About Us

What Drives Us?

We’re here to help build inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive — not just a few.

Over the years, we’ve watched the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) space shift from something driven by legal compliance to something deeper — a commitment that lives in the DNA of organisations that truly value their people.

But let’s be honest: for all the progress, change still feels slow.

We’re still having the same conversations we were having 20 years ago. Why?

We think it comes down to two things:

Inclusion isn’t feeling inclusive for everyone.
When DEIB focuses solely on minoritised groups (which is important), it can sometimes leave others feeling left out. That’s the opposite of what inclusion is meant to be.
Culture lives or dies in local teams.
No matter what the company says at the top, culture is shaped by what’s tolerated day-to-day — and that’s usually down to line managers.

That’s why we do things differently.

We start with what connects us as humans, not just what makes us different.
And we focus on equipping first-line and middle managers to lead inclusively — because that’s where real, lasting culture change begins.

What Do We Offer?

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Confident conversations.

Stronger support. Healthier teams.

We deliver a range of evidence-based mental health sessions designed by MHFA England®. These workshops give people the skills and confidence to talk openly about mental health — creating a more supportive environment, improving the employee experience, and boosting team performance.

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Because people remember how

you made them feel.

We coach managers to understand the impact they have on those around them — and how to shape a culture where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued. The result? Teams that trust each other, collaborate more deeply, and spark innovation together.

Transgender Matters – Human2Human Talks

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Transgender Matters – Human2Human Talks

Real stories. Real connection. Real inclusion.

Our talks are rooted in our lived experience — including Sophie’s gender transition and our journey as an LGBTQIA+ couple. We go beyond definitions to show what it really means to feel different, to not belong, or seen. These conversations invite empathy, challenge assumptions, and leave people better equipped to support others — and themselves.

About Us

Real People, Real Experience, Real Impact

A love story rooted in resilience, identity, and the power of belonging.

We’re Sophie and Danielle — a married couple, business partners, and the co-founders of Belonging Base.

We met at university back in 1992 and clicked instantly. Ten years later, we tied the knot and became husband and wife. Another nine years on, in 2011, Sophie came out as transgender and began her gender transition.

It wasn’t an easy time — not for us, and not for those around us. Back then, understanding of what it meant to be transgender was limited. Some friends and family struggled with the change. Some stepped away altogether. Rejection, confusion, and isolation became part of our story.

Both of us faced mental health challenges, and life became a roller-coaster of change — emotionally, personally, and professionally.

But through it all, we learned. We grew. And we began to understand just how deeply belonging matters — and how painful it is when it’s missing.

That’s why we created Belonging Base.

Our lived experience is the heartbeat of what we do. Sophie’s passion is mental health awareness. Danielle’s is helping managers become memorable for all the right reasons. Together, we deliver trans-awareness talks rooted in real life and human connection.

We're not just talking about belonging — we’ve lived the impact of not having it. And now, we’re helping others build the cultures we all deserve.

Our lived experience is married with decades of professional expertise.

Between us, we bring over 40 years of experience in People and HR roles — from the UK Police Service to FTSE 100 giants and fast-moving tech start-ups. We’ve worked in both public and private sectors, and we’ve seen what makes workplace cultures thrive… and what holds them back.

Together, we help organisations create cultures where people don’t just fit in — they flourish. Because when people feel safe, seen, and supported, they do their best work.

SOPHIE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

Champion for mental health, belonging, and lived inclusion.

Learning & Development Specialist
Mental Health First Aid Instructor (MHFA® England)
Motivational Speaker
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Expert
Former Head of DEI (Private Sector)
👉 Visit Sophie’s LinkedIn

DANIELLE WOOD

Builder of inclusive cultures and memorable managers.

HR Consultant (MCIPD)
Business & Life Coach (ICF)
Awareness Raising Speaker
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Expert
Former Head of DEI (Public Sector)
👉 Visit Danielle’s LinkedIn

BUILDING INCLUSIVE CULTURES THAT THRIVE

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Welcome

What Drives Us?

What Do We Offer?

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Transgender Matters – Human2Human Talks

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Transgender Matters – Human2Human Talks

About Us

Real People, Real Experience, Real Impact

SOPHIE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

Our Credentials

Delivery Options

Public Online Services

Public Online Services

Public Online Services

In-house Services

Public Online Services

Public Online Services

BUILDING INCLUSIVE CULTURES THAT THRIVE

Launching September - 'MEMORABLE MANAGER' Group Coaching Programme - click to find out more!

Welcome

What Drives Us?

What Do We Offer?

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Transgender Matters – Human2Human Talks

The memorable manager - group coahcing programme

Transgender Matters – Human2Human Talks

About Us

Real People, Real Experience, Real Impact

SOPHIE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

DANIELLE WOOD

Our Credentials

Delivery Options

Public Online Services

Public Online Services

Public Online Services

In-house Services

Public Online Services

Public Online Services

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