About Sea Light Development
Our values
People first. Always.
At Sea Light Development, we believe that when people unlock their potential, organisations—and society—thrive. Everything we do is rooted in the belief that people are the key to sustainable success.
Our work with organisations is founded on the principle, and strong evidence base, that they will only sustain and succeed when they truly engage their people. That’s why we focus on practical, people-centred development that strengthens leadership, shapes culture, and builds capability at every level.
We take a positive and pragmatic approach to organisation development and change; we understand the challenges people and organisations face and offer informed, evidence-based solutions.
Meet the Founder
Kay Thompson-Barker
Kay founded Sea Light Development in 2019, following a successful career leading People and Culture in both private and non-profit sectors. She developed her expertise in People and Organisation Development in retail and financial services before moving into the cultural sector, where she held senior leadership roles with strategic responsibility across HR and volunteering.
Kay brings a rare combination of strategic insight and people-centred practice. Her style is grounded, thoughtful and practical—shaped by lived experience of leading change and developing people in complex environments. Known for her ability to connect quickly and meaningfully, Kay brings clarity, energy and challenge to help individuals and teams unlock their full potential.
Our Associates
We collaborate with a trusted network of experienced associates to offer the right mix of expertise for your needs. This includes:
- Coaches and facilitators with sector-specific insight
- Virtual learning experts for impactful remote delivery
- Employee relations specialists for complex people challenges
- Digital and AI specialists to help you adapt your people strategy for a tech-enabled future
- Sustainability and ESG consultants to align your people development with long-term social and environmental goals
Whatever the scale or focus of your project, we’ll build the right team to deliver high-quality, tailored support—always aligned with your context, goals, and values.
Why “Sea Light”?
A few years ago, I was part of a three-person crew sailing a 42-foot yacht from Corfu to Menorca—around 900 nautical miles. What should have been a straightforward journey turned into a challenge when the engine failed, leaving us entirely reliant on wind power.
Sailing 24/7 with rotating shifts meant I often navigated alone at night, guided only by radar and sea lights. As an inexperienced sailor, it was a long way outside my comfort zone. We reached Menorca just ahead of a storm, and the sight of lighthouses and sea lights guiding us to our end point safely left a deep and lasting impression!
Lighthouses have long symbolised guidance, safety and resilience—values that sit at the heart of my work. That experience inspired the name Sea Light Development, and the metaphor I use to describe what I do:
Helping leaders set their direction, navigate challenges, and unlock the full potential of their people.
