One to one... with Kelly Dunn

One work book
Adrian Furnham's The Psychology of Behaviour at Work is my go-to book when working through projects with a focus on the individual, the team and the organisation.

One fiction book
My favourite would have to be The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom – it reminds us to never underestimate the impact we can have on others and our influence on the paths we take in life.

One psychological superpower
Positive mental attitude (PMA). I have had very positive influences in my life including my mother and Grandmother and they've always approached things with a solution-focussed PMA.

One thing I couldn't do without
My amazing business partner at KEYFORT Emily Dunn, she is the yin to my yang. We started a small business 15 years ago supporting people with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions and this has developed over the years. We now provide support to over 500 individuals and their families in the North of England – this includes 24/7 support at home as well as support for people in employment and education. We have an amazing team that have absolutely shone during COVID. I absolutely love my job and I am really passionate about making a difference and unlocking potential. Emily and I are very lucky and love supporting people to achieve their goals and aspirations.

One proud moment
Bringing each of our three babies home – they make my husband and I smile every day. I'm also super proud of being part of the COVID-19 Vaccine Team assisting roll out of the vaccine in 2021.

One passion
This has to be Occupational Psychology. I worked in Vocational Rehabilitation for a number of years supporting people with acquired brain injury and this appealed to my interests in Clinical and Neuropsychology. However, overseeing the business allows me to work within a vast array of Occupational Psychology fields including Training, Leadership, Development, Wellbeing, Career Development of Staff, Recruitment & Selection, contracting, Organisational Change, Learning and Work Design.

One place
Machu Picchu in Peru. I did the five-day Inca trek when I was in my early twenties, and it was an incredible experience and a reminder that we are tiny beings within a colossal history – one of the best reminders not to sweat the small stuff!

One album
Paolo Nutini's Sunny Side Up. This album reminds me of the year leading up to my wedding.

One song
The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book. I absolutely loved this film as a child and it has many life lessons; being curious and inquisitive about things we don't know much about, respecting that a person's strengths can make up for another's weakness when working together, about loyal friendships and most importantly how to live a simple and happy life.

One nugget of advice for aspiring psychologists
Even the most experienced Psychologists are still learning. Don't be overwhelmed by the experience or qualifications of others especially in the early days.

One inspiration
There are five I'm afraid! My mother Caroline Mowbray is the most amazingly inspiring being on this planet. My very first Line Manager Neil Brownlee influenced my outlook on the importance of a multi-disciplinary team and how we can all learn from each other's disciplines to achieve the best for the client. Robert Winston, Child of our Time guru who I had the pleasure of meeting in Sheffield – he conveys 'people science' in the most awe-inspiring way. My supervisor Karen Royle Occupational Psychologist who instilled my passion for vocational rehabilitation and made running a business whilst raising a family and being an incredible Occupational Psychologist look easy. Finally, the legend that is my husband Anthony Dunn who has supported me throughout my career from working as an Assistant Psychologist, going through Chartership and starting our business – he's supported with the challenges and the achievements along the way. He deserves a medal.

One thing about the BPS
There are always opportunities for CPD. I have recently trained as an Assessor for candidates going through the Occupational Psychology Stage Two Qualification at the BPS and I have gained immeasurable experience throughout – both for my own personal development and in assisting the process of new candidates in training. Psychologists are real people – there are some really good changes happening that highlight this at the BPS in recent years. Get involved with the British Psychological Society, use your voice and influence positive change.