WONDER LAB
A Ten-Week Creative Coaching Programme for Changemakers
10 October - 12 December 2024
CALLING ALL CHANGEMAKERS!
get unstuck & TAKE ACTION
Feeling burnout and stuck, yet responsible for delivering a crucial project? Keen to finally get started on that creative goal but can never find the time? The problem is, funding cuts, eco-anxiety and social unrest can leave you feeling stressed out, overwhelmed and distracted.
Some days it’s hard to stay connected with the reason you do the work you do, or why the project you want to focus on actually matters. And how to unlock your creative potential. You’re not alone. If you long for a renewed sense of purpose and energy to drive your project forward, then you’re in the right place.
This ten-week creative coaching programme is for changemakers* with a work project or a personal creative priority to focus on - and finish - without burning out.
*Changemaker (n): Someone who works to improve their environment and society by identifying problems and taking creative action to solve them.
OVERVIEW
TAP INTO YOUR CREATIVE SUPERPOWERS
This creative coaching programme is like no other; it’s full of tiny experiments and creativity-inspired processes which focus on connection to self and others. You learn to see things differently: notice the wonder around you and wisdom within you. Ignite your curiosity with us!
Wonder Lab invites you to take intentional, focused and consistent action on your work project or a personal creative goal. If you need gentle accountability and an encouraging community of people who are also invested in social change, then join us.
Whether you want to start your first novel, take up painting, revise a fundraising comms plan, create a campaign or finally deliver that organisational change strategy, this is for you. It’s also for you if you simply need time and headspace to figure out what exactly you do want to create, build or share in the next ten weeks.
THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR
Emerging and established leaders at charities, nonprofits and universities.
Social entrepreneurs, creative practitioners, writers and artists.
Community leaders (and builders!) plus charity trustees.
Sustainability, ESG and CSR professionals at mission-driven companies.
sound familiar?
You’re committed to your work but are feeling the weight of an impending deadline.
Your creativity feels blocked and you worry whether you can deliver something impactful.
You’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, yet a critical project demands your attention.
You’ve tried juggling time management hacks and self-care tips, but nothing seems to help.
You’re fed up of feeling alone; you need connection and accountability to get things done.
You want to focus on your own creative ambitions and plans but always end up putting other people or projects first.
If you have a work project or a personal creative priority to focus on - and finish - in the next ten weeks, join us. You don’t have to do it alone.
“
This programme will nurture your creativity for months to come. Being in the company of brilliant, creative and generous participants was an added bonus and it certainly gave me real impetus.”
- Dr Rachel Connor, Leeds Beckett University
MEET YOUR COACH
WHO’S RUNNING IT?
Clare Barry (she/her)
Writer & Creative Facilitator
Curiosity Coach at Urban Curiosity
Since 2014, I’ve guided hundreds of changemakers in rediscovering their sense of wonder, asking deeper questions and nurturing their creativity. When you learn to see things differently, you can engage with your own curiosity in transformative ways.
For more than 15 years, I held management positions in entrepreneurship, executive education, organisational behaviour and philanthropic partnerships at London Business School, the LSE, charities and nonprofits. This work felt meaningful, especially the project where I was founding director of partnerships, Entrepreneurship and Social Change@lse.
The problem was my creativity had melted into a puddle at the bottom of the career ladder. Burnout, back surgery and bereavements eventually led me to find a better way to live and work. These days, I help changemakers find focus for the work that matters.
I design and lead curiosity retreats, mindful walks and creative training programmes for teams and groups. I write about creativity, human connection, digital mindfulness, wellbeing and work, plus how to find your creative spark in a fast-paced world.
My writing, work and ideas have been published by or featured in:
HERE IS WHAT’S POSSIBLE...
Unlike generic coaching programmes, I designed Wonder Lab specifically for the unique challenges and pressures of in working the third sector. And I created it in the belief that with the right support, energy and creative confidence, you can deliver the project that matters.
My coaching clients and past mentees have:
Moved from hardly writing anything → signing up to writers’ retreats and securing two artist residencies.
Gotten over their fear of sharing their creative work → posting their work weekly as a new sharing practice.
Stopped stalling on launching a community event → announcing the event and committing to a whole series.
Left a job that squashed their creative energy → landing a job where their creativity could have space at - and after - work.
Dared to become a thought leader in their sector → doubling their mailing list and gaining kudos for a fundraising benchmarking report.
Switched from feeling spread thin and distracted → working a laser-focused way that freed up time for monthly artist dates.
Overcome their anxiety about asking for funding → launched a crowdfunding campaign that exceeded its goal in three days.
