Sharon Critchlow
Sharon Critchlow is listed as one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting 2019 and 2020 in a global poll by Practice Ignition. Inclusion in this list is based on a dedication to promoting inclusivity and driving change, investing in the next generation and future of accountancy, involvement in industry initiatives and community.
She is also an #ialso female entrepreneur recognised in 2020 for her work in the community. This is a campaign that highlights inspiring female business leaders across the UK. Through events, content and story-telling, f:Entrepreneur showcases role models to help and inspire all small businesses.
In her spare time Sharon is a champion for live music and promotes bands as well as singing in two bands herself.
Check out Sunshine Music for current ticketed events.
Take a look here
Track Dogs – Americana, latino and bluegrass
Cabin Girls – Folk and shanty group
Applecorers – Shanty group from North Devon
Introducing Sharon Critchlow – a visionary leader who creates sparks that ignite change
In the ever-evolving landscape of business leadership, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation, compassion, and inclusivity – Sharon Critchlow. As a sought-after conference speaker, accomplished author, and dedicated advocate for emotional intelligence, diversity and inclusion and mental health and wellbeing, Sharon is not just a leader; she a transformative force shaping the future of work.
Sharon’s journey: from cleaner to corporate entrepreneur
Sharon’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to breaking barriers and nurturing positive change. Rising from humble beginnings as a cleaner, she defied conventional norms, earning her place advising corporate boards. With a passion for removing blockers for women in business,
Sharon has dedicated her career to giving back and empowering women to succeed.
“I didn’t rise to the top behaving like a stereotypical man – I want women to recognise they can have ambition and succeed in their careers by being themselves”
Why work with Sharon?
The number of employees with mental health issues is rising. To attract and retain a healthy workforce, your organisation should prioritise wellbeing and champion diversity. You need the ‘Sharon Critchlow effect’ – a potent blend of executive experience, emotional intelligence, and human-focused skills that will enhance your board.
Your approach to leadership has to adapt, too. Sharon isn’t just accepting this change; she is driving it. She wants organisations like yours to thrive in a future where integrity, empathy and respect aren’t just words on a values poster but the foundations underpinning success.
For conference organisers seeking a charismatic speaker who resonates with the challenges of the modern workplace, Sharon is the ideal choice. She’s a person of influence with a global reach, capable of inspiring others and creating sparks that ignite a culture of authenticity, ambition and adaptability.
Published work
In 2020 Sharon co-authored Love Your Life! 100 Tips For More Peace & Happiness in response to the pandemic to remind people that there is always another way forward. In 2024 she co-authored a companion journal to this book called Love Your Life! A Journal for More Peace & Happiness
She is also the co-author of Amazon bestseller 50 Ways to Promote Your Book
Sharon work with Diversity & Inclusion
Social mobility starts with social inclusion
An advocate for social mobility and social inclusion, Sharon sits on the board of Clarion Housing Association as a Non Executive Director and is a Global Council member and an advocate for the open access qualification and global support that Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers people from all backgrounds.
She also runs regular forums and debates these topics to get the conversation going and share best practice across the business community.
In 2022 Discover Your Bounce partnered with County Business Shows to bring people and inclusion topics to the business community. Sharon Chairs round table forums at these events and the next forum is Gloucestershire Business Show 28th and 29th February 2024
Sharon chaired the International Diversity & Inclusion Forum in February 2022 with 12 people from across UK, Spain, Canada, USA, India, Russia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana, South Africa, and Malaysia sharing their experiences and best practice.
You can also see Sharon in action as the Chair of the County Business Shows International Equality, Diversity & Inclusion debate
The summary of discussions of previous in person Business Show’s are below
Gloucestershire Business Show Diversity & Inclusion Forum March 2023
Bath & North East Somerset Diversity & Inclusion Forum June 2023
Gloucestershire Business Show Diversity & Inclusion Forum February 2024
Sharon chairing the Westminster Insights, Diversity & Inclusion in Leadership Conference on 16th October 2023
“Sharon was a brilliant Chair for our Diversity & Inclusion in Leadership Conference. Her experience and expertise set the right tone for a dynamic and engaging day. She guided speakers and delegates smoothly throughout the day, which gave way for interactive discussions between a high-level audience and industry leaders. It was a pleasure working with Sharon and would be happy to collaborate again”
Elisa Bucay, Senior Conference Producer, Westminster Insights
Sharon’s latest Industry Experts interview on crafting a unique identity in a crowded market
Could you tell us about your business and its brand identity?
My business is Discover your Bounce and we have two brand streams, Discover Your Bounce for Business which is a leadership and workplace wellbeing provider and Discover Your Bounce Publishing which is a publishing house.
Read more here
See Sharon in action with these videos and podcasts.
