Theo Gool
Unlocking expertise that drives impact
I help people and organisations turn ideas into action. My approach is to listen, co-create, and step back so that others can lead and take impact to new levels.
Organisations I’ve worked with
Services
My approach embraces the human sciences to help people uncover their strategic focus to deliver impact.
Impact planning
I help people develop pathways to sustainable growth through one-to-one support and group workshops, including ways to plan, track, and evidence impact.
Organisational development
I help leaders and organisations develop connections in new and existing communities, building on their strengths to overcome complex project and business challenges.
Case Studies
I have helped people tackle complex challenges and deliver impact.
A charity that changed Google policy
As the founding CEO of Public Health Pathways (PHP), Theo led a charity to achieve global reach in 30+ countries.
Key Outcome: Built a global network, developed a novel methodology “health research literacy”, and changed Google translate’s policy through organic ethnographic research insights.
Advocating for Algorithmic Literacy
Awarded $200,000 by the Internet Society Foundation to build a tool that empowers everyday internet users.
Key Outcome: Co-founded the Internet User Behaviour Lab (IUBL), made submissions to UK and Australian governments to advance calls for Algorithmic Literacy.
Driving REF Impact preparations
Led a Population Health Science Institute (PHSI) strategic shift by helping researchers deliver impact through Knowledge Mobilisation.
Key Outcome: Delivered Research Excellence Framework (REF) workshops for academics groups and schools to prepare for REF 2029.
Career highlights
Managing editor
I was the Managing Editor of a magazine's inaugural issue, highlighting the need for education to address 21st-century challenges. It emphasises resilience, trust, and shared interdependence to position us as caretakers of the planet.
Event host and facilitator
In June 2020, I hosted former Constitutional Court Judge Albie Sachs, a key architect of South Africa’s Constitution, and international mediation expert Dr. Mohamed Keshavjee. I asked Albie for advice to young people. He said: "Don't look to us for advice," "Be cheeky, be irreverent," and "Take out the bad from what we've done and be better than us," but ultimately, "You have to find your own way." This approach lives with me.
I have chaired events with notable figures, including former President of Mauritius Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim; Distinguished Aesthetician Mr Guo Yin (郭因); WHO Special Envoy on COVID-19 Sir David Nabarro; Royal Society Prize winner Dr Camila Pang; and former MEP and Chair of Climate-KIC Anders Wijkman.
About
Why I do it
I grew up in a multicultural inner-city area of Bristol. Seeing how the environment shaped young people, I had the opportunity in my late teens to set up a youth club. That experience shaped my belief in the power of community.
From there, I worked in human rights law, built a global sustainability network, and then during the pandemic founded a non-profit to help misinformation and promoting public health education. These experiences reinforced my belief that real impact happens when people combine diverse expertise with a shared purpose to drive meaningful change.
What I do
I help people find focus to transform ideas into real-world impact. For academia, non-profits, and businesses, I collaroate to tackle complex challenges and build sustainable financial models that bring ideas to life.
My record of impact includes:
Collaborated with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office on biosecurity
Used ethnographic research to help Google Translate refine neurodivergence terminology in Hindi
Trained NHS teams and designed sustainability leadership programs for United People Global
Supported world-class academics in preparing for Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029
Transformed a community health interventions from Bermuda to the UK into funded programs
How I work
My skill lies in facilitation and helping people uncover their strategic focus. I listen, co-create, and step back when the time is right—helping others take their impact to the next level.
📍 Based in Bristol, UK | Available to travel