OUR GUIDES
HOW WE DELIVER CHALLENGE BASED LEARNING
DARKSWAN specialises in challenge-based learning, offering immersive experiences that promote growth and resilience. Our diverse team of Guides, experts in their fields, are key to our approach. They connect deeply with participants, guiding them to unlock their potential and embrace new challenges. Al explains how our Guides embody this philosophy in everything we deliver, ensuring a transformative experience for everyone.
WHAT SETS US APART
The exceptional quality of our Guides is a cornerstone that distinguishes us from the competition. Drawn from an array of diverse sectors such as elite sports, special forces, academia, intelligence, circus arts, aviation, and security, our Guides bring with them not just a wealth of real-world experience but also an unwavering commitment to our philosophy and values. They excel not because of their varied backgrounds, but because they live the DARKSWAN ethos of fostering personal growth and resilience. Their skill is to deeply connect with everyone, guiding them to self-discovery and helping them excel, whether in leadership, teamwork, or personal challenges. Our Guides' world-class ability to facilitate transformative experiences ensures that every client's journey with us isn't just about where they're going, but also about who they become along the way.
WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER
What unites us is a core set of shared values centred on our commitment to fostering development and helping others become the best versions of themselves. Our collective passion is rooted in the belief that experiential learning—learning through doing and facing challenges—is the most impactful way to catalyse growth and personal development. This shared vision not only guides our delivery but also fuels our unwavering commitment to creating experiences that are as transformative as they are enlightening. Together, we strive to make every learning journey an opportunity for individuals to discover their potential, push their boundaries, and achieve excellence - embodying the true spirit of resilience and improvement.
OUR GUIDES
ABI COOPER
BACKGROUND
Circus and Performing Arts. Operations Manager - International Humanitarian Social Circus Projects. Aerialist Performer & Coach.
ABOUT
Abi is insightful, intelligent, and always brings a fresh perspective to any conversation. She always offers you such a great angle and uses language that is jargon-free and resonates. She never imposes or tries to dominate the conversation and is a ‘free spirit’ that compliments the team and brings a wonderful energy to any encounter you have with her.
AL HUMES
BACKGROUND
Co-founder | Director DARKSWAN. British Army. Chair: Cultural Reviews (UK Sport). Consultant. Coach.
ABOUT
Al is quiet and thoughtful. Organised and efficient. He guides the strategy and the team with reassuring calmness. The glue that holds the team together to ensure that you have the best learning experiencing possible. His skill as a listener perfectly complements his coaching to help you reflect and move forward in your development.
Andy Whitehouse
BACKGROUND
Military. Training. Field operations. Facilities Management.
ABOUT
Optimistic and calm, you’re always in safe hands with Andy. He helps you to see the bigger picture along with the ‘moments that matter’ to make a difference to you as a leader, team player and you as a human being. Andy brings a highly relatable human touch whenever you work with him, and you’ll always come away better for being with him.
Claire Whatley
BACKGROUND
Conscious Creation. Wolves. Embodiment.
ABOUT
Claire brings a fresh perspective to life's challenges, uncovering the hidden gems that bring colour and joy to your day. Known for her uplifting spirit, she guides you out of the grey and into a world of optimism and possibility. Claire offers her wisdom to help you reconnect with your inner self and find magic in the everyday.
DAN COOKE
BACKGROUND
Co-founder | Director DARKSWAN. Teacher. Fire Service. International Disaster Response.
ABOUT
Dan is a born leader who always sees the leadership qualities in others. Hugely inspiring and unfailingly optimistic, he brings out the good and positive in you in any situation. He purposefully employs the ‘unconventional’ and adopts a creative, fun approach to learning that helps challenge your own reflections and thinking, to always gets the best out of you.
Dave ‘Jacko’ Jackson
BACKGROUND
Royal Marines and UKSF. University lecturer. Security advisor. Youth development.