Recent interviews
Sharon was recently interviewed by Kyla Cofer, a Nashville USA based Leadership School for her podcast on The Emotionally Intelligent Boardroom
Sharon offers these talks:
“Do You Love Your Life & Love Your Job? 100 Tips For More Peace & Happiness ”
In this talk Sharon throws a light on the global mental health crisis and provides a framework to explore what makes you truly happy and fulfilled, based around her Amazon Bestselling book Love Your Life! 100 Tips for More Peace & Happiness
Sharon weaves easy to achieve wellbeing tips into a wider aspect of where you are in your life, your work, your family and the impact you want to make in the world.
Recent feedback on this talk
“A big thank you once again for a wonderful session for our ACCA community yesterday. Practically all attendees that joined in stayed till the very end which demonstrated that they valued and found the session beneficial.
The virtual session was tremendously inspiring and it surely did remind us to stay grounded with the basics and to be mindful towards achieving a better work-life balance by cultivating healthier habits as well as understanding how to shift our perspective positively towards a resilient mindset. And personally, I must add that your voice was absolutely hypnotizing; it was so soothing and calming to our ears and that sure makes a lot of difference with how one would openly receive and process new information given to them.”
Darlcie Luis
Member Engagement Manager – ACCA Maritime South East Asia
“How to Build Resilience and Thrive: The Four Elements of Wellbeing”
Historically we have been told to work hard, to follow a logical path and to strive for success, but what if there was another way?
In this talk Sharon will share her thoughts on 21st century wellbeing and how her journey through a chronic illness led to a reassessment of human performance.
This talk explains the impact of stress on you and your team and how to create a plan for success which will increase your energy and provide a structure for growth through the Four Elements of Wellbeing. This approach has been supporting both individual and corporate wellbeing programmes across the globe since 2016.
“Unlock Your Potential Through Emotional Intelligence”
Emotional intelligence or (EQ) has been cited by the World Economic Forum as a key skill for workers to have in 2020 and beyond. With increasing evidence that it is not only intelligence and education which contributed to personal success, Sharon explores the practical aspects of emotional intelligence and how it can change your life forever.
Ideal for anyone wanting to get more from their relationships, increase their influence or change their leadership style.
Here is a Zoom talk Sharon gave for ACCA Malaysia members in August 2021 “Tackling anxiety through emotional intelligence”
Bespoke options
Sharon often creates specific talks for companies and conferences. Subject areas include:
- Human performance
- Social Aspects of Environmental Social Governance (ESG)
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Leadership styles
Here is a short bespoke talk Sharon gave at the Womens Economic Forum in Slovenia in February 2020 “Change is an opportunity for growth and innovation”.
Here is a bespoke Zoom talk Sharon carried out for Transpire – The Director Network in March 2020 “The Social Element of Environmental Social Governance”.
Here is a short bespoke talk Sharon gave on the topic of leadership for newly qualified ACCA accountants in June 2021.
Sharon is a master communicator. She brings her diverse experience and rich appreciation of corporate culture into delivering insights and advisory services for her clients. A proven thought-leader in the areas of mindfulness, finance leadership and corporate governance. I have also observed how Sharon delivers coaching services to accountants on a global scale. She explores relevant solutions tailored to reflect her deep awareness of cultural sensitivities. I have no reservations in recommending Sharon for your personal or organisational advisory needs.
Joseph Owolabi CEO Rubicola Consulting Australia, Former Director, Deloitte Asia Pacific
Delegate feedback “From Procrastination to Purpose”
“Fantastic event, Sharon’s advice is excellent, clear and simply delivered in a very helpful and calm manner”
“You made that most complex personal challenges approachable, doable and achievable”
“I felt so lost in my career and was so so so encouraged to hear that is ok not to have a linear career path. Right now, I feel relaxed and that the imposter syndrome is quiet. I feel like I can focus; I am not alone, and I am enough. I feel clear enough to explore the stretch zone.
There are a lot of people drawn to me but not necessarily to my technical skills. Now, I know I need to identify those skills they are drawn to and redefine what success is to me. Thank you so much for sharing, It has given me a lot of clarity and I’m just happy!”
“We were delighted to welcome Sharon to the ABI to talk to our future leaders of tomorrow about, not only, her own personal journey, but to equip them with the skills and insight to deliver effective and impactful proposals to boards. Some of which manifested in immediate positive action during the program itself. Sharon is an inspirational, human and an exceptional trainer.”
Sheryl Fernando, Director of Membership & Commercial Development
Association of British Insurers
As a charismatic, engaging speaker and accomplished author, Sharon is a professional and compassionate leader in her discipline. It has been an absolute pleasure to be part of the ‘Discover Your Bounce’ community where Sharon shares her knowledge and caring nature for all and their well being.
As a inclusive mentor Sharon always demonstrates as a positive role model and influences many lives with her enthusiasm and commitment to life long learning and the growth and development of others.
I would highly recommend Sharon and the Discover Your Bounce team to anyone/organisation that is interested in investing in their employees well being and growth. Satisfaction is guaranteed!
