Our people
We are a team of coaches, facilitators and coordinators united by a shared belief in human growth. We bring deep experience and a human touch to our work, while staying open to our own learning and development, because growth is a journey we’re on too. You can meet our team below and see for yourself the talent, passion and experience they bring to our programmes.
Tracie Seebold
Founder
Tracie is the Founder of Elevate People Academy and has worked in people development since 2006. Before that, she spent almost two decades in senior leadership roles with blue-chip brands including McVitie’s, Typhoo and Cadbury, as well as global agencies Kantar and Nielsen, working across the UK, Australia and Asia.
A qualified coach (PCC) with an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, she is on a mission to create thriving, human-centred workplaces. Outside work, she loves yoga, pilates, tennis and sea swimming.
Claire Gordon
Operations Manager
Claire’s career journey spans professional nannying to 20 years in recruitment, where she honed her people and organisational skills. Now a Virtual Assistant and Online Business Manager, she keeps teams and operations running seamlessly. Known for her reliability and calm efficiency, she brings structure and care to Elevate People Academy, supporting both our clients and our team.
Beyond work, Claire enjoys reading, bootcamp, reformer Pilates, and exploring the South West Coast Path in Cornwall.
Trevor Cousins
Coach and Programme Lead
Trevor has been coaching leaders since 2002, drawing on 13 years’ senior marketing experience to bring sharp insight and real-world perspective. He works with global clients to thrive in complex and changing times.
Known for his warmth and authenticity, Trevor balances challenge with support to help leaders adapt and grow. Beyond work, he enjoys travelling, coastal walks, reading, and time with family and friends.
Debbie Palmer
Coach and Programme Lead
Debbie began her professional journey in marketing and brand development before focusing on people, performance and leadership as a coach and facilitator.
She has worked across culture, people experience and organisational development in a hyper-growth tech consultancy, before returning to work independently. Known for her authentic, empathetic and engaging style, Debbie enjoys Pilates, countryside walks with her dog, and musical theatre with her daughter.
Jane Hirst
Coach and Programme Lead
Jane has been supporting people’s growth and development since the early 1990s, building on a senior career in financial services. She combines professional insight with warmth, energy and a talent for sparking breakthroughs that build confidence and lasting change. Her approach balances encouragement and challenge, helping people stretch, develop and thrive.
Beyond work, Jane enjoys gardening, cooking for friends, and embracing the challenge of learning golf.
Amanda Harrison
Coach and Programme Lead
Amanda is an occupational psychologist and coach with deep expertise in leadership development and coaching. She has worked with graduates through to senior executives, helping them adapt mindsets and achieve their goals.
Amanda has a warm, engaging style, she builds trust and brings a pragmatic, flexible approach. Beyond work, Amanda enjoys hiking with her family and dog, horse riding, and exploring new places.
Zoe Carter-Owen
Coach and Programme Lead
With 25 years in global corporates and as former Head of L&D for a consultancy, Zoe now focuses on facilitation and coaching. She works with executives worldwide, blending curiosity, openness and a solution-focused approach.
Zoe’s strengths are in helping people find clarity and unlock growth, she supports meaningful progress and positive change. Beyond work, Zoe finds enjoys paddleboarding, running, cycling and wild swimming.
Duncan Purvis
Coach and Programme Lead
Duncan has over 20 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector, bringing leadership and operational expertise to his work in learning and development. As a coach, he creates relaxed, supportive spaces where people feel safe to explore ideas, grow and thrive.
Duncan brings energy, empathy and fun to his work. He recharges by travelling in a campervan, playing cricket and walking his dog, Mabel.
Dragana Kolundzija
Coach and Programme Lead
Dragana has over 28 years’ experience in HR, specialising in learning and development across the financial and energy sectors worldwide. Her pragmatic, creative and energetic approach helps people shift behaviours, thinking and performance. With a strong focus on Emotional Intelligence she helps organisations navigate change.
When not working, Dragana enjoys travelling, keeping active, and spending time with family.
Dee Gough
Coach and Programme Lead
Dee started out in corporate finance before moving into change management, where she discovered her passion for people development. Since 2020, she has focused on facilitation and coaching across corporate, public and community settings, helping individuals and teams reach their potential.
Dee has a down-to-earth, open and fun approach. She recharges by walking her Golden Retriever, Hugo, practising yoga and playing tennis
Helen Robson
Coach and Programme Lead
Helen is a coach and facilitator, working across sectors and levels. Clients value her encouraging and supportive style, which helps people grow with confidence. She draws on a decade in senior corporate roles and has been developing people since 2012.
Outside work, Helen enjoys music and singing, and loves cycling and swimming with her son.