FOR LEADERSHIP
Senior advice on AI adoption, for the people accountable for it.
AI decisions now sit with leaders whose expertise is people, organisations and governance, not technology. You are asked to approve strategies, sign off policies and reassure boards, often on the strength of adoption figures that show use but say little about what is happening to judgement.
I work alongside HR and OD directors, chief information officers, chief executives, board members and non-executive directors as an independent adviser through those decisions.
Where I help
Testing an AI strategy, policy or framework before it goes to the Board, including how it will hold up in day-to-day use
Deciding where AI belongs in the organisation’s work, and what has to stay human
Knowing what to ask when you are shown adoption figures, and what real assurance looks like
Working through the workforce questions: accountability, roles, and how people keep building expertise when AI does more of the work
Two ways to work together
ONE DECISION OR DOCUMENT
A defined piece of work. One decision, document or question, with a clear end point. For example, a review of an AI policy before sign-off, or advice ahead of a Board discussion.
ACROSS AN ADOPTION PERIOD
An advisory retainer. Support across an adoption period: regular conversations, review of key papers as they develop, and a second opinion when you need one.
This is advice on decisions and documents. Executive coaching sits outside it.
What I bring
I am a business and organisational psychologist with an MSc in Cyberpsychology.
I have spent 25 years in NHS and public sector communications and digital transformation, including time at the Number 10 Policy Unit and with the European Parliament.
I was a founding architect of the NHS AI Taskforce and am an AI Ambassador at the Department of Health and Social Care.
Start with the decision in front of you
A first conversation will tell us both whether this is the right support for what you are facing.
“My sessions with Sonya have changed the questions I want my leadership team to ask about AI. It isn't enough to provide training and publish a policy. We need to understand how our working environment influences people's willingness to question, challenge and take responsibility for AI-supported decisions.”
CEO, Community Health Provider
"We talk about keeping a human in the loop, but Sonya has really made me question whether that person has the confidence, capability and organisational permission to challenge what AI produces. I've got so much to take back to me organisation!”
OD Lead, Future Workforce Summit