Meet our team

Our team really are a fantastic bunch. All our speakers are talented, engaging, funny and, critically, well-informed. They all undertake a thorough and on-going training program, meaning they're always clued-up on the latest developments in unis, careers and employability.
JOHNNY RICH is the Push founder & managing director but is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Higher Education Academy and a member of Government advisory committees on higher education (BIS, HEFCE). He is a consultant to Which? University, BestCourse4me, and various universities, as well as a key consultant for U-Multirank. He is also a regular commentator on radio & TV on issues about student life, higher education and student finance, and a freelance journalist. His website is johnnyrich.com

Want to see Johnny's 90 Second Guides on revision, study skills, student finance and more?
​
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18: ​​​ 
​"It would have been helpful if someone had told me that 'catered accommodation’ would not mean a guaranteed, balanced diet within my budget. I ended up living on choccy Hobnobs and black coffee."
MOJ TAYLOR ​is a comedian who started stand up when selected for the BBC's Stand Up If You Dare in 2013 - and was mentored by Mark Dolan and Jasper Carrott. He is the Executive of Push - he has also won a Fringe First award in Edinburgh as an actor. Within Push, he is responsible for overall business development, the selection and training of presenters, and collaborative outreach. He also works closely with Johnny to ensure all the Push framework is deeply informative, but also inspiring and funny. His website is mojtaylor.com

Want to see Moj's 90 Second Guides on university, employability, apprenticeships and more?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"The mystery goldfish that turns up in your room is apparently not allowed to be kept in your student accommodation (at my uni, at least). I kept it anyway. Point being? No 2 unis are ever the same so do your research. Explore their wondrous differences; it's up to you to decide which one is 'best'."
ARON TENNANT is one of the Talks and Editorial managers for Push. He is originally from South Yorkshire and has a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield. He also has an MA in Creative Play and Screenwriting from City, University of London. Alongside Push he does screenplay work for independent production companies and is working on his own independent film projects.
​
Want to see Aron's 90 Second Guides on going to university, tuition fees and jobs?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:​
​"I wish I had been told that the experience of going to University is much more than just getting your degree and been told the importance of getting involved in things that aren’t just course focused or related, particularly in your first year."
LUCY HARDING is one of the Talks and Editorial managers for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach.

Want to see Lucy's 90 Second Guides on university and more?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18: ​
"I wish I’d known that university doesn’t have to be a get-in-get-out experience where the goal is to graduate as fast as you can. Look into the extracurriculars and societies available, and take every opportunity you can!"
LINDSEY BROWN originally took a degree in Interactive Art and had a short career in marketing before changing direction. After taking a PGCE in post compulsory education she worked for over 10 years at a 6th form college with gifted and talented, and widening participation students; developing activities to raise aspirations, develop study and employability skills, improve progression and strengthen competitive university applications. Lindsey now works as a freelancer on a number of education and university led public involvement projects. 

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"That although you don’t have to know what you want to do with your life before you go to university, you do need to think about it while you are there. If I’d realised that I would have looked at what opportunities the university would give me to prepare for the next stage of my life."
STEPHEN SEKI is a professional motivational speaker and qualified pharmacist. His unique journey through the UK education system allows students to see that nothing is impossible, if you never give up. Stephen shares stories about his personal challenges of growing up without a mother in a Ugandan village, working as a farmer, before coming to the UK aged 10 without being able to speak, read or write any English. Through his unique style and infectious personality Stephen is able to deliver his key messages such as using failure as a tool to success, building resilience, creating a positive mind-set, dealing with low self-esteem and confidence. He has a great Youtube channel to support young people, and we're proud he chooses to collaborate with PUSH, alongside his wider public speaking work.
 
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"Don’t compare yourself to others. We all peak at different times. Keep working on yourself everyday and support others in their journey instead of seeing them as competition."
ALICE HALEY is an Assistant Director at Act II Theatre company, working with children from ages 4-18 on a daily basis. Alice returned to Lincolnshire after graduating from York St John University where she studied Film and Television Production. Alice enjoys working with children and loves facing new challenges. She one day hopes to work at Pixar Animation Studios - even though she cannot draw.

