About
Hi, I'm Lucy.
Confidence catalyst. Scientist. Serial entrepreneur, now on my fourth venture. Founder of the Human Alchemy Lab.
My story
An unexpected path to confidence
I trained as a chemist. My passion has always been social impact. Bringing the two together changed everything.
I started applying the principles of chemical equilibria to human transformation, and in 2018 I began seeing extreme results in radically short periods of time. Confidence Catalysis was born.
Since then more than 2,500 people of 50+ nationalities have been through my programmes, from boardrooms of multinationals to refugee camps. Alumni include tech CEOs, public figures, government ministers, artists and neurosurgeons: all once underestimated, now ready to thrive. Whether the world is at someone's feet and they're struggling to own it, or everything has fallen apart, I help them rediscover their power, fast.
Today I work with leadership teams and organisations worldwide through workshops, offsites, programmes and keynotes, from my base in Lisbon.
Credentials
Science, strategy and social impact
A rare mix of rigorous scientific training, entrepreneurial leadership and deep experience with communities under pressure.
- ScienceMaster's in Chemistry, University of EdinburghMaster's degree
- GlobalPreviously expert on technology, innovation & entrepreneurship for the United NationsAdvisor
- ImpactFormer CEO, Refugee VoicesAward-winning NGO
- VentureCo-founder & COO, AequalandEdtech
- MediaHost, Human Alchemy podcastPodcast
- StageInstructor, ITU Academy · Masterclasses at ITU GSR-25 · Speaker, Web Summit QatarSpeaks English, French, Spanish & Portuguese
Range
From refugee communities to boardrooms
Humanitarian
Global institutions
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · ITU and ITU Academy, with programmes in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Mozambique and Tunisia · Telling The Real Story
Technology
Tech & innovation
Microsoft · Powercoders · Silicon Valley executives coached by Katia Verresen · Light Dao · Web Summit Qatar · Global Innovation Forum
Government & culture
Public sector & the arts
QRDI Council (Qatar Research, Development and Innovation) · Grand Théâtre de Genève · government teams across the globe
What I believe
01
Confidence can be grown
It's not a personality trait. Like a muscle, it strengthens with the right practice.
02
Courage is contagious
One brave voice gives everyone else permission. Culture changes one person at a time.
03
Joy is a catalyst
People grow fastest when they feel safe, energised and free to play.
Beyond the lab
Chemistry is how I think
In the room and in the kitchen. Alongside my confidence work, I've founded two Lisbon ventures that explore transformation through the senses.
Fermentation school · Lisbon
Edible Chemistry
Hands-on fermentation workshops where food, science and the senses meet, including a live demonstration for 50+ people. Made with love, powered by bacteria.
Artisan chocolate · Lisbon
Elucium
Small-batch luxury chocolate truffles, designed as a sensory ritual rather than a sweet.
Let's work together