DNA Light Up isn’t coaching, therapy or counselling, and we’re not coaches, therapists or counsellors. We call ourselves ACTIVATORS.
Activator (noun): an agent that renders another substance active, or accelerates a process or reaction.
In other words, we’re game changers!
Game changer (noun): a visionary, someone radical and disruptive (usually in a positive way), who significantly alters the way things are done, looking beyond conventional methods and conceiving new strategies, to spark changes that transform the landscape as a whole.
We know that once you embark on this journey yourself, the game is going to change for you too.
Mel Pledger – Founder and CEO
I’ve never fitted in. I’m what you might call a misfit. For more years than I care to remember, I had put that sense of isolation down to the fact that I’d experienced so much trauma since early childhood. I told myself that was why I was different, that was why I could never be the same as other people. And while I learned how to stand strong and paint on a brave face, underneath my heart was breaking every day.
The loneliness of being an outsider was excruciating. So I learned to be a warrior, well-versed in the art of protection and survival. I became the champion of defiance and positive thinking, with armour so strong and walls so high, that I lost connection with who I really was inside… the gentle essence of loving truth… my soul. The saddest thing was that I hadn’t even noticed while my slow and steady departure from myself was happening.
Until April 2009, when my world came crashing down around me once more. The walls crumbled, the masks melted, and I finally had nowhere else to go other than inside. It marked the beginning of my own journey to un-learn practically everything I had learned about life until that point.
Bringing DNA Light Up to life has been (and I suspect always will be) about shedding the armour. Embracing curiosity. Daring to be vulnerable. And consistently finding the courage to stand up and share the truth of my inner self, even if my voice is shaking and my legs are trembling!
I remain a misfit to this day, and I’ve finally learned to celebrate it, because now I know I’m not alone. You see, I’ve discovered through every other human being I’ve met along the way, that we’re all misfits in our own way!
So now it makes sense. We’re all different. We’re all one of a kind. Each unique, each of us a masterpiece in our own right. We were never born to fit in, not one of us. We were all born to embrace our individuality, to shine confidently in our uniqueness and become curious about the differences in others. So, let’s all come home to our true inner self. Let’s all unwrap the gifts that our one-of-a-kindness brings, so we can shine brighter and share more with the world.
You can email Mel directly: mel@dnalightup.net
Sharon Bott – Director of Training
After a couple of decades as a professional actor, a glorious spell as a ‘stay-at-home mum, a few years writing and producing (more than 100) corporate videos … I found myself increasingly drawn towards coaching.
Not the ‘giving people answers or advice’ kinda coaching (good lord no!).
For me it was always about finding the best questions to tease out the most helpful answers (because we all have the answers within, once we know how to access them).
About holding a space for people to make powerful choices for themselves (because we can all forget that there’s always a choice).
About finding holistic pathways to wellbeing that are unique to each of us (because we are, after all, each of us beautifully unique).
I coached and mentored individuals, in both the private and public sectors, for over 20 years, and delivered workshops and trainings for companies and organisations. I also specialised in presentation skills – empowering people to BE themselves and ENJOY themselves, in front of an audience or a camera.
It was rewarding and challenging and fascinating in every sort of way. And something was missing …
Six years ago I came across DNA Light Up and my whole bonkers life journey began to fall into place. I realised what I’d always known (and long forgotten): that what I was looking for wasn’t ‘out there’. It was inside me. As it’s inside each and every one of us, once we remember where to look. And I discovered that I WAS ENOUGH. As we all are.
With Light Up I found a way of working with others that was practical and playful. It offered immediate shifts and tangible results. It created a profound and lasting difference for people, whatever their situation, background and life experience.
And it utterly jived with what I already believed.
It also beautifully shifted my relationship to myself, taking me out of the noise in my head and back into connection with my inner ‘knowing’.
Since becoming an activator, I’ve taken well over 200 people through the Light Up journey, and shared the simple, practical Light Up tools with many more.
This work is important, life-changing, fast and fun – and I’m dedicated to sharing it far and wide, face to face, online, with anyone who feels the nudge. I’m also passionate about training others to become activators to help us take this work into ever more areas.
You can email Sharon directly: sharon.bott@dnalightup.net
Activators
Our international team come from a variety of backgrounds. Having gone through the Light Up journey for themselves, they chose to train as Activators so they could share the tools with others.
Take your pick from these beautiful people to find your guide for your own Light Up journey. Once you’ve an idea about who you’d like to chat with to find out more, you can make direct contact via email to book a free discovery call.
We’re a close team and know each other well. During your call, if it becomes clear that you’d be a better match with another team member, we’ll put you in touch directly.