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"Don't think that you have to do everything at the same time as your friends. I was not ready to go to university straight away, even though all my friends were. It's ok to take your time deciding on what path is right for you."
KELLY CROSS is our digital guru: she’s responsible for developing and managing our online presence. She’s worked in Event Management, specialising in data evaluation and website development. She’s an advocate for on-the-job training, having not stopped learning (all things technical) since leaving sixth form.

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"That I wasn't an alien because I didn't have a subject I wanted to study at university. My sixth form made me feel like because I got good grades I should just pick any old subject to study rather than not go to university!"
THOMAS LI is our media editor. Having studied BA (Hons) Contemporary Media Practice at University of Westminster, he has continued to discover his skills within the media industry, having worked with moving image, motion graphics and new media installation practices within his course. He continues to further his knowledge in video editing. In his spare time, he is a Youtuber, photographer and social media enthusiast. 

Want to see some of the 90 Second Guides Thomas has helped Push produce?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making as choice at 18:
​“Don’t 100% expect to know what your future career is by 18. It’s never too late to further discover your skills. Progress at your own pace and don’t bring yourself down by comparing yourself to others. Everyone has an opportunity and as long as you keep working at it, you’ll be building yourself step-by-step.  Everyone makes mistakes, just learn from them and turn that into a lesson. Every step counts.”
JAMES RUSHBROOKE is a consultant and trainer in the world of social work specialising in Participation, Developmental Psychology and Communicating with Children. James also runs Imagine Theatre, a drama school for teenagers in Cirencester and occasionally still performs as an improviser, actor and stand up comedian.
​
​One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
​"I wish someone had told me you don't HAVE to go to uni. It's not compulsory. I genuinely didn't know."
​RUTH ADAMS has a background in devised performance and practice as research; having studied Theatre and Performance BA (Hons) at the University of Chichester and gained an MA at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She values highly: politics, satire, black comedy, audience interaction, physical theatre, multimedia, oh and slick things. In her spare time she is a freelance portrait artist.
​
the-dots.com/adamsruth/portfolio

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"That you can call the Admissions office and have a chat about courses you're interested in applying for."
​TOM BROOKES  has been working with Push since graduating from Cardiff University in 2007 with a degree in Journalism, Film and Media. Away from Push he’s worked for several youth charities predominantly as a public speaker, facilitator, trainer and a programme manager. Tom's experience delivering Push sessions (as well as managing various campaigns) led him to recently return to education, to complete his PGCE at the Institute of Education (UCL). With such a vast amount of Push experience (and a true passion for engaging young people) he continues to fit in Push talks whenever he can.
​
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
​"Not getting an offer from a uni is not the end of the world! If one turns you down you’ve got four other choices to work with, not to mention all the other possibilities available to you when you’re applying. Don’t panic."
KATIE LYONS is an actor and writer and has written a number of immersive theatre shows and  original television comedy projects.  As an actor Katie she played series regular 'Bird' in BBC3's Bluestone 42, and has featured in Doc Martin, Maigret, Boy A and Green Wing as well as featuring in plays at the National Theatre and The Bush Theatre.  
​
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"Before university I wish I knew that, at that point in my life, I had only met a fraction of the people who would be important to me and who would go on to inspire me. University and moving away from home was only the beginning of a world of opportunities available to me."
TREVOR LOCK has been a part of some of the UK's most popular recent TV and Radio shows, including the BAFTA nominated and British Comedy Award winning Star Stories, the chart topping Russell Brand Podcast and Stewart Lee's Alternative Comedy Experience. His latest live show, 2017's Community Circle, has been described by Kate Copstick as "an absolute masterclass in comedy performance." Besides writing, directing and performing for theatre, radio and television, Trevor enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience of creating and presenting with schools, businesses, organisations and individuals.
​
He's one of Push's Public Speaking & Comedy session presenters.
BOOK PUSH

