REIMAGINING
CAREERS & CULTURE
Where coaching, design thinking, and diversity research meet to create strategies that open access and reduce barriers. I work with neurodivergent, racialised, and creative professionals through training, courses, and resources designed for real-world impact.
Curious how this could change your professional life? Get in touch
About me
I know what it’s like to navigate neurodivergence, sensory overload, and racialised expectations. I’ve spent my career working alongside and supporting others facing similarly complex lives and systems, and those experiences shape everything I do as a coach and educator.
That lived experience led me to formal training: an MSc in Career Development and Coaching and an MA in Design and Branding Strategy, alongside work in media, education, and design with organisations such as the BBC, University of the Arts London, and Designers Guild.
My research bridges the personal and the professional. I’ve explored media representation and the career experiences of Black British female creatives, leading to an invited talk on inclusive career pathways. I’m also a contributor on neurodivergence in the workplace (Holistic Career Coaching, Routledge, 2025) and a guest lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London.
Outside of work, I bake cakes, make small-batch gelato, collect vintage picture books, and am training my dog as a therapy dog (though she has other ideas). I also take joy seriously and believe the right cake and gelato count as structural repair.
Kind words
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me. I thank you for all of your support you have given me , the strength to be able to face the world again. Your generosity , care , compassion , wise words, listening and precious gift of time, gave hope and courage to me and others. Many beautiful things can not always be seen but felt by the heart and what you have done for me is that.”
— Carla .W
“Thank you so much Aretha for getting me here. I owe so much to your support. Without it I don't think I would have this opportunity. Not to forget the confidence you gave me.”
— Jonathan. G
“Working with Aretha helped to change the trajectory of my business and consequently my life for the better. Honest words and actionable advice that still resonate years later! She’s an absolute tonic!”
— Karen. A
ARETHA RUTHERFORD
REIMAGINING CAREERS & CULTURE
© ARETHA RUTHERFORD 2025