Gabrielle Anthony Activator
“My ethos as a primary school teacher can be summed up by Rita Pierson’s words: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them. Who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the very best that they can possibly be.” My aim is to introduce Light Up to children, youngsters and adults so that they are connected to their Lights and have the personal, inner tools to reach their full potential in every situation without the need to rely on anything or anyone else.”
gabrielle.anthony27@gmail.com
Derek Benton Activator and Head of HR
“With a varied career including barrister, HR professional and classical musician, I thrive most when guiding people through DNA Light Up. Individuals, professionals, creatives and business groups, it brings me such a deep sense of joy witnessing others reclaim ownership of their life and career. Embracing our authenticity creates an extraordinary sense of ‘in-powerment’ that becomes utterly unshakeable as well as inspiring others to shine brighter as well.”
derekjohnbenton@gmail.com
Jonty Bott Activator
“My journey with DNA Light Up came about because I was stuck and struggling, both with understanding myself and my place in the world. Now I know the immense power we all have within and I am truly able to love the person that I am. I’ve seen through the fog that I feel so many of us battle with on a daily basis, and have even reclaimed my creativity that had been buried under fear. I’m most passionate sharing this work with others who may be facing similar barriers, and who are ready to break through to the other side.”
jonty.bott@gmail.com
Karen Connell Activator
“My background is in training and education, and I was stuck in Bridget Jones mantras of ‘must try harder, not good enough, got to do better’. My quest for improvement had me joining a running club, embarking on healthy eating plans and devouring personal development podcasts, books and videos. I felt more like a battled warrior than an inspired seeker. Until I found Light Up. My life changed beyond measure, and I’m showing up for myself in ways I could never have imagined. And now I’m guiding others to access their own power too!”
karenconnell@outlook.com
Alison Ellis Activator and Head of Safeguarding
“I started my Light Up journey back in 2017 while working as a nurse in the charity sector. Supporting women who’d suffered extreme trauma, I hoped I could bring Light Up to my place of work. Little did I realise how much it would change my life in the process! It was the start of an amazing journey getting to know myself again. Reclaiming the time when I was carefree and full of joy. I made massive life changes as a result, following my dreams to move down to beautiful Cornwall with my husband, where I now offer one-to-one, group and residential Light Up journeys.”
alison.ellis393k@gmail.com
Tanya Lochner Activator
“I live in beautiful Cape Town, South Africa, where I run my online business coaching and offline legal practice while being Mom to three human and seven fur children. Light Up took me to a place in my professional and home life where I have clear decision making, resilience and absolute choice over what I create in my various businesses. I’m inspired to help impact-driven soul-preneurs in the arena of coaching, consulting and advising, to create that same sense of freedom, flow and fulfilment in their lives. Incorporating my extensive background in business and finance, coupled with human behaviour and psychology, I now consider DNA Light Up a foundational step to creating a business and life that you love. I would love to help you open up the limitless potential for your business while having the balance and fulfilment in your life.”
hello@tanyalochner.com
Christina Loftus Activator
“All my life I’ve been strong, confident and capable – talk positive, chin up, shoulders back, carry on regardless – and that’s what I showed the world. While inside I felt judged, scared of doing or saying the ‘wrong’ thing, getting ‘found out’ professionally, looking for praise, validation and recognition, always wanting to be liked. My mind was buzzing and full, I struggled to stop being busy, and sleep was virtually non-existent. Yet I kept on doing, kept on going, a vicious cycle. After my husband passed away, I walked the Camino de Santiago (twice), studied mindfulness, meditation and trained in Reiki, searching for something. And then I was introduced to Light Up, and wow-wow-wow! No longer plagued with negative self-beliefs, I’ve found calmness and reconnected with my authentic self. I’m passionate about sharing this fabulous feeling with anyone around the world who’d like to feel it too, both one-to-one and in groups ”
cloftus0@gmail.com
Morag Maclean Activator
I’d tried everything to find peace with myself, peace with who I am. Religion had left me feeling worse; subscriptions to online courses lay unused and books half read. I trained in Reiki, dabbled in Buddism and was referred by my GP for CBT but the low self esteem and anxiety that had plagued my entire adult life would not….it seemed could not be overcome. I’d managed to present an acceptable face to the world – enough to raise 3 amazing children and to hold down a successful career as a Registered Nurse and eventually an NHS Manager; but life was such a painful struggle for me. Nothing worked FOR ME. My Light Up journey has been a slow burn that little by little has glowed brighter & brighter, stronger & stronger, warmer & warmer over a few years, gently ( and subconsciously to a large extent) melting my tough barriers to accepting Love. People would really have to prove themselves before they had any chance of getting past my defences even though my outer skin was welcoming. Trust no-one fully was the subconscious motto and I came to see that sadly I didn’t even trust myself. I frequently self sabotaged believing I’d only let myself down eventually anyway. I’m tearful at the beautiful memory of my Activator training when LOVE in the form of Mel, Sharon and Sarah was finally able to literally burst through my final barricade. Light Up does what (IMO) no other form of personal or spiritual development does; it’s personalised to each of us as individuals, my needs, my story, my challenges, my personality, my unique hopes, dreams, talents, ambitions, culture and even religion. Light Up playfully and joyfully invited me ….in my time and my way to re-connect with my own inner Light, the beautiful being deep inside who was there within throughout my courageous struggles with life’s battles. Light Up has become a tool to effortlessly stay connected to my powerful and loving intuition for the remainder of my human journey.
