Designing Change, Driving Inclusive Innovation
What is Design Thinking?
Driving Innovation & Creating Solutions with Empathy, Equity, & Impact
In today's dynamic and often divided world, we know that organisations thrive when they embrace diverse perspectives and inclusive practices. At Just Horizons, we specialise in applying Design Thinking—a human-centred, collaborative approach—to help you navigate complex challenges and co-create innovative solutions.
At the risk of repeating ourselves (because this is the important bit!), Design Thinking is a creative problem-solving process that places people at the heart of the solution.
Using the Design Thinking methodology enables you have open and meaningful conversations with individuals, teams, organisations and communities about ANY challenges that you face.
Why Choose Design Thinking with Just Horizons?
What are the benefits?
- Inclusive Collaboration: Engage every team member, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.
- Innovative Solutions: Break free from conventional thinking to discover fresh, effective strategies.
- Empowered Teams: Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collective ownership.
- Sustainable Growth: Implement solutions that drive long-term success and inclusivity.
At Just Horizons, we believe that Design Thinking is a powerful tool for creating real solutions that drive innovation and growth while prioritising equity, diversity, and inclusion. This people-centred approach enables you to deeply understand the diverse needs and perspectives of all stakeholders, ensuring that solutions are relevant and effective.
Start Your Design Thinking Journey Today
Your Design Thinking Journey will be developed to meet the very specific requirements of your organisation, however will typically include some or all of the following phases,
- The Discovery Phase - Understanding the Challenge / Preparing Research / Gathering Inspiration
- The Interpretation Phase - Telling Stories / Searching for Meaning / Framing Opportunities
- The Ideation Phase - Generating Ideas / Refining Ideas
- The Experimentation Phase - Making Prototypes / Gathering Feedback
- The Evolution Phase - Implementation / Tracking Learning / Moving Forward
Design Thinking Workshops:
- Interactive sessions to introduce your team to Design Thinking principles.
- Hands-on activities to tackle real organisational challenges.
- Practical and actionable take-aways to make change happen quickly.
Inclusive Innovation Programmes:
- Longer-term projects to embed Design Thinking into your organisational culture.
- Tailored strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ready to embark on a journey of inclusive innovation?
Contact us today to discover how Just Horizons can help your organisation thrive.
Design Thinking in Action at BMet College
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Carolyn recently delivered an outstanding Design Thinking session to twenty-six of our executive and senior leaders, focusing on innovation, intrapreneurship, and inclusion. The overwhelmingly positive response from participants—evidenced by glowing survey feedback—highlighted the immense value of this dynamic and solutions-oriented experience.
The session's impact has been significant. Many of the projects initiated during the workshop have been developed further and are now being implemented, driving real change and innovation across the college. Carolyn's use of the proven Design Thinking methodology was truly unique, offering a fast-paced yet highly effective approach to problem-solving that energised the entire team.
What stood out most was Carolyn's facilitation style. Her energy, inclusivity, and ability to create an engaging and collaborative environment made a complex process feel accessible and exciting for everyone involved. This approach perfectly aligns with our college's strategies around equity, inclusion and building high-performing teams, further enhancing its relevance and impact.
I would highly recommend Carolyn at Just Horizons to any organisation looking to foster innovation, develop effective solutions, and inspire their teams. Her expertise, dynamic leadership, and results-driven approach make them a standout choice for driving meaningful transformation.
Pat Carvalho, CEO/Principal at BMet College, Birmingham
Empowering Teams and Driving Large-Scale Innovation
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Driving Innovation and Inclusion: A Transformative Design Thinking Experience
Following the success of Carolyn's Design Thinking session with our senior leadership team, we were delighted to invite her back to deliver two large-scale workshops in October for 120 of our department and curriculum leads. These sessions were impressive and impactful, providing our staff with the tools and inspiration to drive innovation and develop practical, real-world solutions.
Carolyn demonstrated remarkable expertise in managing and leading such large groups through the Design Thinking process. Despite the scale of the workshops, her dynamic energy, inclusive facilitation style, and ability to engage every participant ensured that the sessions were both impactful and enjoyable.
The outcomes speak for themselves: the innovative ideas generated during these sessions have already led to actionable solutions, many of which are being developed and implemented across the college. Survey feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the value of Carolyn's unique approach and her ability to deliver results.
I highly recommend Carolyn at Just Horizons to any organisation looking to foster innovation, inspire teams, and drive meaningful change. Her expertise, enthusiasm, and proven methodology make Carolyn / Just Horizons an outstanding choice for facilitating large-scale, results-driven workshops.
Anna Jackson, Deputy Principal at BMet College, Birmingham
About Just Horizons
Our Vision & Mission
Our Vision - Cultivating equitable environments where individuals and organisations thrive.
Our Mission - Leveraging Design Thinking to embed universal Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) into the fabric of every organisation we partner with.
Our Approach
At Just Horizons, Design Thinking is central to our approach, driving our commitment to foster Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) for all. Through our focused range of services, we empower organisations to not only embrace IDEA principles but integrate them at their core.
