We all know there’s a problem with the transition into the workplace.
It’s not a new problem, but its a consistent one.
I’m not claiming to have a simple answer. But I’ve spent my career inside the system, on both sides.
I’ve worked across education, early careers and learning and development in the workplace, seeing the good intentions behind the programmes and support being offered, but also seeing where things get lost and why they don’t always do what they’re intended to do.
I’ve experienced the transition myself too. I didn’t go into a graduate role. I had to navigate my way into work, figure things out as I went and build my career from there.
My learning and development experience gives me: practical understanding of how development is designed, delivered and applied in the workplace.
My psychology background gives me another lens: understanding the people, behaviours and environments behind the outcomes.
It’s this combination of perspectives that shapes Ascendance.
But the reason i’m building it is simple: I want to make a difference.
I don’t just want to help people into work, I want to help them thrive when they get there.
I’m starting in Nottingham, because it’s home and a place where these challenges matter most to me. But the ambition is bigger: to help make the journey into work and development once inside better, for everyone wherever you are.
Ascendance is my way of combining my Talent Development Experience within a FTSE 100 Organisation and Leadership Experience within Further Education to make a real difference.
What makes Ascendance different?
Ascendance goes beyond CVs, applications and telling people what employers are looking for.
It’s about understanding what actually helps people succeed.
That means helping young people understand themselves, navigate the realities of work and develop the skills to thrive independently, while helping the people around them, from educators to managers, better understand how to support and develop them.
Insight over instruction. Understanding over checklists. Development over employability.
Who is Ascendance for?
How does Ascendance help?
Why me?
Young people. Educators. Employers. Managers.
Anyone who has a role to play in helping the next generation find their direction, get into work and thrive once they’re there. Making early careers work better for everyone.
At its core, Ascendance is about clarity.
I help individuals, managers and organisations better understand themselves, the people they’re developing, and what needs to happen next.
Through coaching, strengths-based development and practical career support, Ascendance turns insight into action, helping people build the confidence, understanding and capability to move forward and create meaningful change. The approach can look different depending on who I'm working with, but the purpose remains the same:
create clarity, build capability, support meaningful change.
I bring together my experience, perspective and genuine care for people and their development.
My background spans Psychology, careers, early talent, learning and development and education. But it’s what I’ve learned through those experiences that shapes how I approach my work.
I’ve been a manager, graduate, apprentice, career changer and early careers trainer. That journey is what gives me a 360° view of early careers development.
I care about understanding people, challenging what isn’t working and creating development that actually makes a difference.
The professional you see today didn’t start with a clear path, a network of connections or a blueprint.
She found her way and now she’s determined to help others find theirs.
What I bring
Careers & early talent
Experience supporting young people through the transition into work and understanding the opportunities, barriers and support around them.
Learning & development
Practical experience of how development is designed, delivered and applied in the workplace and what helps learning translate into action.
Psychology
A lens for understanding people, behaviours and environments and the factors that sit behind the outcomes we see.
Coaching & strengths
Experience helping people understand themselves, recognise what they bring and use that insight to support their development and leadership.
Strategy & practice
Experience working across strategy and delivery, connecting what organisations want to achieve with what actually works in practice.
It’s the combination of these experiences that shapes how I approach Ascendance.
Want to go deeper?
I’ve been a:
Manager
Graduate
Apprentice
Career Changer
Early Careers Trainer
Explore the Ascendance Approach to understand how I think about career development, the principles behind the work and why depth matters.
Connect with me
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For more about my background and experience connect with me on LinkedIn.
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“Taniqua built strong relationships with our placement students and managers, combining excellent interpersonal skills with professionalism and commercial thinking. She delivered a strong Early Careers Programme that helped students build confidence and commercial skills, while ensuring managers were supported to get the most from the placement. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.”
In their words…
“Taniqua brought valuable insight to the development of our Pathway+ pilot programme, helping us create a practical and relevant experience aligned with real workplace expectations. Her expertise, added real value to both our team and the young people we support. It was a pleasure working with her.”
“Taniqua is an exceptional Early Careers Specialist, her passion for supporting young people is clear. Taniqua consistently goes above and beyond to ensure early talent and managers receive the support they need to succeed. Taniqua is innovative in her approach leading to numerous successes for both individuals she has coached as well as impact on the organisation.”