Our Team
Having spent over a decade working in both the public and private sectors, I have a unique perspective. I know that a community based collaborative approach is the best way to make change. Businesses want to hire strong talent from diverse backgrounds, and I know that young people from diverse backgrounds are eager to get a chance to show how brilliant they are, and I personally love connecting the dots for people to support them to thrive!
If you know me, you know that I am passionate about this work. Being from Birmingham, I moved to London in my mid-twenties to pursue a creative career and quickly realised that this whole industry is built on relationships. As an outsider, I had no chance, so, like I have done many times before, I started to create something that I didn’t see existed.
TING (Together Inspiring the Next Generation) is here because the need is mutual: the industry needs the talent, and the talent wants to find roles they can stay in and develop long-term (despite what TikTok might say 😂).
With my experience in creating communities, DEI, People and Culture, and Learning and Development, I truly believe that TING can make a big impact on the industry.
Rochelle Robertson
FOUNDER
Jen Uche
HEAD OF SOCIAL IMPACT
“If you’re not designing for the planet, what planet are you on?” ~ Kate Raworth
My professional career started in youth work and education, serving young people through delivering employment and work readiness programmes.
Almost 10 years later, I am still serving communities and facilitating positive social shifts within the creative industries. I have had the privilege of gaining experience on the field working with grassroots communities in the UK, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, as well as behind the scenes working with notable brands and creative agencies to drive impact where it matters most.
I specialise in the strategic thinking, development and delivery of purpose led initiatives, events and programmes that drive social change. This work matters to me because I am a product of access and opportunity and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the leaders who saw the importance of my own personal and professional development as a young person.
TING provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between young people and impactful development opportunities and I’m proud to be a part of the change that I’d like to see.
Clare Jones
HEAD COACH & TRAINER
From growing up in Liverpool to Leeds to Sydney to Amsterdam - I’ve spent an incredible 25 years working in the global creative industry leading businesses in advertising, production and entertainment. I’ve slogged my way from team assistant to COO and have hands-on experience of people and politics at every level. Over that time I’ve learned a lot about systemic exclusion. It’s been perpetuated without sufficient challenge and the industry is poorer because of it.
I retrained as a consultant and coach in 2015 to start the work of prying open doors and changing mindsets at leadership level. Asking the tough questions and providing practical steps for transformation and inclusion across cultural, operational and interpersonal areas. I then realised that there are plenty of cultural blindspots that could hinder the progress of people who aren’t entrenched in the system. So I also focus on coaching that unpacks the rituals and reframes the workplace.
Much of the training and coaching work is designed to provoke new thinking and develop new levels of personal responsibility. It’s also fun, and creates shared understanding that can reshape how it feels to be at work.
I want marginalised people to feel equally entitled to a successful, sustainable career - and for that to be fully possible. At TING I create bespoke training and coaching experiences that respond to any blocks to progress. I’ve been hired by corporates, individuals, independent and network agencies to support this work over the past 10 years, and it’s the best application of my experience I can think of.
Roo Chakawhata
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, community has always been part of my DNA. With nearly five years dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion, my career is driven by a profound commitment to building community and creating safe spaces for individuals from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds – giving them/us a voice and a space to be listened to.
My expertise lies in developing and implementing strategic processes that align with key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that diversity and inclusion are integral to the company’s core business operations. But my secret sauce is being able to create an open and meaningful safe space whether that's a listening circle, an informative panel/workshop or just a one to one conversation. All of these sessions, personal and intimate sessions build the foundation of the "community" and grow it. Which is why I'm at TING.
Though I won't be too much at the forefront of our workshops, I will be using my experience to elevate and support the various solutions TING will offer organisations and also ensure we stay true to our core values, and I'm so proud to be part of the team.