Helen Morgan
“Sharon was a brilliant Chair for our Diversity & Inclusion in Leadership Conference. Her experience and expertise set the right tone for a dynamic and engaging day. She guided speakers and delegates smoothly throughout the day, which gave way for interactive discussions between a high-level audience and industry leaders. It was a pleasure working with Sharon and would be happy to collaborate again”
Elisa Bucay Senior Conference Producer, Westminster Insights
“Sharon is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker and trainer. She uses her commercial experience to bring the subject alive and invokes thought provoking discussion amongst delegates. Highly recommended”
Ben Wilson Director of Corporate Affairs and Climate Change, Association of British Insurers
Sharon is an inspirational speaker who engages and motivates audiences of all sizes. She combines theory with a practical approach, and a great sense of humour. Huge numbers of people have found Sharon’s knowledge and passion for her subjects has resulted in positive, life changing events. Employers can expect a tangible return on investment, as employees take greater control of their health and motivation.
Tracey McCarthy HR Services Bristol
More About Sharon Critchlow
Author
An international, best-selling author, Sharon has contributed to a selection of works, designed to help guide people through difficult times. She is a frequent contributor to magazines on topics of wellbeing, future of work and emotional intelligence. Some of her recent publications are listed here.
Sharon’s publications include:
- Co-author of Amazon Best Seller “The Bounce Back Journey”
- Co-author of Amazon Best Seller “Love Your Life! 100 Tips for More Peace and Happiness”
- Co-author of Amazon Best Seller “50 Ways To Promote Your Book”
- ACCA “Emotional Quotient in a Digital Age” (November 2018) contributor
- ACCA “Grow Yourself and Others” (AB Magazine November 2020)
- ACCA “Five tips for thriving in January” (January 2021) author
- ACCA Key contributor to global Covid-19 hub for wellbeing articles which have been republished in UK business journals and across the Caribbean and India
- Jamaican Observer – Wellbeing in hard times
- Trinidad & Tobago Newsday – Tackling anxiety through emotional intelligence
- XU Magazine Talking point, Mental Health in the workplace
- ACCA In Practice Magazine (April 2021) – 10 tips for a positive return to the workplace
- Sharon’s research in to happiness and the pandemic has been cited in ACCA’s report – Finance Functions: Seize the opportunity (June 2021)
- Accounting Web – The third option when rebuilding your practice – Aug 2021
- Accounting Web – Business Remodelling – Put Your Plans Into Action – Sept 2021
- Accounting Web – Post Pandemic Recovery: Business strategy trends – Oct 2021
- Accounting Web – What the social aspect of ESG means for your firm – Nov 2021
- HR Zone – Five ways laughter boosts wellbeing – February 2022
- Self Assessment takeaways – Free agent blog – January 2023
- HR Zone – Money: Why its time for employers to be open about finances. – June 2023
- Industry Leaders – How To Navigate Uncertainty – Sept 2023
- Industry Leaders – Crafting a unique identity in a crowded marketplace – April 2024
- Contributor to ACCA report September 2024 A living wage: crucial for sustainability
- Contributor to Industry Leaders article, October 2024: Managing Gen Z, understanding the future of the workforce
You can see a full list of her books on her Amazon Author Page
In 2018 Sharon and Nicky launched Discover Your Bounce Publishing, to help other budding authors publish their books in a straightforward way. Read more about the titles published and current projects here.
In 2021 Sharon was interviewed by Industry Leaders about publishing. See the article here
Speaker
Sharon is an entertaining conference speaker, having held keynotes in the UK, Caribbean, Europe and Asia to a variety of audiences. As well as being a regular speaker for Transpire – The Global Directors Network and the Women Economic Forum, Sharon has hosted conferences as the compère and takes part in debates and panels.
Sharon has a remarkable personal story. Born into a working-class family, she left school with few qualifications and struggling to read. Within 8 years she qualified as an accountant and now sits on the governing council of a global accountancy body. Having overcome a long-term illness in her 30s, Sharon speaks about thinking big, nurturing your dream, growing businesses and thriving in the male dominated world of financial services. Her story is one of hope, and having the courage to step in to being who you truly are.
Hear Sharon talking about what drives her on this podcast with Trusha Lakhani
Hear Sharon talking about corporate wellbeing on a podcast with Brendan Sheehan
Sharon recorded 5 minute wellbeing tips for Free Agent – take a look at her presentation here
Her motto is Dream it! Plan it! Do it! Enjoy it!
You can contact Sharon directly at sharon@discoveryourbounce.com
Changemaker
Sharon is a qualified Strategic Performance Coach on a mission to ensure everyone finds and nurtures their unique talent. Experienced in coaching and mentoring senior leaders and their teams, Sharon brings her experience in board level roles to challenge and support your progress.
Employability expert Tonia Galati interviewed Sharon on her podcast “Believe in yourself”
Here is a case study
“Sharon was good at listening and at asking the right questions to help me figure out what I really want. One of the most important things that she told me was to be clear on my mission.”
To find out more and arrange an initial session via Zoom, e-mail Sharon at sharon@discoveryourbounce.com
