Practical workshops that help you speak up, show up, and thrive
Practical workshops that help you speak up, show up, and thrive
Small Steps Big Vision exists to equip the next generation — from students to junior professionals — with the confidence, communication skills, and self-worth they need to thrive in high-pressure spaces.
Our workshops and resources transform the way young people think about themselves, their future, and how they show up in the world — whether they’re preparing for an exam, a job interview, or their first big presentation or pitch at work.
Rooted in compassion, confidence-building and real-world tools, our sessions empower individuals to manage stress, challenge limiting beliefs, and speak with clarity, confidence and presence.
Every young person we work with leaves knowing this: they are enough, their voice matters, and they are capable of so much more than they think.
Authenticity
We show up as we are and share openly, so others feel safe to do the same.
Impact
We care deeply about making a meaningful difference — in every room, every workshop, and every life we reach.
Fun
We bring positive energy, playfulness and joy into everything we do — because people learn best when they feel good.
Kindness
This is
Authenticity
We show up as we are and share openly, so others feel safe to do the same.
Impact
We care deeply about making a meaningful difference — in every room, every workshop, and every life we reach.
Fun
We bring positive energy, playfulness and joy into everything we do — because people learn best when they feel good.
Kindness
This is non-negotiable. We lead with empathy, compassion and respect, always.
Respect
Every voice matters. We create spaces where people feel seen, heard and valued.
Inclusivity
Everyone is welcome here — every background, every story, every kind of learner.
Courage
We create safe spaces where people feel empowered to take risks, be themselves, and think big.
Whether we’re 15 or 25, the way we see ourselves — and how confidently we use our voice — shapes every opportunity we say yes to.
Across both education and early careers, I see the same patterns: bright, capable individuals held back by self-doubt, fear of judgement, and a belief that their voice doesn’t carry weight.
We’re taught how to wr
Whether we’re 15 or 25, the way we see ourselves — and how confidently we use our voice — shapes every opportunity we say yes to.
Across both education and early careers, I see the same patterns: bright, capable individuals held back by self-doubt, fear of judgement, and a belief that their voice doesn’t carry weight.
We’re taught how to write, analyse and pass exams — but we’re rarely taught how to stand up, speak clearly, or own a room.
And yet, in today’s world — especially in the age of AI — these are the very skills that set us apart.
Human connection, presence, emotional intelligence and authentic communication are no longer “soft skills” — they’re essential skills.
As automation increases, what makes us memorable, trustworthy and impactful will be our ability to connect, lead and communicate with clarity under pressure.
That’s why the work starts now — in schools, in training rooms, and in every space where the next generation is being asked to step up, speak up, and show up.
Because when we teach people to like who they are, trust in their voice, and say yes to opportunity — everything changes.
Speak with clarity, confidence and impact — when it matters most.
You’ve got the ideas.
You know your stuff.
But when it comes to actually standing up and saying it — your nerves kick in, your voice shakes, or you find yourself overthinking every word.
You’re not alone — most people were never taught how to speak with presence under pressur
Speak with clarity, confidence and impact — when it matters most.
You’ve got the ideas.
You know your stuff.
But when it comes to actually standing up and saying it — your nerves kick in, your voice shakes, or you find yourself overthinking every word.
You’re not alone — most people were never taught how to speak with presence under pressure. But it’s a skill you can absolutely learn.
Whether you’ve got a pitch coming up, a big presentation, or you’re preparing for a talk or panel, these 1:1 coaching sessions will help you:
These sessions are tailored to you — your personality, your story, your goals — and led with the belief that confidence is a skill, not a personality trait.
Together, we’ll quiet the noise, sharpen the message, and make sure your voice is the one they remember.
I’m an actress, teacher, award-winning business owner, workshop facilitator, founder of Small Steps Big Vision, and a mum to two brilliant humans.
But above all, I’m someone who believes — deeply — that confidence is a skill, and every person deserves the tools to realise their full potential.
My work is rooted in a simple idea: when we help people trust their voice, manage pressure, and believe in their worth, everything changes.
I help people — from teenagers to junior professionals — build the confidence, presence and mindset to thrive in high-pressure spaces. Whether it’s a student preparing for their first interview or a trainee lawyer walking into court, I create empowering workshops that are practical, energising, and designed for real life.
But this work is personal.
I began my career as a classical actress and then retrained as a secondary school Drama teacher — a role I loved until life took me overseas.
When we moved to Italy, I suddenly found myself without a role, without direction, and ultimately, without confidence.
I experienced anxiety, burnout, and a total loss of identity.
That season cracked something open in me.
What followed was a life-changing journey into personal development, coaching, community leadership and entrepreneurship — one that saw me rebuild from rock bottom to speaking to 3,000 people at the NEC about mindset and rising through adversity.
