time spent navigating the pharmaceutical world, and a knack for getting the absolute best out of people. She’s here to make sure individuals and teams really do succeed. If there’s knowledge to be shared, Jo makes sure it sticks, and if there’s potential to unlock, she’ll find it!
As Learning Experience Director at The North Star Collective, Jo’s the one igniting creativity and getting teams working together without the frustrating corporate nonsense. With her Playmaker energy, she keeps collaboration running smoothly, and with her Game Changer spark, she turns good ideas into cracking opportunities. She’s got a way of boosting confidence, nudging people outside their comfort zones and leading them along the right path. Guiding with grit, graft, and straight-talking honesty—the Yorkshire way.
A qualified teacher with a mission to shape future leaders, Jo brings all the brilliance of the GC Young People Index® (The YPI) to the next generation— she knows real potential isn’t all about grades and fancy wording on CVs, it’s about the vibrant energy young people can bring to the world around them.
Kate Kavanagh - Operational Excellence Director
With over 21 years in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, Kate knows how to cut through the fluff and get teams firing on all cylinders. She’s big on clarity of purpose, instilling self-belief, and cutting through the noise – and is allergic to business jargon. No nonsense. Just smart thinking and solid results.
As Operational Excellence Director at The North Star Collective, Kate brings her ‘Polisher and Game Changer’ energy to the table, tackling problems head-on, sharpening processes, and spotting opportunities others would miss. She’s all about transformation through people—helping businesses move from ticking boxes to actually thriving.
Hailing from the North East, Kate is straight-talking, sharp minded and if there’s a simpler way to do something, Kate will find it. And if something’s not working? You’d better believe she’ll fix it!
