Three Catalysts Who Turn Creative Expression Into Change

In a world that often prioritises metrics over meaning, three remarkable catalysts are proving that creative expression can be the key to profound personal and social transformation. Through performing arts, music, and writing, they're not just teaching skills – they're unleashing potential and changing lives. All of these women are on Scott Media Speakers and can add colour, vision and inspiration to your event, conference, summit, festival or team-building day.

The Youth Empowerment Pioneer

Fiona Da Silva Adams understands that transformation starts with believing in yourself. As founder of Revolution Performing Arts, she's created a sanctuary where young people can discover their authentic selves without pressure or judgment. Every young person deserves to feel special, Fiona explains, and to have that spotlight moment where they realise their own potential.

Her approach goes beyond traditional performing arts education. In her programmes, which now reach 400 young people weekly, the focus isn't on creating polished performances but on nurturing confidence and self-expression. This philosophy has proven particularly powerful for families impacted by domestic abuse, where Fiona's work as a Swindon Women's Aid (SWA) Ambassador helps rebuild confidence and hope through creative expression.

The Musical Bridge Builder

Helena Eden knows firsthand the transformative power of music. From Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage to intimate community workshops, she's witnessed how melody and movement can break down barriers and build connections. Her journey through significant health challenges, including a stroke and brain surgery, has only deepened her commitment to using music as a tool for healing and empowerment.

Music is not just about performance, Helena shares. It is about finding your voice, both literally and metaphorically. Her workshops create spaces where everyone from corporate professionals to care home residents can discover the joy of creative expression. Her talks provide inspiration and life hacks to empower and encourage any audience. Through her work, she's seen unlikely friendships form, confidence bloom, and even witnessed how shared music can spark romance – with one couple meeting and falling in love during her workshop.

The Narrative Navigator

Lis McDermott transforms aspiring writers into published authors, but her real gift lies in helping people believe their stories matter. With a journey that's taken her from music education through photography to becoming a celebrated author, she understands the power of embracing new chapters in life.

Everyone has a story worth telling, Lis insists, but many people never start because they don’t believe they can. Her mentoring guides writers from blank pages manuscript-ready, but more importantly, it helps them find the confidence to share their unique perspectives with the world. Through her monthly poetry group, she's showing people that poetry isn't just for academics – it's for everyone. Lis talks to many people in groups, crowds or even one to one about how writing a book can change your life, your perspective, and can offer opportunities you just can't see...yet....

The Common Thread

What connects these three catalysts isn't just their use of creative arts – it's their understanding that transformation happens when people feel safe to express themselves authentically. Whether through movement, music, or words, they create environments where people can explore, fail, grow, and ultimately triumph.

Fiona's young performers learn that they're valuable exactly as they are. Helena's workshop participants discover they can sing even if they thought they couldn't. Lis's writers find their voice when they thought they had nothing to say.

Beyond Individual Impact

The ripple effects of their work extend far beyond individual transformation. Fiona's youth programmes are changing how schools approach confidence-building. Helena's methods are being adopted in healthcare settings for their therapeutic benefits. Lis's approach to creative writing is helping businesses tell their stories more effectively.

Their work reminds us that creative expression isn't a luxury – it's a fundamental tool for human development and social change. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, these catalysts show us how art, in all its forms, can bring us back to ourselves and to each other.

The Future of Transformation

As we face growing challenges in mental health, social connection, and personal development, the work of these three catalysts becomes ever more relevant. They prove that transformation doesn't always require grand gestures or complex programmes – sometimes it's as simple as giving someone permission to express themselves creatively.

Their collective message is clear: whether through drama, dance, music, or words, creative expression has the power to transform not just individuals, but entire communities. And in a world that desperately needs positive change, these catalysts show us a path forward that's both powerful and profound.

Through their work, Fiona, Helena, and Lis aren't just teaching arts and creativity – they're nurturing the next generation of changemakers, building bridges between communities, and helping people find their authentic voice. They remind us that transformation isn't just about changing who we are – it's about discovering who we've always been.

To discuss booking any of these empowering women please email [email protected]