Meet our team

Our team really are a fantastic bunch. All our speakers are talented, engaging, funny and, critically, well-informed. They all undertake a thorough and on-going training program, meaning they're always clued-up on the latest developments in unis, careers and employability.
JOHNNY RICH is the Push founder & managing director but is also a member of the Board of Directors at the Higher Education Academy and a member of Government advisory committees on higher education (BIS, HEFCE). He is a consultant to Which? University, BestCourse4me, and various universities, as well as a key consultant for U-Multirank. He is also a regular commentator on radio & TV on issues about student life, higher education and student finance, and a freelance journalist. His website is johnnyrich.com

Want to see Johnny's 90 Second Guides on revision, study skills, student finance and more?
​
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18: ​​​ 
​"It would have been helpful if someone had told me that 'catered accommodation’ would not mean a guaranteed, balanced diet within my budget. I ended up living on choccy Hobnobs and black coffee."
MOJ TAYLOR ​is a comedian who started stand up when selected for the BBC's Stand Up If You Dare in 2013 - and was mentored by Mark Dolan and Jasper Carrott. He is the Executive of Push - he has also won a Fringe First award in Edinburgh as an actor. Within Push, he is responsible for overall business development, the selection and training of presenters, and collaborative outreach. He also works closely with Johnny to ensure all the Push framework is deeply informative, but also inspiring and funny. His website is mojtaylor.com

Want to see Moj's 90 Second Guides on university, employability, apprenticeships and more?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"The mystery goldfish that turns up in your room is apparently not allowed to be kept in your student accommodation (at my uni, at least). I kept it anyway. Point being? No 2 unis are ever the same so do your research. Explore their wondrous differences; it's up to you to decide which one is 'best'."
ARON TENNANT is one of the Talks and Editorial managers for Push. He is originally from South Yorkshire and has a BA in English Language and Literature from the University of Sheffield. He also has an MA in Creative Play and Screenwriting from City, University of London. Alongside Push he does screenplay work for independent production companies and is working on his own independent film projects.
​
Want to see Aron's 90 Second Guides on going to university, tuition fees and jobs?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:​
​"I wish I had been told that the experience of going to University is much more than just getting your degree and been told the importance of getting involved in things that aren’t just course focused or related, particularly in your first year."
LUCY HARDING is one of the Talks and Editorial managers for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach.

Want to see Lucy's 90 Second Guides on university and more?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18: ​
"I wish I’d known that university doesn’t have to be a get-in-get-out experience where the goal is to graduate as fast as you can. Look into the extracurriculars and societies available, and take every opportunity you can!"
LINDSEY BROWN originally took a degree in Interactive Art and had a short career in marketing before changing direction. After taking a PGCE in post compulsory education she worked for over 10 years at a 6th form college with gifted and talented, and widening participation students; developing activities to raise aspirations, develop study and employability skills, improve progression and strengthen competitive university applications. Lindsey now works as a freelancer on a number of education and university led public involvement projects. 

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"That although you don’t have to know what you want to do with your life before you go to university, you do need to think about it while you are there. If I’d realised that I would have looked at what opportunities the university would give me to prepare for the next stage of my life."
STEPHEN SEKI is a professional motivational speaker and qualified pharmacist. His unique journey through the UK education system allows students to see that nothing is impossible, if you never give up. Stephen shares stories about his personal challenges of growing up without a mother in a Ugandan village, working as a farmer, before coming to the UK aged 10 without being able to speak, read or write any English. Through his unique style and infectious personality Stephen is able to deliver his key messages such as using failure as a tool to success, building resilience, creating a positive mind-set, dealing with low self-esteem and confidence. He has a great Youtube channel to support young people, and we're proud he chooses to collaborate with PUSH, alongside his wider public speaking work.
 
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"Don’t compare yourself to others. We all peak at different times. Keep working on yourself everyday and support others in their journey instead of seeing them as competition."
ALICE HALEY is an Assistant Director at Act II Theatre company, working with children from ages 4-18 on a daily basis. Alice returned to Lincolnshire after graduating from York St John University where she studied Film and Television Production. Alice enjoys working with children and loves facing new challenges. She one day hopes to work at Pixar Animation Studios - even though she cannot draw.