Imagine what could be possible if you chose to invest in yourself today. Join me and my Urban Curiosity associates (specialists from academia, counselling, community-building and participatory arts) in Wonder Lab this season.
INTRODUCING
WONDER LAB
CoACHING & COMMUNITY
GENTLE ACCOUNTABILITY
CREATIVE GATHERINGS
Wonder Lab a dynamic creative coaching programme for people with a work project or a personal creative goal to focus on - and finish - in the next ten weeks. Each month, we host coaching calls, co-working sessions plus a mindful art club. We offer practical tools, coaching sessions, community and gentle accountability.
This programme provides a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, creative confidence and helps you stay motivated to finish your project without burning out.
HOW IT WORKS
Weekly Calls: we host coaching, co-working, office hours on Thursdays, 1-2.30pm.
Monthly Gathering: we meet for our Mindful Art Club session on Sundays, 6.30-8pm.
No Fancy Tech: we meet via Zoom and connect in our online community Slack hub.
Inclusive & Accessible: everyone is welcome; we share replays + one-pagers with notes.
Flexible Pricing: Early Bird pricing, payment plans and scholarships are available.
Manageable Pace: find a rhythm of showing up and engaging with your project in a way that supports you and your needs - this not about getting ahead or falling behind.
PROGRAMME DATES
You can enrol in the autumn cycle or get our Lifetime package for all future cycles
Autumn: 10 October 2024 - 12 December 2024.
Winter: 16 January 2025 - 20 March 2025.
Spring: 24 April 2025 - 26 June 2025.
JOIN US if YOU want TO…
Leave procrastination behind and just get started.
Stop second-guessing yourself and trust you can do it.
Unlock a clear vision for your project.
Make new connections in a supportive community.
Feel motivated to keep going.
Lead your projects with clarity, creativity and renewed energy.
Reconnect with the joy of your work and creativity.
Boost your creative confidence and feel more inspired.
Ready to get unstuck, feel more ease and stay focused until you reach the finish line?
“
I cannot recommend Clare enough. She is highly professional at what she does. If you are starting a new venture, pivoting an existing one, or just need someone to brainstorm and filter your craziest bravest business ideas, Clare’s the coach you want.”
Olga Waller, freelance illustrator
CONTENT
focus on Your individual project
Clarify your Creative Aims | Opening Wonder Circle.
We gather together at the beginning of each cycle to kick things off. Set intentions for your time in Wonder Lab and tap into your purpose. Create a plan to make meaningful progress on your project and bring more ease, joy and momentum to it. (This is live and shared as a replay.)
Build Creative Confidence | Weekly Clues in Your Inbox.
Short and encouraging emails to help you tap into your purpose and shift your perspective to see wonder in the world. Weekly Clues offer a blend of insights, stories, quotes and suggested journal prompts, creative quests or experiments.
Get Unstuck and Take Action | Monthly Coaching.
Each month, we explore a topic drawn from real-life experiences and challenges you’re facing. Gain guidance, direction and encouragement, so you never have to feel stuck and alone in your changemaker journey again. During some coaching calls may also lead a drop-in hot-seat element where we focus on one member’s project. In these tightly facilitated sessions, we offer focused support and gentle guidance. (This is live and shared as a replay.)
Make Steady Progress | Monthly Co-Working Session.
Each co-working session starts with five minutes exploring a spark tool - a creative prompt, tip or reflection. We then spend our time making steady progress on our goals. We take five minutes at the end to reflect and celebrate any wins. (This is live.)
Show Up for Yourself | Weekly Accountability Check-Ins.
Stay motivated and on track by setting realistic weekly intentions, then sharing them in our community hub.
Get Personalised Guidance | Monthly Office Hours/Creativity Clinic.
For additional direct support from Clare and her Urban Curiosity associates. Participants submit questions in advance. These may relate to your creative practice, leadership challenges or life obstacles. Participants are invited to share their experiences, insights and tools in advance also. (This is pre-recorded.)
Nourish Your Creativity | Monthly Mindful Art Club.
An opportunity to nourish your creative wellbeing and foster connections in this relaxed session. No pressure to share your work. We start with a brief mindfulness exercise, then Clare shares an optional mini project to encourage creative experimentation and an open mindset. (This is live and shared as a replay.)
Encouragement and Resources | Online Slack Community Hub.
Slack is our online community hub where you share your weekly intentions, ask questions and share resources or good news. It’s a friendly and encouraging place where we champion each other + post good news or resources. This is a tightly facilitated and useful community.
Reflect, Celebrate and Plan | Closing Wonder Circle.