Our work is also shaped by our own journeys—learning, unlearning, and striving to be better allies and advocates for inclusion. We know first hand that embracing IDEA isn’t just about policies; it’s about real conversations, personal reflection, and bold action. That’s why our approach is practical, honest, and deeply rooted in lived and learned experience.
Our Values & Behaviours
We are:
- Equitable – addressing systemic biases across all aspects of our work
- Inclusive – embedding and embracing diverse perspectives and experiences
- Compassionate – showing empathy and understanding in every interaction
- Curious – driven by a "what if?" mindset, always seeking growth and improvement
- Courageous – challenging the status quo, speaking up even when it’s difficult and uncomfortable
- Candid – communicating openly, honestly, and with respect, even on challenging topics
- Trustworthy – acting with integrity, consistency, and respect for privacy
Our Other Training & Support Services
Introduction to Anti-Racism - Our Personal Responsibility
We aim to create a psychologically safe and brave space to explore racism, privilege, and unconscious bias. Through discussions and reflection, participants gain the tools to challenge racism in daily life, workplaces, and communities.
Anti-Racism & Allyship - Beyond the Optics
Being non-racist isn’t enough—true allyship requires active engagement. This workshop helps individuals recognise systemic racism, understand privilege, and take meaningful action towards dismantling inequitable systems.
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
A guided 8-12 week programme providing a dedicated space for white individuals to examine privilege, identity, and systemic racism. Facilitated in a supportive environment, WAGs promote personal growth and collective action towards anti-racism.
Please note - completion of anti-racism training is recommended prior to joining.
IDEA Network Management
Anti-racism in Action – White Affinity Groups
We offer complete facilitation and management of your organisation’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) networks and working groups. Support includes strategic planning, leadership guidance, resource development, and evaluation to ensure effective delivery of IDEA goals.
The Big IDEA Leadership & Management Programme
A leadership development programme focusing on the importance of IDEA in management. Topics include authentic leadership, effective communication, emotional agility, team-building, and self-care, ensuring leaders foster truly inclusive work environments.
Professional & Personal Development
A suite of workshops designed to enhance personal growth, mental wellbeing, and workplace inclusivity. Topics include:
o The 6C’s Communication Model
o Career Planning & Progression
o Building Confidence & Resilience
o Defining Your Personal Brand
o The Enterprising Mindset
o Creating a Happy, Healthy Workplace
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Expertly designed programme and project management solutions, alongside strategic IDEA support for education, social economy, and public sector organisations. Through dynamic facilitation, we help organisations drive innovation, inclusivity, and lasting impact.
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Private Sector
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Project Management, Facilitation & Strategic IDEA Support for the Social Economy & Public Sectors
Supporting SMEs and large corporations in embedding IDEA into business strategy, workforce engagement, and stakeholder relationships. Whether your organisation is beginning its IDEA journey or advancing its initiatives, we provide tailored support to strengthen inclusivity, enhance team collaboration, and foster an equitable company culture.
Our Community of Clients & Collaborators
Case Study - The Social Economy Growth Programme
The Social Economy Growth Programmes at Aston University Centre for Growth
Thank you to Carolyn at Just Horizons for her outstanding work on the Social Economy Growth Programmes at Aston University Centre for Growth. The Grow and Accelerate programmes, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority are designed to champion the Social Economy Sector across the region through a series of expert-led workshops and peer coach support.
Bringing together 56 social entrepreneurs from across the region, the aim of these programmes is to help participants develop strategies to increase their trading income, build beneficiary impact all whilst elevating their business skills and gaining the confidence to create sustainable growth in their social economy organisations.
Carolyn was instrumental in the success of the Social Economy Growth Programmes. Her exceptional skills in programme design, project management, and facilitation elevated this initiative into an impactful and highly engaging experience for participants. From the outset, Carolyn demonstrated remarkable energy and a deep commitment to ensuring every aspect of the programme ran seamlessly. She curated workshops on critical topics like Governance, Leadership, and Strategic Growth that were both insightful and highly practical, equipping participants with the tools they needed to grow their social economy organisations.
What truly set Carolyn apart was her dynamic facilitation style. She created an inclusive and energising environment that encouraged active participation and fostered meaningful discussions. Her ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and cultivate a supportive network among attendees added immeasurable value to the programme. Carolyn's meticulous attention to detail, innovative approach, and ability to adapt to the needs of participants made this programme not only a learning journey but also a catalyst for real-world impact.
I wholeheartedly endorse Carolyn and Just Horizons for any project requiring exceptional leadership, facilitation, and the ability to inspire and empower others.
Kate Angel, Head of Business Support Operations, Aston Centre for Growth
Our Team
Our Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director
Carolyn Chapman-Lees has over three decades of senior and executive level experience in leadership, management, education, and training.
She is deeply passionate about delivering solutions that enable individuals and organisations to thrive and succeed and where social justice is central to ensuring equity of opportunity, inclusion and belonging for everyone.
Our Team of Associates
Our Founder & Director
Our Founder & Director
At Just Horizons we work with a wide range of expert Associates, who are carefully selected according to their aligned IDEA focused values and behaviours.