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"Don't think that you have to do everything at the same time as your friends. I was not ready to go to university straight away, even though all my friends were. It's ok to take your time deciding on what path is right for you."
KELLY CROSS is our digital guru: she’s responsible for developing and managing our online presence. She’s worked in Event Management, specialising in data evaluation and website development. She’s an advocate for on-the-job training, having not stopped learning (all things technical) since leaving sixth form.

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"That I wasn't an alien because I didn't have a subject I wanted to study at university. My sixth form made me feel like because I got good grades I should just pick any old subject to study rather than not go to university!"
THOMAS LI is our media editor. Having studied BA (Hons) Contemporary Media Practice at University of Westminster, he has continued to discover his skills within the media industry, having worked with moving image, motion graphics and new media installation practices within his course. He continues to further his knowledge in video editing. In his spare time, he is a Youtuber, photographer and social media enthusiast. 

Want to see some of the 90 Second Guides Thomas has helped Push produce?

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making as choice at 18:
​“Don’t 100% expect to know what your future career is by 18. It’s never too late to further discover your skills. Progress at your own pace and don’t bring yourself down by comparing yourself to others. Everyone has an opportunity and as long as you keep working at it, you’ll be building yourself step-by-step.  Everyone makes mistakes, just learn from them and turn that into a lesson. Every step counts.”
JAMES RUSHBROOKE is a consultant and trainer in the world of social work specialising in Participation, Developmental Psychology and Communicating with Children. James also runs Imagine Theatre, a drama school for teenagers in Cirencester and occasionally still performs as an improviser, actor and stand up comedian.
​
​One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
​"I wish someone had told me you don't HAVE to go to uni. It's not compulsory. I genuinely didn't know."
​RUTH ADAMS has a background in devised performance and practice as research; having studied Theatre and Performance BA (Hons) at the University of Chichester and gained an MA at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She values highly: politics, satire, black comedy, audience interaction, physical theatre, multimedia, oh and slick things. In her spare time she is a freelance portrait artist.
​
the-dots.com/adamsruth/portfolio

One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"That you can call the Admissions office and have a chat about courses you're interested in applying for."
​TOM BROOKES  has been working with Push since graduating from Cardiff University in 2007 with a degree in Journalism, Film and Media. Away from Push he’s worked for several youth charities predominantly as a public speaker, facilitator, trainer and a programme manager. Tom's experience delivering Push sessions (as well as managing various campaigns) led him to recently return to education, to complete his PGCE at the Institute of Education (UCL). With such a vast amount of Push experience (and a true passion for engaging young people) he continues to fit in Push talks whenever he can.
​
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
​"Not getting an offer from a uni is not the end of the world! If one turns you down you’ve got four other choices to work with, not to mention all the other possibilities available to you when you’re applying. Don’t panic."
KATIE LYONS is an actor and writer and has written a number of immersive theatre shows and  original television comedy projects.  As an actor Katie she played series regular 'Bird' in BBC3's Bluestone 42, and has featured in Doc Martin, Maigret, Boy A and Green Wing as well as featuring in plays at the National Theatre and The Bush Theatre.  
​
One thing I wish I could tell my younger self about making a choice at 18:
"Before university I wish I knew that, at that point in my life, I had only met a fraction of the people who would be important to me and who would go on to inspire me. University and moving away from home was only the beginning of a world of opportunities available to me."
TREVOR LOCK has been a part of some of the UK's most popular recent TV and Radio shows, including the BAFTA nominated and British Comedy Award winning Star Stories, the chart topping Russell Brand Podcast and Stewart Lee's Alternative Comedy Experience. His latest live show, 2017's Community Circle, has been described by Kate Copstick as "an absolute masterclass in comedy performance." Besides writing, directing and performing for theatre, radio and television, Trevor enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience of creating and presenting with schools, businesses, organisations and individuals.
​
He's one of Push's Public Speaking & Comedy session presenters.
BOOK PUSH