Gill has pioneered the use of design, design thinking, and action in strategy and innovation for over 25 years. Educated as a designer at Manchester Metropolitan University, she holds an MA in Design Innovation and Strategy from Brunel University, and held Carnegie Mellon University School of Design’s Nierenberg Chair for 2 years. During Gill’s early career she pioneered a people-centered practice in community development as a researcher and developer of local public services. After four years as a Design Manager at the UK Design Council, initiating and designing the form of the nationwide Humanising Technology program, she co-founded Plot in 2004 to support innovation across the private, public, and third sectors.

Gill also runs Upstarter – an incubator for microbusinesses