Our final gathering in each cycle of the programme is where we reflect, share how we resolved challenges and celebrate our progress. We set some intentions for nourishing our creativity during time away from Wonder Lab and do a planning exercise for the upcoming cycle. (This is live and shared as a replay.)
JOIN
Join us!
Wonder Lab is for changemakers who want a shift from stress to inspired action to complete a significant project in the next ten weeks.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
“
This programme will nurture your creativity for months to come. It embodies all that creativity is and should be: collaboration, fun, openness to learning and a willingness to follow sparks that emerge from all these things. Being in the company of brilliant, creative and generous participants was an added bonus and it certainly gave me real impetus.”
Dr Rachel Connor, academic, writer and coach
“
We have almost doubled our email list in a year and our 2020 fundraising benchmarking report has been quoted in industry books and by prestigious training providers. This is all thanks to Clare’s really practical suggestions on how to get PR for it.”
Caroline Danks, fundraising consultant
“
An opportunity to reset and tune into what’s really important in your creative practice and everyday life. What we explored that day has helped me navigate difficult emotions, such as feeling overwhelmed or creatively lost.”
Stella Cecil, theatre designer and artist
“
100% recommend. Always appreciate the opportunity to decompress and flow. Was lovely to meet others in the community too. Can’t wait for our next session."
Participant
“
I feel like the curtain has been pulled back in so many ways. Thank you for creating such a generous and warm welcoming space for us all.”
Philippa, charity professional
“
Like a ticket to Wonderland: great mentor, fantastic adventures and unexpected wisdom.”
Mylene Dosal, freelance illustrator
“
The retreat gave me a re-energising pause and the opportunity to share with others. It offered us an environment of calmness and an invitation to keep creating such pauses and nurture our inner life.”
Drashti Shah, London Arts and Health Forum
“
I cannot recommend Clare enough. She is highly professional at what she does. If you are starting a new venture, pivoting an existing one, or just need someone to brainstorm and filter your craziest bravest business ideas, Clare’s the coach you want.”
Olga Waller, freelance illustrator
“
This was a terrific retreat and Clare has a wonderful engaging presence. She is very welcoming, of gentle disposition and put everyone at ease very quickly.
Frank Mullane, charity director
“
I found the session inspiring, rejuvenating and far more therapeutic than I had anticipated! I particularly enjoyed making my little book and thinking about the idea of self empathy.”
Dr Terri Mullholland, writer and researcher
“
I wrote more than I imagined possible and had the absolute pleasure to connect with other creative people. Clare created a no-pressure environment where creativity could come out easily to play!”
Aimee S, writer and coach
“
It reminded me how much creative outlets are important for me! I got some much needed me-time to connect and reflect on myself. I really enjoyed learning about everyone else's experiences."
Shamoli Mostafa, community development manager
RESULTS
THESE ARE benefits you can expect
This programme encourages you to overcome creative blocks and manage the pressures of working in the third sector. We offer you structure, gentle accountability and support to help you stay motivated to finish your project.
Here’s what you can expect:
Increased Confidence: gain the courage to share creative work, spark more innovative solutions, navigate challenges with confidence.
Better Focus: develop a clear, actionable plan for your project, leading to better time management and steady progress.
Creative Breakthroughs: break free from procrastination and creative roadblocks, unlock the potential to complete long-postponed projects.
Space to Explore: experiment with new approaches and create without judgement.
More Ease: learn proven strategies to manage stress, avoid burnout and approach work with more ease.
Renewed Purpose: a stronger sense of purpose and and connection to your work.
Supportive Community: join a community of like-minded changemakers who share resources, celebrate wins and provide encouragement.
Leadership Growth: strengthen leadership skills and gain new perspectives to inspire and motivate others.
A finished Project: delivered on time and without burning out!
“
An opportunity to reset and tune into what’s really important in your creative practice and everyday life. What we explored together helped me navigate difficult emotions, such as feeling overwhelmed or creatively lost.”
Stella Cecil, Small Seeds Theatre
VALUES
ENJOY more simplicity & ease
Wonder Lab is for people who are curious, bold and kind. It’s for those who want to create lasting positive change and feel creatively fulfilled. We’re putting ideas into action and exploring creative and sustainable ways to respond to the challenges of our times.
This is a dynamic creative coaching programme for changemakers who want a shift from stress to inspired action to complete a significant project. We only open for new members a few times a year.
OUR COMMUNITY VALUES
Inclusivity
In the Wonder Lab community, we welcome and celebrate our differences. We don’t tolerate hate of any kind and kindness is the currency here.
Mutual Respect
We don’t talk down to each other, regardless of experience level. There’s something to learn from everyone.