It also sparked the question: why aren’t we teaching this in schools?
That question became a mission — and Small Steps Big Vision was born.I’ve since delivered powerful workshops to young people and early-career professionals across the UK, and been honoured with the title Heropreneur of the Year for the impact of this work.
I’ve also led thriving communities, coached hundreds, and developed an approach that combines performance techniques, emotional intelligence and evidence-based strategies for lasting growth.
I believe in kindness, authenticity, courage and impact. I believe in the power of people uplifting each other.
And I believe that confidence is not a personality type — it’s a muscle we can all learn to flex.
If you’re looking to empower your team, your students, or yourself — I’d love to work together.
With love,
Emily
Emily is an absolute pleasure to work with. Her energy and positivity are infectious, creating an uplifting atmosphere that instantly puts people at ease. She supported me through my first ever festival with incredible attention to detail, thoughtful planning, and unwavering encouragement. On top of that, she stepped into the role of compère with natural confidence and talent — the feedback was phenomenal. Emily has a unique ability to connect with people, hold a room, and inspire others, making her a truly gifted presenter and facilitator.
Emily is one the worlds rare creatures who lights up any room she enters. Alongside her skills and wealth of knowledge in the dramatic arts world, Emily has huge empathy, compassion and the ability to comfort and motivate others.
It’s been a pleasure working with Emily at various events and I would highly recommend her to anyone.
You won’t regret it! Emily is one the worlds rare creatures who lights up any room she enters. Alongside her skills and wealth of knowledge in the dramatic arts world, Emily has huge empathy, compassion and the ability to comfort and motivate others. It’s been a pleasure working with Emily at various events and I would highly recommend her to anyone. You won’t regret it!
After participating in a 2 day online summit hosted by Emily, in November 2024, I knew that I wanted to be around her more. Emily has a very warm and holistic approach when communicating with her community and I was instantly drawn to her.
Emily is a real cheerleader and my confidence has increased dramatically over the past few months sand I thank Emily for that.
Emily is one the worlds rare creatures who lights up any room she enters. Alongside her skills and wealth of knowledge in the dramatic arts world, Emily has huge empathy, compassion and the ability to comfort and motivate others.
It’s been a pleasure working with Emily at various events and I would highly recommend her to anyone.
You won’t regret it! Emily is one the worlds rare creatures who lights up any room she enters. Alongside her skills and wealth of knowledge in the dramatic arts world, Emily has huge empathy, compassion and the ability to comfort and motivate others. It’s been a pleasure working with Emily at various events and I would highly recommend her to anyone. You won’t regret it!
"ALL girls need to know this stuff! If I was to describe these workshop I would say they were fun, encouraging, relevant to me and made me feel empowered"
“Emily is able to share her passion for teaching and personal growth with children of all ages.
She provides a safe platform where the students can find and explore their creative courage on the stage of life.”
"I’m glad I was part of these workshops because they helped me to deal with my emotions in a healthier way. I have learned that there are many great things that make me, me. I now know I can do anything if I put my mind to it."
"No matter what interests, focus or passions you have, or the goal you want to achieve, you can easily buy into Emily’s message. I don’t think this is solely due to the success she has achieved, the hurdles she has overcome all the confidence with which she speaks, I think the thing that (And what I admire the most) is her authenticity. Emily is hugely motivational and I would wholeheartedly recommend her services."
Emily is an exceptionally talented entrepreneur.
Emily inspires and supports young people at secondary school with gaining confidence, self-belief and skills to make better choices in attitude, behaviour, aspirations and learning.
Emily’s outstanding training delivery and techniques in engaging her audience leave a lasting impact. The student feedback on the value of Emily’s training has been very high. They leave energised, with increased self-awareness and motivation to achieve.
Her thorough approach to going to great lengths to understand people’s needs, build excellent relationships and deliver an outstanding service is refreshing and admirable.
Emily is a person that ignites the possibility of positive transformation - whether you're a child or adult, she is able to communicate in such a way that anyone can relate and see how their lives can be changed for the better. Her work with children in schools is so vital. With the mental health crisis facing young people, the ability to talk about self doubt and negative mind traps and then to show the young people that it is possible to overcome those hurdles, the things that have been holding them back from reaching their potential or living a happier, more fulfilled one. She recently spoke to a room of 50+ women and captivated them with her honesty, vulnerability - showing us that being authentic, real and open to changing and moving through self doubt is a powerful and life transforming school. She changed every single person in that room. She is relatable, kind, loving, giving and a true trailblazer for positive mindset....and we need that in abundance! We are lucky to have Emily in our region.
If you have any questions about how we can work with your young women, click below or email me directly at emily@smallstepsbigvision.com
You can also find me on Linked In
www.linkedin.com/in/emily-mcguirk-helping-junior-talent-build-confidence-presence-impact