Nicola McDermott
Marlow,Buckinghamshire
Summary
A seasoned expert in emotional intelligence and wellbeing leadership, with over two decades of experience managing global teams and guiding individuals through burnout and creative fatigue. Founder of Sift Pause Speak, specialising in self-discovery coaching to help clients uncover internal narratives and reconnect with personal truth. Proficient in applying CBT and positive psychology frameworks to reframe thinking and regulate emotions, known for empathy, active listening, and transforming overwhelm into grounded clarity. Utilises creative facilitation techniques such as storytelling and metaphor to make emotional work engaging and sustainable.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Consultant & Freelance Producer
Caerus Ventures
London
2022.01 - 2024.01
- Transitioned from production leadership into wellness coaching, applying two decades of people development and emotional intelligence experience to support individuals in burnout recovery and mindset change.
- Led creative teams across international projects (£50k–£500k) while promoting psychological safety and stress awareness in high-pressure environments.
- Mentored peers through creative burnout, emotional regulation, and reframing career transitions.
- Applied mindfulness and reflective tools to improve team collaboration, focus, and energy management.
VFX Producer
DUPE VFX
London
2021.01 - 2022.01
- Managed multi-deliverable campaigns and high-performing creative teams across multiple time zones.
- Fostered emotional wellbeing and resilience under tight deadlines, introducing structured check-ins to reduce burnout.
- Encouraged open communication and self-awareness practices to strengthen creative confidence and team trust.
- Established clear client communication protocols as central point of contact, leading all client meetings and building trust through transparent progress reporting.
Senior Producer
Windmill Create
Dublin
2017.01 - 2018.01
- Led cross-functional teams producing international commercial campaigns, balancing creative output with wellbeing-conscious leadership.
- Introduced reflective “pause and review” sessions that strengthened team clarity and ownership.
- Built trusted client relationships grounded in authenticity and shared purpose.
VFX Producer
Screenscene (I.T. Film)
Dublin
2016.01 - 2017.01
- Coordinated a 15-person creative team across multiple deliverables while maintaining emotional and creative stability under pressure.
- Used empathy-driven leadership and reflective debriefing to sustain motivation through long production cycles.
- Delivered the project 10% under budget and two weeks early by combining planning with a calm, leadership approach.
Freelance Producer
Various Clients
Qatar & Europe
2012.01 - 2015.01
- Managed creative teams for global organizations including the Doha Film Institute.
- Helped individuals manage high performance stress and creative pressure across cultural and time boundaries.
- Recognized for emotional steadiness, integrity, and creating a grounded presence in fast-moving environments.
Producer
Prime Focus
London
2010.01 - 2011.01
- Produced global branded content while maintaining supportive, high-functioning team dynamics.
- Nurtured empathy and communication in a fast-paced post-production culture.
Producer
J. Walter Thompson
London
2008.01 - 2010.01
- Oversaw advertising campaigns with a focus on team cohesion and cross-functional collaboration.
- Known for calm leadership and intuitive understanding of people's needs under creative stress.
Junior Producer
Golden Square Post
London
2004.01 - 2008.01
- Supported production and client management for major TV and advertising campaigns.
- Learned the foundations of emotional regulation and interpersonal communication in demanding creative environments.
Senior Cabin Crew
Virgin Atlantic
1998.01 - 2003.01
- Developed exceptional empathy, communication, and crisis management skills working with diverse global teams and passengers.
- Trained in safety, wellbeing, and emotional support under pressure — an early foundation for coaching and people development.
Education
Professional Emotion Coach -
The Science of Well-Being - undefined
Yale University
Neuroplasticity & Positive Psychology - undefined
University of Pennsylvania
CBT Practitioner Certification - undefined
Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew Training - Emotional Regulation & Crisis Communication
Return to Work in Post & VFX - undefined
Film London & Screen Scene
Coolmine Secondary School - undefined
Dublin 1990.01 - 1996.01
Skills
- Emotional Intelligence : Two decades managing people, navigating pressure, and building trust across global teams
- Wellbeing Leadership : Experienced in guiding individuals through burnout and creative fatigue using reflective and neuro-informed approaches
- CBT & Positive Psychology : Applying evidence-based frameworks to help clients reframe thinking and regulate emotions
- Self-Discovery Coaching : Founder of Sift Pause Speak, helping clients uncover internal narratives and reconnect with personal truth
- Communication & Presence : Known for empathy, active listening, and helping clients transform overwhelm into grounded clarity
- Creative Facilitation : Using storytelling, metaphor, and reflection to make emotional work feel engaging, relatable, and sustainable
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS & PROJECTS
20+ years leading creative teams across film, TV, and experiential events, developing deep emotional intelligence, empathy, and burnout awareness., Founder – Sift Pause Speak, a wellbeing and self-discovery platform: Conceptualized and built the platform integrating storytelling and neuroscience-informed practices. Created short-form video scripts and reflective exercises addressing burnout, emotional suppression, and self-compassion. Engaged an online audience with content designed to encourage self-inquiry and emotional regulation., Case-Based Practice (Informal): Supported professionals, peers, and friends through periods of burnout, overthinking, and life transitions using CBT-informed reflection, somatic awareness, and journaling prompts., Project Leadership: Managed multi-million-pound creative projects while fostering calm, trust, and emotional safety under pressure.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Consultant & Freelance Producer
Caerus Ventures
2022.01 - 2024.01
VFX Producer
DUPE VFX
2021.01 - 2022.01
Senior Producer
Windmill Create
2017.01 - 2018.01
VFX Producer
Screenscene (I.T. Film)
2016.01 - 2017.01
Freelance Producer
Various Clients
2012.01 - 2015.01
Producer
Prime Focus
2010.01 - 2011.01
Producer
J. Walter Thompson
2008.01 - 2010.01
Junior Producer
Golden Square Post
2004.01 - 2008.01
Senior Cabin Crew
Virgin Atlantic
1998.01 - 2003.01
Coolmine Secondary School - undefined
1990.01 - 1996.01
The Science of Well-Being - undefined
Yale University
Neuroplasticity & Positive Psychology - undefined
University of Pennsylvania
CBT Practitioner Certification - undefined
Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew Training - Emotional Regulation & Crisis Communication
Return to Work in Post & VFX - undefined
Film London & Screen Scene