Pay Attention
We take care to listen to each other, whether we agree with each other’s views or not. Our perspective may be different but being witnessed fosters connection.
Vulnerability
We don’t pretend like we have it all together (this includes Clare!) and we receive each other’s vulnerable sharing with compassion.
Tactful Feedback
Before we offer advice, we listen for what feedback is being sought and we’re thoughtful in our responses. Context and tone can often get lost on screen.
*These are inspired by, and adapted from, Wandering Aimfully’s community values.
WHY APPLY TO JOIN NOW?
Limited Cohort
Spaces in Wonder Lab are intentionally kept small to ensure personalised attention.
Starts October
Don’t miss the chance to join this live cohort—once it’s full, enrolment closes.
Price Increases after September
Secure your spot at the current price before it goes up.
JOIN
ENROL NOW!
Enrolment is now open. We want you in Wonder Lab with us. It’s for people with a work or personal creative project to finish in the next ten weeks.
FAQS
GOT questions?
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We kick things off on Thursday 10 October with our opening Wonder Circle. The programme only opens for enrolment three times a year. The next cohort won't join us until early 2025.
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Wonder Lab offers participants an opportunity to clarify what you want or need to focus on in this season of you work and creative life. It will give you the tools and inspiration to run a series of experiments and map out a project to get started on.
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We meet weekly for 90 minutes of coaching, co-working or creative practice. But really it's up to you.
This programme runs in three, seasonal cycles of ten weeks, so that you can focus on your project and creative wellbeing without feeling over-committed.
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Find a rhythm of showing up and engaging with your project in a way that supports you and your needs - this not about getting ahead or falling behind. The more you can show up, the more forward momentum you'll gain. That said, we know life happens.
You'll have replays and notes from our sessions to refer back to if you miss a session.
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Not unless you want to. The more you share about your, the more you'll get out of the Wonder Lab programme and community. There's no pressure to share which organisation you work for.
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Each cohort is kept small and Clare is an ambivert and highly sensitive person (HSP) who is sensitive to the needs of neurodivergent participants. We provide transcripts, non-flashing visuals and captions. Get in touch if you have a specific question.
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All you need is access to the internet to join our live calls on Zoom and connect with fellow changemakers in Slack - our online community hub.
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Slack is an easy to use tool for communication. Our hub is tightly facilitated to make it a useful, supportive place to hang out. There is no pressure join or be active in our Slack community, if you don't want to.
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You'll find replays and notes in our programme dashboard. The link to these updates will also be shared in Slack and via our Weekly Notes to you.
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Yes! Many companies or organisations will reimburse you if you explain this programme is for your professional development. Your HR or Learning & Development contact might understand this programme better if you describe it as a series of creative training workshops or a leadership training programme.
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Yes. We’re committed to social equity and justice, which is why we offer a limited number of scholarships for individuals and people working at certain organisations. If you’re interested in applying for scholarship for Wonder Lab, please complete this form.
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Yes. Please contact us via email: hello@urbancuriosity.co.uk
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Refund Policy:
As a service-based offering, we do not offer refunds more than two weeks after the programme begins. The one-time deposit for payment plans is non-refundable and any payments made after the first two weeks are non-refundable. In the event of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we’re open to discussing options on a case-by-case basis, including the possibility of enrolling you in a future cycle. See our refund policy here. -
Get in touch here: hello@urbancuriosity.co.uk
“
A re-energising pause and the opportunity to share with others. It offered us an environment of calmness and an invitation to keep creating such pauses and nurture our inner life.”
Drashti Shah, London Arts and Health Forum
LAST WORD
IT’S TIME STOP PROCRASTINATINg
Life is too short for yet another online course you won’t complete or book that goes unread. You don’t need another productivity app or expert podcast interview to get started. You know what you need to do - take action.
Wonder Lab is for people with a significant work project or personal creative goal to focus on - and finish - in the next ten weeks. If you’ve been procrastinating or putting off getting started, then this is for you.
IT’S not about:
✖️ More things to feel behind on.
✖️ Another thing to do.
✖️ More networking or Facebook groups.
✖️ More worksheets.
✖️ Baby-sitting and hand-holding.
tHIS IS about :
✅ Making steady progress towards your goals.
✅ Showing up for yourself and building creative confidence.
✅ Reclaiming time for your project without adding to your workload.
✅ Making space to experiment, explore and create.
✅ Connecting with yourself and with others.
✅ A way to check in, track and celebrate your progress.
✅ Support and guidance whenever you a roadblock.
✅ Come as you are—this is a space to show up without judgement.
✅ Fuel your purpose and keep moving forward.
