Julie McCann’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and results. From humble beginnings in Southend to board-level roles in London and now leading an internationally respected consultancy, Julie’s journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for people and performance.
As founder and Managing Director of Masters in Minds, Julie is a driving force behind behavioural change in UK organisations, particularly in scale-ups and mid-sized companies that often lack the people-focused resources available to large corporates. “Where there are humans, there are mindsets,” she says, underlining her commitment to shifting thinking as a route to organisational growth.
From the Contact Centre to the Boardroom
Julie entered the workforce straight from school, quickly climbing the ladder after a life-changing training course catapulted her from the phones to the boardroom. “I had to learn how to dress for business and how to speak properly just to get in front of clients,” she recalls. That experience shaped her belief in nurturing talent, no matter their starting point—a philosophy that has carried through her entire career.
After years of building other people's companies, she co-founded Masters in Minds in 2007. Initially a boutique consultancy, the firm is now embracing the digital space, building scalable products focused on people, culture, and change.
Making a Measurable Difference
Julie’s work has touched a wide range of industries—from manufacturing to fintech, from renewables to social impact organisations. But what unites her clients is a shared belief: that investing in people pays off. “We work best with HR/People Directors, CEOs and COOs who get that culture isn’t fluffy, it’s tangible, and it drives results,” Julie explains.
One standout example is Golden Charter, the UK’s leading pre-paid funeral provider. Faced with a strategic shift away from costly field sales, the company needed to rapidly build a new contact centre culture that could compassionately support vulnerable customers. Julie’s team delivered a mindset transformation that led to a 35% increase in conversion rates, £500K annual marketing savings, and significant uplifts in staff referrals and Trustpilot ratings.
From Strategy to Execution
Julie’s unique strength lies in bridging strategy with behavioural change. Her work with a global industrial automation company saw her team deliver a bespoke leadership programme during a period of aggressive growth by acquisition. Using tools like the Mindset Indicator and a "Doing the Basics Brilliantly" programme, they achieved 97% senior leader adoption and a 93% improvement in coaching confidence, vital for integrating new teams and executing on ambitious goals.
Measurable Culture Shifts
In the finance sector, Julie partnered with a major savings and investment firm managing over £250 billion in assets. The task: enable leaders to embrace change, own performance, and build sustainable high performance. The result? A 200% increase in business retention, 118% productivity rise, and £13.5M in savings, clear evidence that mindset is not only measurable but profitable.
In another project with a London-based professional services firm, Julie's leadership coaching programme reversed a toxic burnout culture. Not only did it achieve the highest NPS scores in company history, but it also inspired a second wave of 90 leaders to sign up — proof that when people feel heard and empowered, the ripple effect is exponential.
A Message to Scotland’s Business Leaders
Julie’s advice to business leaders struggling with engagement or considering AI and automation is simple: “Don’t ignore the signals. If you’re seeing low productivity, poor morale, or stalled transformation, it’s time to act. And that doesn’t mean another tech rollout. It means starting with people. Do a culture audit. Use data. Build emotional intelligence into your strategy. That’s how you futureproof your business.”
Through Masters in Minds, Julie McCann is not just transforming organisations, she’s transforming lives. Her clients don’t just achieve goals; they evolve. And in today’s volatile landscape, that kind of change isn’t just desirable — it’s essential.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Saltire Sentinel’s editorial stance.