Meet The Team
Arianna Walker
Director, Equipped for Life
Arianna Walker BEd (Hons), MSc, MBPsS, is a coaching psychologist, author and experienced keynote speaker who helps people, leaders and organisations thrive in high-pressure, purpose-driven environments. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in business, the charity sector, and faith-based organisations, she brings a rare combination of evidence-based psychology and real-world organisational insight.
As a trained Cognitive Behavioural Coach, Arianna works in line with the ethical standards of the British Psychological Society, ensuring every session is delivered with professionalism, integrity and care. She engages in regular clinical supervision to maintain excellence and uphold the highest standards of practice.
Arianna has designed and delivered innovative leadership, wellbeing and resilience programmes for organisations navigating stress, change and complexity. She is a certified Everything DiSC™ facilitator, using DiSC profiling to help leaders and teams improve communication, reduce friction and build healthier, more cohesive cultures.
Empathetic, practical and deeply grounded in coaching psychology, Arianna equips individuals and teams to communicate more effectively, strengthen resilience and build healthier cultures. Organisations trust her because she combines credibility with compassion — and creates transformative, sustainable results.
Rob Harvie
With 15 years’ experience in education as a qualified teacher, Rob brings a deep understanding of how people learn, grow and unlock their potential. He holds a Fellowship with the Chartered Management Institute and a Level 7 qualification in Executive Leadership & Management, adding academic depth and practical leadership expertise to his work.
Rob is a qualified life coach, a trained facilitator of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and an accredited GiANT™ coach. His approach blends structured leadership tools with relational insight and emotional intelligence, supporting leaders to strengthen communication, enhance team dynamics and develop sustainable ways of working.
A defining feature of Rob’s practice is his specialism in outdoor and wild coaching. Drawing on his experience as a volunteer with the West Yorkshire Mountain Rescue Team, he uses the outdoors as a powerful tool for reflection, resilience-building and leadership development. Rob creates transformative experiences in natural environments, helping leaders and teams gain perspective, uncover strengths and grow in confidence through challenges that mirror real-world organisational pressures.
As an Associate with Equipped for Life, Rob brings warmth, clarity and practical wisdom to the leaders and teams he supports — helping them navigate challenges, build resilience and reach new heights in performance and wellbeing.
Associate, Equipped For Life
Matthew Walker
Director, Equipped for Life
Matthew Walker brings a wealth of leadership experience to Equipped for Life. As Chief Executive of Leeds Federated Housing Association and Chair of PlaceShapers, Matthew has spent over three decades working to improve social housing and community development across the UK. His strategic leadership in these roles highlights his commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals through collaborative, place-based solutions.
In addition to his housing expertise, Matthew is a trained coach and mentor, applying his skills to empower individuals and organisations to navigate challenges and achieve growth.
At Equipped for Life, he draws on his deep understanding of leadership, resilience, and community-focused impact to help guide the organisation’s vision and mission, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible support in their personal and professional journeys.