✅ Embrace new perspectives and different approaches.
✅ You’re worth the investment. Your future self will thank you.
PRICING
eVERYTHING YOU GET IN THIS PROGRAMME
10 October - 12 December 2024
You are a full member of the Wonder Lab community and join us in our weekly Zoom calls on Thursdays, 1 - 2.30pm and once a month on Sundays, 6.30-7pm for Mindful Art Club.
Everything is optional but the more you show up, the more momentum you’ll gain. Here’s what’s included:
Coaching Calls & Creative Gatherings:
Coaching Drop-In Sessions - coaching sessions every month for guided laser coaching and workshopping with your peers and coach. (Live and shared as a replay.)
Mindful Art Club - nourish your creativity, experiment and make new connections as you relax. (Live and shared as a replay.)
Co-working Sessions - get your work done and make steady progress. (Live, no replay.)
Office Hours/Creativity Clinic - guidance, resources and support for your creative practice, leadership challenges or life obstacles. (This is pre-recorded.)
Wonder Circles - set intentions, reflect and celebrate at the start/end of each cycle.(Live and shared as a replay.)
Plus, when you join, you’ll get:
Weekly Clues - short and inspiring emails that encourage experiments, wonder-seeking and foster innovation.
The 1:1 Deep Dive Interviews with every member in the community (optional).
A private, highly curated online hub to connect and talk with everyone in the community.
BONUS!
Art Pack - you’ll receive a welcome pack with art supplies, a Tiny Walkshop Kit to spark creativity on your next mindful walk and surprises. Available for UK-based participants only. (Value £30.)
SPECIAL BONUS!
Lifetime Access - when you enrol in Wonder Lab Lifetime, you’ll get access to three cycles of the programme per year and lifetime access for as long as we offer this programme.
An additional 1:1 Coaching Call with Clare - get a 60-minute 1:1 coaching session with Clare Barry to discuss your unique challenges and goals when you enrol in Wonder Lab Lifetime. (Value £400.)
NEXT COHORT STARTS IN OCTOBER - ENROL NOW FOR EARLY BIRD PRICE
Early Bird
Enrolment Deadline
26 SEPTEMBER
Standard Pricing
Enrolment Deadline
3 OCTOBER
Wonder Circle
Cohort Kick-Off
10 OCTOBER
JOIN US IN WONDER LAB
Wonder Lab - Autumn 2024
£700 £595
EARLY BIRD
Enrol by 26 Sep to be eligible for Early Bird pricing. Payment plans of 3x £210 available.
10-Week Autumn* Programme Including:
✓ Coaching Drop-In Sessions.
✓ Wonder Circles.
✓ Mindful Art Club.
✓ Co-working Sessions.
✓ Office Hours/Creativity Clinic.
✓ Weekly Clues email.
✓ A private, highly curated online hub.
✓ The 1:1 Deep Dive Interviews.
✓ Art Pack and Tiny Walkshop Kit.
Wonder Lab Lifetime
£2,100 £1,785
early birD
Enrol by 26 Sep to be eligible for Early Bird pricing. Payment plans of 9x £204 available.
Lifetime Access to Everything Including:
✓ Coaching Drop-In Sessions.
✓ Wonder Circles.
✓ Mindful Art Club.
✓ Co-working Sessions.
✓ Office Hours/Creativity Clinic.
✓ Weekly Clues email.
✓ A private, highly curated online hub.
✓ The 1:1 Deep Dive Interviews.
✓ Art Pack and Tiny Walkshop Kit.
✓ Every seasonal cycle of the programme.
✓ AN ADDITIONAL 1:1 coaching call with Clare Barry to discuss your project.
✓ LIFETIME ACCESS to all our Wonder Lab content, community and resources.
Wonder Lab is for people who want a shift from stress to inspired action to complete a significant project in the next ten weeks. Ready to show up for yourself this season?
A few important details:
To secure your spot in Wonder Lab, tuition must be paid in full before the programme starts. If you choose a payment plan, you are responsible for all payments - your space in non-refundable and non-replaceable.
Refund Policy:
As a service-based offering, we do not offer refunds more than two weeks after the programme begins (less a £100 administration fee). Any payments made after the first two weeks are non-refundable. In the event of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, we’re open to discussing options on a case-by-case basis, including the possibility of enrolling you in a future cycle.
Scholarships:
We’re committed to social equity and justice, which is why we offer a limited number of scholarships for individuals and those working at certain third sector organisations. If you’re interested in applying for one, please complete this form.
Discovery Call:
Still unsure? To see if this programme would be a good fit for you or your people right now, book a 15 minute call with Clare.