About Serein Sponge
Building capability through thoughtful learning design and expert facilitation
Our Story
Serein Sponge emerged from a simple observation: most corporate training felt disconnected from the real challenges people face at work. Founders with decades of experience in organisational development saw too many programmes that looked impressive on paper but failed to create lasting change.
We set out to do things differently. Rather than scaling quickly with standardised content, we built a practice focused on depth over breadth. Each programme is designed specifically for the client it serves. This approach takes more time and effort, but it delivers results that generic training simply cannot match.
Over the years, we've had the privilege of working with organisations ranging from emerging tech companies to established financial institutions. The industries vary, but the core need remains consistent: people want to develop capabilities that make them more effective in their roles.
What Guides Us
Integrity
We're honest about what training can and cannot achieve. If we don't think we're the right fit for a project, we'll say so. Our reputation depends on delivering value, not winning every contract.
Pragmatism
Elegant theories matter less than practical tools people can actually use. We favour approaches that work in messy real-world conditions over academic models that require perfect circumstances.
Respect
Participants in our programmes are accomplished professionals. We design learning that honours their experience and intelligence rather than talking down to them.
Curiosity
Every organisation has something to teach us. We approach each project genuinely interested in understanding the client's world, which makes our solutions more relevant and insightful.
Excellence
We sweat the details—from the clarity of pre-course communications to the quality of materials. Small things compound to create experiences that feel professionally crafted throughout.
Impact
Our work is successful only when it creates meaningful change. We stay focused on outcomes that matter to the organisation, not just participant satisfaction scores.
Our Team
We're a collective of experienced practitioners who've transitioned from senior business roles into learning and development. This background gives us credibility with participants and ensures our training reflects current practice.
Catherine Wright
Founder & Lead Facilitator
Catherine spent 15 years in financial services, eventually running learning and development for a major investment bank. She founded Serein Sponge to create the kind of development programmes she wished had existed during her own career. She specialises in leadership development and organisational change.
David Osei
Senior Facilitator
David's background is in technology consulting, where he led large-scale digital transformation projects. He joined us to focus specifically on helping people navigate technology change. His sessions combine technical understanding with genuine empathy for those feeling overwhelmed by new systems.
Jennifer Park
Learning Designer
Jennifer's expertise lies in translating complex requirements into coherent learning experiences. She works behind the scenes to structure programmes, develop materials, and ensure everything aligns with learning principles. Her work is what makes our training feel thoughtfully designed rather than thrown together.
Michael Foster
Facilitator & Executive Coach
Michael spent two decades in manufacturing operations before qualifying as an executive coach. He brings a grounded, no-nonsense style to leadership development. His ability to connect with middle managers and operational leaders makes him particularly effective with technical professionals moving into management.
How We Work
Collaborative Design
We don't disappear after the initial brief and emerge weeks later with a finished programme. Design is iterative, with regular touchpoints to share ideas, gather feedback, and refine the approach. You're involved as much or as little as suits your style, but the option for input is always there.
Adaptive Delivery
Even the best-designed programme needs adjustment in the moment. Our facilitators read the room continuously and adapt pacing, depth, and activities to match participant needs. If something isn't landing, we change course rather than pushing through regardless.
Evidence-Informed Practice
We stay current with research on adult learning, behavioural change, and skill development. That said, we're practitioners first—research informs our work but doesn't dictate it. If evidence suggests an approach and our experience confirms it works, we use it. If theory and practice diverge, we trust practice.
Long-Term Partnerships
Many clients return to us repeatedly, sometimes over years. These relationships allow us to build deep understanding of their organisation and create programmes that build on previous work. We're not chasing one-off projects—we're interested in being your long-term learning partner.
Key Milestones
Foundation
Catherine Wright established Serein Sponge after identifying a gap in the market for genuinely customised learning solutions. The first year focused on building relationships and proving the model with early clients.
Team Growth
Brought on three associate facilitators to expand capacity and range of expertise. Developed our core leadership development programme, which has since been adapted for dozens of organisations.
Virtual Pivot
The pandemic forced rapid adaptation to virtual delivery. Rather than simply moving existing content online, we redesigned programmes specifically for digital environments. These virtual capabilities have since become a permanent part of our offering.
Sector Expansion
Extended our work beyond financial services into healthcare, technology, and public sector. This diversification enriched our practice by exposing us to different organisational cultures and challenges.
Recognised Excellence
Reached 200 client organisations and 15,000 professionals trained. More importantly, achieved a 94% client retention rate—evidence that our approach delivers lasting value.
Our Learning Philosophy in Practice
Start With Why
Before designing any programme, we need to understand what success looks like. What will be different after the training? How will you know it worked? These conversations sometimes reveal that training isn't actually the solution—there might be a structural or process issue that learning alone cannot fix. When that's the case, we'll tell you.
Design Backwards
We begin with the desired outcome and work backwards to determine what capabilities people need and what experiences will build those capabilities. This prevents the common trap of designing training around what's easy to deliver rather than what's needed.
Make It Stick
Transfer of learning—applying new skills back in the workplace—is notoriously difficult. We address this through several mechanisms: realistic practice during training, tools designed for workplace use, manager briefings, and often follow-up sessions. The goal is behaviour change, not just knowledge transfer.
Respect Constraints
In an ideal world, we'd have unlimited time and budget for every programme. Reality involves constraints—time, money, availability, and attention. We design within these boundaries rather than proposing elaborate solutions that sound perfect but aren't feasible. Practical excellence beats theoretical perfection.
Trusted By
We've worked with organisations across sectors who share a commitment to developing their people. While we maintain client confidentiality, our experience includes:
Financial Institutions
Major UK banks, insurance providers, and investment management firms
Healthcare Providers
NHS trusts, private hospitals, and healthcare technology companies
Technology Companies
Scale-ups and established software businesses navigating rapid growth
Professional Services
Consulting firms, law practices, and accounting organisations
Manufacturing
Engineering firms and industrial manufacturers modernising operations
Public Sector
Local government, regulatory bodies, and educational institutions
Let's Talk
If our approach resonates with you, we'd welcome a conversation about your development needs. No obligation—just an opportunity to explore whether we might be a good fit.
Contact Us