Morag.maclean1@btinternet.com
Sarah Martin Activator
“For as long as I can remember I’ve always been drawn to nature and the calm it brings. I love holistic therapy and, through my massage therapy, reiki healing and meditation, I have long had an awareness that humans are more special than we know. My main job is financial services and I encountered a time in my life where I was knocked after leaving a stressful controlling workplace. Moving into another job I was taken over by imposter syndrome. That, together with being in a toxic relationship caused me to lose my way. I lived in a world where I believed I needed fixing, I was not good enough, I had to find a better way of living my life, I was anxious and worried about how others perceived me. I felt lost and my situation did nothing to bring any calm into my life. Then I found DNA light up and I’m forever grateful. I found my courage, my strength, my power, my light and my life completely changed. I found the strength to end my toxic relationship and today I’m in a new loving relationship with someone who has also found their light and we shine together perfectly. I felt becoming an Activator was definitely the right path for me and I’m honoured to be able to help others remember their lights. Every single journey is beautifully different and a wonderful to share.”
sarah_martin10@outlook.com
Sue Mutch Activator
“Almost 10 years ago I was diagnosed with a really rare Sarcoma cancer. Due to the nature of the sarcoma I had to have life altering surgery which involved amputating half of my foot. After surgery I requested traditional counselling to aid my recovery. It helped but it didn’t really hit the spot. I was plagued with feelings that I “just wasn’t myself”. My whole perception of the competent career woman that dressed in business suits with a penchant for great shoes was blasted to smithereens. I could no longer drive my beloved Audi car, my home & garden had lots of steps which made life very difficult. I had to learn to walk again, only this time I needed a crutch as my balance was not good. Not a single pair of the shoes in my extensive collection was wearable or comfortable. In turn this meant that three quarters of my wardrobe was unsuitable. Who wants to wear a pretty or sexy dress with Orthopedic shoes or trainers? Not I that’s for certain.
Everything in my whole life changed. I was struggling to deal with all the changes forced upon me, giving up a job I loved, whilst grieving for my old life and at the same time trying to accept that this was a permanent change.
I was floundering, when quite by chance the wonderful Sharon Bott introduced me to DNA Light Up. For me it wasn’t an epiphany, but slowly & steadily my “new normal” evolved. I loved the simple approach & the tools it gave me to help reconnect with myself. Weeks & months after my initial sessions something would happen & I would reflect on what I’d learned in Light Up to move forward. It became the foundation I rebuilt my life on. In time I trained as an activator, finding huge pleasure and accomplishment in helping others who were also struggling. I now have a new career, a positive approach & I’m still using the tools Light Up taught me on a daily basis.”
sue_mutch@hotmail.com
Andrea Neu Activator
“Finding DNA Light Up was a quest I hadn’t acknowledged I was on. I felt unsettled and was looking for help to get clarity and inner peace. The Light Up promise to feel better in three sessions with personal one-to-one guidance (rather than signing up for a month’s digital ‘do-it-yourself’ course) convinced me to do it, and it blew me away. I instantly felt happier, lighter and more confident. I’m back in charge of my own life. I live in Switzerland, working in corporate hospitality, and now I’m more centred and resilient. I feel stronger and have regained my confidence. I’ve reclaimed my gut feeling, my intuition, and I’m happy and grounded. If you’re looking for practical tools for self-care, if you’re seeking clarity or, like me, wish to reboot your life, you’ll love the Light Up journey! I’d love to help you get back in the driving seat of your own life and help you shine brighter.”
