Professional relationships and experience
Good work rarely happens in isolation. My experience has been shaped by working alongside businesses, charities, universities, community organisations and fellow professionals across technology, marketing, operations and organisational development.
This page explains the professional relationships behind my work. It distinguishes formal appointments and memberships from commercial partnerships, previous employment and voluntary experience.
Directorships and governance
CMYSZ Limited
Director
I am a director of CMYSZ Limited, the company through which I provide strategic IT, marketing and operational consultancy.
Through CMYSZ, I help capable, driven people and organisations diagnose problems, improve how they work and turn useful ideas into practical action.
CentreStage
Trustee
I serve as a trustee of CentreStage, an arts and community organisation based in Kilmarnock.
My connection with CentreStage began in 2017 and has included practical operational work as well as organisational and governance responsibilities. As a trustee, I contribute to the organisation’s oversight and long-term development, with particular interest in technology, systems, operations and responsible decision-making.
Trustee responsibilities are separate from my consultancy work, and I do not speak on behalf of CentreStage unless explicitly authorised to do so.
Professional networks and memberships
I participate in professional networks and peer communities spanning technology, business, higher education and the third sector.
These relationships help me remain connected to current practice, exchange knowledge with other professionals and recognise when a client would benefit from expertise beyond my own.
Formal memberships should be understood as professional connections rather than endorsements of CMYSZ or its services.
Current memberships
Commercial affiliations and partner programmes
Some of my professional relationships are commercial or technical affiliations. These may provide access to specialist knowledge, platforms, support or referral arrangements that can be useful when delivering client work.
I remain independent when recommending products and services. An affiliation does not automatically mean that a particular platform is the right choice for every client.
Apple Technical Partner
My work includes supporting people and organisations with Apple technology, device management and the practical use of Apple products within their wider systems.
References to Apple or the Apple Technical Partner programme describe the relevant professional relationship. Apple does not sponsor or endorse CMYSZ except where expressly stated by Apple.
Hostinger Partner
I participate in Hostinger’s partner programme and may use or recommend its services where they are appropriate to a client’s needs.
Any recommendation is based on the requirements of the project rather than the existence of a commercial relationship. Where an arrangement could result in a referral benefit or commission, this can be disclosed to the client.
Employment and institutional experience
University of Edinburgh
Former member of staff
My experience at the University of Edinburgh included user research and work connected with the university’s digital services.
As a Portal Services User Research Intern, I contributed to research concerning MyEd, the university’s digital portal used by approximately 40,000 students and staff. This involved understanding how people interact with complex services, identifying points of friction and helping translate research into practical improvements.
The experience strengthened my approach to user research, accessibility, digital strategy and the design of services that need to work for large and varied groups of people.
My references to the University of Edinburgh describe my own employment, study and experience. They do not imply that the university endorses CMYSZ or its services.
Research and publications
My work is informed by research as well as practical delivery.
I have contributed to peer-reviewed research concerning support for computing students, published in July 2024. This work explored how institutions can better understand and respond to the experiences and support needs of students.
Research continues to influence how I approach consulting: examine the evidence, listen to the people affected, identify the real problem and avoid jumping prematurely to a solution.
Voluntary and community experience
TEDxUniversityofEdinburgh
I co-led the organising committee for TEDxUniversityofEdinburgh 2023, an event attended by 417 people and achieving a Net Promoter Score of 83%.
The work involved coordinating people, operations, communications and delivery across a complex live event. I also helped establish the associated TEDx society, creating a more sustainable foundation for future activity.
180 Degrees Consulting
I have contributed as a volunteer consultant through 180 Degrees Consulting, applying structured analysis and practical problem-solving to work intended to create a positive social impact.
This experience developed my understanding of how consultancy methods can be adapted for mission-led organisations with limited time, capacity and resources.
Harmeny Education Trust
My involvement with Harmeny Education Trust has included a pathway towards trusteeship, with an emphasis on learning, mentoring and responsible governance.
The experience has broadened my understanding of charity governance and the responsibilities involved in supporting organisations that work with children and young people.
Client and project relationships
I have worked with businesses, charities, community organisations and individuals on projects involving technology, websites, digital presence, marketing, operations and organisational improvement.
Some relationships are described in my case studies. Others remain confidential or are presented without identifying the client.
Working with an organisation does not necessarily mean that I am employed by it, formally affiliated with it or authorised to represent it. Likewise, inclusion on this page does not imply that an organisation endorses CMYSZ.
A note on independence and transparency
The nature of each relationship matters.
A directorship or trusteeship carries formal responsibilities. A membership indicates participation in a network or professional body. A commercial affiliation may involve platform access, referrals or other benefits. Previous employment and project work describe experience, but do not imply an ongoing relationship.
I aim to describe these connections accurately and transparently. Relationships and appointments can change, so this page is reviewed periodically and updated where necessary.
Work with me
If you are looking for practical support with technology, marketing, operations or organisational growth, I would be happy to learn more about what you are working through.