Hello, we're Sponge!

Louise Pasterfield

Founder and Managing Director

I’ve always had two big passions in my life – creativity and learning. So, back in 2004, I was excited to see businesses asking for creativity to be woven into their training materials. It sparked an idea… what if we could train people using digital technologies which focused on keeping creativity at their heart?

Sponge was born, and since then we’ve grown significantly to become one of Europe’s largest custom learning providers. Our vision remains true though: to use creativity to help people learn and grow. Our teams especially love to work with forward-thinking organisations, helping them apply innovative learning strategies that both the business and their people love.

Alex Stewart

Director of Client Delivery

At the age of nine I achieved the impossible: I became the youngest black belt in Tae Kwando in the UK. That was the first time in my life that I truly realised anything was possible with determination and a willingness to learn. 

Now, I get to support others to achieve their ‘impossible’ goals. For me, life at Sponge is all about the people. I get my buzz from seeing our teams achieve the unknown, exploring new opportunities and finding success along the way. Having started at Sponge leading the design team, I’m especially focused on keeping us loyal to our roots to use creativity in everything we do. As we grow it’s important that we keep what’s special alive, and that’s what I’m here for; to never forget that we’re a bunch of talented, creative people who ourselves need to learn and grow.

Kate Pasterfield

Chief Innovation Officer

For me, every day needs to bring something new: a new idea, a new approach, a new moment of discovery. I thrive on change so am never happier than when I’m being truly challenged. Having won Learning Designer of the Year 2016/17 and Learning Professional of the Year 2017, I’m the critical eye that’s never happy with ‘good enough’, always pushing for outstanding.

I’m naturally curious and comfortable with ambiguity so I love pushing boundaries, looking at clients’ needs from a strategic viewpoint and working with our developers to continually experiment with new possibilities, shaping the future for learning. 

I’ve worked at Sponge for 14 years and count myself as extremely lucky. We’re growing and developing every day and I know that whenever I exclaim my favourite catchphrase – I’ve got an idea! – there will never be a shortage of people who get excited to see what we can create next.

Alan Bourne

Director of Client Delivery

What makes me tick is identifying the critical paths; finding the most efficient and cost-effective way to the right solution.

Here at Sponge, every working day brings something different: a fresh challenge to solve, a new plan to action, a fantastic person to support. We’re growing at such a pace that change is constant and I love it. 

I currently lead a team of talented learning specialists who use innovation and creativity to translate our clients’ visions into solutions that inspire and engage. We work hard to make sure the experience they receive is outstanding from end to end, so it makes a positive difference to both the learner and the business. And most importantly I make sure we keep our promises, in project, in delivery and in life, because good relationships shouldn’t have an end.

Dan Marsh

Director of People

I worked in FinTech and consumer goods, in a wide range of operational roles, before arriving at a career in HR and people development. The path began to diverge when I found myself taking on 'unofficial' HR duties and helping people talk through their workplace challenges. This was a turning point in my career. I discovered a love for working with people to ensure they get the very best out of being at work, so their passion can drive the success of the business. I’ve never looked back.

I’m fascinated by bringing operational discipline to HR processes. For me, this is vital to make sure HR delivers for our customers, Sponge employees, so they can deliver a fantastic client experience. The way I see it, if we do our job well, everyone wins!

At Sponge, we want to nurture an environment where the best talent can do the very best work of their lives. I’m excited to see what the future brings and getting everybody to that place. 

Tom Bright

Director of Global Sales

I lead the Sales function for Sponge, and am passionate about building & leading a team who are passionate about achieving client success and delivering meaningful business value.

I have a strong track record in Business Development, always with a focus on building meaningful & long-term relationships. With a particular passion for selling innovative & creative solutions into large organisations, I have built successful Business Development and Project Teams both in the UK and Australia.

I enjoy engaging with stakeholders at all levels, from Execs in global corporate organisations to front-line staff in a growing SME providing we are all driving towards a common purpose. I am passionate about bringing an element of process and strategy to a sales process, without losing the magic that keeps it agile and able to adapt.

My career has spanned across Change, Transformation and Technology, however one constant has been my ability to focus on delivering business value with a consultative sales approach.