neuandreau@gmail.com
Julia Skan Activator
“Being my own boss I’ve always been full of energy. Light Up found me at a time when I was struggling with work, family and my relationship. I was more surviving than thriving. As soon as I learned about the tools and the power I have inside me, I realise I could stop playing small to please other people. I also realised I could lovingly detach from them and be happier and healthier in my relationships. Light Up gave me the strength and courage to leave a toxic relationship and start again. Life is immeasurably better now, and I am more in control of my own choices and mindset. I have clarity and can see the changes in myself. I’m less anxious and I really like who I am now, and shining in my professional life! I’m proud of all I’m achieving and love being an Activator. Guiding people through the process it’s wonderful to see the changes in them so quickly … they too become calmer, more joyful and more excited about the future.”
juliaskan@hotmail.co.uk
People are talking about us…
Students
The skills and support that Light Up has gifted to me has helped me conquer any challenge University has thrown at me. Before Light Up I was an introverted shy spirit who believed that I had to change who I was, change my personality, change my light, in order to be successful and connect with others. Now I know that isn’t true. Being just the way I am is enough and will always be enough. I now know how to make things work for me.
Katy Maplesden – Student
Light Up has honestly changed everything for me. I started it quite skeptical and unsure, but the entire process has been nothing short of amazing – I seriously can’t recommend it enough. My whole outlook has changed, I have so much more confidence, certainty and trust in myself now. Light Up really is life-changing, especially for a young person who could really do with a little faith in themselves.
I genuinely can’t thank Mel and Sharon enough.
Phoebe Poole-Jones – Sixth Form Student
As a student living in University halls by myself in a pandemic, day to day activities can become a lot more difficult than normal. It is definitely harder to find joy in one’s surroundings.
Light Up has given me the tools I need to create a positive mindset and atmosphere around me. So that I can enjoy the little things in life, and if anything gets too daunting I am able to light up and always have a genuine smile on my face.
Charlotte Pagan – Student
Business people
Embarking on workplace change is daunting for everyone – are we clear on where we are heading, can we overcome the challenges we will face, are the team up to it, am I up to it? … Honestly, it wasn’t easy.
DNA Light Up was short, snappy and enjoyable. Afterwards the buzz we felt as a team, the excitement about our project and the challenges we would encounter was quite profound. Personally, I experienced such a confidence boost, I felt lit up inside, brave and resilient. “Bring on these challenges I thought – I’m ready and waiting”!
Helen Jackson-Lister
Head of HR
DNA Light Up helped improve my clarity of thought, self confidence and assertiveness. The three sessions enabled me to defragment my brain, connect with my intuition and improve my self awareness.
I was able to present myself better for a new job, be self assured that the job I took was the right one and have a plan and a process for succeeding in my new role quicker than I would have before Light Up.
Nick Roberts – Sales Leader
Having at first been a bit sceptical as to what value going through DNA Light Up would bring me, I can honestly say it blew me away – and changed me forever. I am now more relaxed, happier, I worry less, make sharper, better decisions, both personal and professional, and I have finally learnt to live in the moment, no longer chewing over the past or second guessing the future.
Gary Wright – Chief Operating Officer
Healthcare
I was more than a little sceptical when looking into DNA Light Up as I wasn’t quite sure exactly what it was all about. However I decided to give it a go anyway … and honestly, I am so very glad that I did! I’ve never done anything quite like it, and before I started my sessions I wouldn’t have thought I would take so much of it on board to carry through to my daily life; but I absolutely have.
The Light Up course has helped me in so many ways, giving me more confidence in making decisions, right through to tapping into the power of my imagination more and achieving some goals I had set for myself in the gym.
I would really urge anyone to give this a go, I’m certain you won’t regret it.
Ruth Haigh – NHS Nurse
Normally, I would not have found the time to complete a project like this and would have rejected it, as I thought I was coping okay.
During the process I was surprised to find how stressed I actually was and how Julia could perceive this tension. It wasn’t until I started talking about matters that I began to recognise it myself. I found myself thinking about the course much more than I expected, and even using some of the techniques, sometimes without even thinking about it.
This course really made me look at things differently for the first time in years…I am now able to see my problems in their true light, as small problems, in the global scale of opportunity. This significantly takes the pressure off, and makes me evaluate my work/life balance.
Carolyne Rose – General Practitioner
“B.O.L.L.O.C.K.S. To That, I Choose To Shine!”
A collection of true-life stories about finding light in a world of uncertainty. This is a book written by everyday people, just like you and like me. People who’ve done their utmost to navigate the world and live their lives in the best way they know how.
“I’m Still Standing”
What would you do if your world fell apart not just once but many times over. Bereavement. Rejection. Abuse. Betrayal. Manipulation.
And a dogged determination to keep going.
