About us
At Small Steps Big Vision, we believe confidence isn’t reserved for a lucky few — it’s a skill anyone can learn, practise, and grow.
Founded by award-winning facilitator, speaker, and trainer Emily McGuirk, our mission is simple: to help people at every stage of life trust their voice, manage pressure, and show up with presence when it matters most.
I’m Emily McGuirk — founder of Small Steps Big Vision, Heropreneur of the Year, and an experienced workshop facilitator and speaker.
My journey has been anything but ordinary. From training as a classical actress, to teaching in secondary schools, to running my own business, I’ve learned how performance, communication, and resilience shape the way we connect with others.
But I’ve also known the flip side: self-doubt, loss of identity, and the fear of not being enough. The turning point came when I found myself speaking to 3,000 people at the NEC. It was proof that confidence isn’t a personality trait — it’s a skill. One that anyone can build.
That belief is at the heart of everything I do.
Today, I work with:
- Students – building self-belief and communication skills that last a lifetime.
- Junior professionals – giving them the tools to shine in high-pressure moments.
- Business owners – preparing them to pitch, present, and lead with impact.
Every session I deliver is practical, energising, and rooted in real life. My goal is to create an environment where people feel empowered, not judged — and walk away with strategies they can use straight away.
If you’re looking to inspire your students, strengthen your team, or unlock your own potential — I’d love to help you take those small steps that lead to a big vision.
With love,
Emily xx
Big Vision Values
Our work is guided by a set of values that shape every interaction, workshop, and partnership:
- 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.
Photo Gallery
TESTIMONIALS
Rebecca - Committed Dance Company
Rebecca - Committed Dance Company
Rebecca - Committed Dance Company
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!
Marianna - Award Winning Designer
Rebecca - Committed Dance Company
Rebecca - Committed Dance Company
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.
King’s College Taunton
Rebecca - Committed Dance Company
Year 9 students at Axe Valley School
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 or the confidence with which she speaks. I think it's due to (and what I admire the most), her authenticity. Emily is hugely motivational and I would wholeheartedly recommend her services.
Year 9 students at Axe Valley School
Liz, Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK
Year 9 students at Axe Valley School
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.
Liz, Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK
Liz, Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK
Liz, Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK
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.
Year 9 student at Hampton School
Liz, Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK
Liz, Principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts in the UK
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.
Elle Mace - Award Winning Speaker & Body Image Specialist
Anne Blackburn, Enterprise Co-ordinator in the SW Careers Hub
Anne Blackburn, Enterprise Co-ordinator in the SW Careers Hub
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.
Anne Blackburn, Enterprise Co-ordinator in the SW Careers Hub
Anne Blackburn, Enterprise Co-ordinator in the SW Careers Hub
Anne Blackburn, Enterprise Co-ordinator in the SW Careers Hub
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.
Sarah Jepson, Founder of Six Degrees
Anne Blackburn, Enterprise Co-ordinator in the SW Careers Hub
Sarah Jepson, Founder of Six Degrees
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.
Have Any Questions?
If you have any questions about how we can work with you, click below or email me directly at emily@smallstepsbigvision.com
You can also find me on LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/in/emily-mcguirk-helping-junior-talent-build-confidence-presence-impact