ABOUT
Jacko is the very definition of still waters running deep. He is one of life’s truly nice guys. Dedicated, resourceful and a great member of the team, he possesses vast experience which you will always benefit from. Empathetic and an excellent coach, he quickly builds trust, so you quickly discover so much more about yourself, you won’t even notice!
Harvey Reed
BACKGROUND
Army - Infantry Officer. Multi-agency teams - Ministry of Defence. Leadership Coach.
ABOUT
Personable and reassuring, Harvey quickly bonds with delegates, who benefit from his wealth of experience. He always adds value to every interaction with his experience and observations and can deftly steer the conversation in a manner that encourages participation and input, making everyone feel safe, included and heard.
Louise 'Lou' Nicolaou
BACKGROUND
Dancer. Bank Manager. Consultant
ABOUT
Lou, a seasoned business veteran, exudes energy and charm that make her instantly likable and engaging. With vast experience and an infectious spirit, Lou connects effortlessly with people, inspiring them to improve and develop. Lou’s ability to challenge others to reach their full potential has left everyone who works with her feeling motivated and appreciated.
Martin Phillips
BACKGROUND
Journalist. Royal Correspondence. International Rescue.
ABOUT
Martin is not only hugely capable and an experienced team member, but also wonderful company. An impressive balance of drive and determination, with an irrepressibly contagiously and cheerful manner. His ability to connect inspires confidence in you; to be your honest self and to help realise your own potential.
Nick Borritt
BACKGROUND
Royal Marines. Fire Service. International Rescue.
ABOUT
The room always lights up when Nick walks in. With his infectious smile and charm, you can’t help but warm to him. In the Fire Service people use to say… “Every Watch should have one”. Unfortunately, there is only one Nick. His positive energy is infectious, and he has a natural gift for creating psychological safety whenever you’re in conversation with him.
PETE CULLEY
BACKGROUND
Director DARKSWAN. Multinational Partnerships. Intelligence & Geopolitics. Cyber Operations. Incident Response/Management. Royal Air Force.
ABOUT
Pete’s mind processes faster than Artificial Intelligence (AI) and you never fail to come away from a conversation with Pete without learning something. His commitment to continually learn and develop wonderfully compliments his desire to discover what really matters to you. He quickly tunes into your thinking and expertly guides you to always go wider and deeper.
RACH
BACKGROUND
Athlete. Human Performance in Arduous Environments. Austere medicine. Security in Women’s Sport.
ABOUT
Any event that has Rachel in the team is better for it. She has a real gift for bringing out the best in those around her. A real achiever, but hugely self-effacing and modest with it. Champions women smashing the ceiling in all aspects of life, but especially where men dominate. Not afraid to raise difficult conversations and hold a mirror up to you when required, she uses her wealth of experience to take you to the next level.
Dr Sarah-Louise Weller
BACKGROUND
Banking. NHS. Academia. International Rescue.
ABOUT
Sarah-Louise embodies the Dark Swan Guide philosophy through skillful curiosity, generosity, and the courage to help you discover honest truths about yourself. Her quiet, friendly demeanour belies a steely determination and ‘can-do’ attitude, and her considered delivery never fails to enlighten and bring you to a place of greater understanding.
DR STEVE EATON MBE
BACKGROUND
Former UK Special Forces. Performance Coach & Consultant.
ABOUT
Steve is extremely humble considering his impressive background and you’re always richer for being in his company. Offers tremendous experience and knowledge to enhance your experience with us. A diligent listener, who asks great questions precisely at the right moment to create an even deeper and more impactful conversation with you.
THE SAMHAR COLLECTIVE
BACKGROUNDS
Charities management, third sector incident command, IT & Engineering Support & Consultancy Services
ABOUT
The SAMHAR Collective, comprising Sam and Amhar, are the driving force behind our operation, managing everything from logistics to audiovisuals with skill and precision. Their essential contributions ensure the seamless execution of our programmes and courses, making them critical to our success, enabling us to create an impactful experiences for everyone involved.
