Ever wonder who’s behind some of the most refreshing shifts in how big organisations talk, lead and bring people together?
That would be Vicky Maitland — executive coach, speaker, and founder of HistoryRiot — someone who’s spent over a decade quietly (and sometimes not-so-quietly) transforming workplace culture from the inside out.
Her story didn’t start in boardrooms or grand speeches. It started in school, where Vicky remembers feeling so unsure of where the toilets were that she didn’t even want to ask. The corridor felt dark, and asking for directions seemed daunting. But once she found her voice, she really found it.
It was on stage that she discovered the power of self-expression, the thrill of connecting with others through words and storytelling, and the confidence that came from being fully seen. That spark set off a chain reaction — a passion for communication and a mission to help others find their voice and lead with confidence.
Connection and energy
Fast forward to today, Vicky’s the one who walks into a room and flips the energy, transforming spaces so that people feel safe enough to connect, laugh and share ideas. Executives, teams and organisations thrive under her guidance because she doesn’t just teach them knowledge — she gives them the confidence to make real, lasting change.
Vicky’s career has always been about connection. After earning degrees from the Open University and ArtsEd, she quickly realised she wasn’t meant for the traditional corporate path.
She wanted to do something different — something that tapped into the power of communication to transform people and ideas. So, in 2021, she took the leap and co-founded HistoryRiot, a business built on the belief that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room, but the one that listens, includes, responds and ignites action in others.
In just a few short years, HistoryRiot has grown significantly, earning a reputation for fresh thinking in the heritage sector.
But what truly sets Vicky apart is her unique work with Laughology. As a Happiness and Leadership Consultant, she has worked with leading organisations such as Cambridge University, Diabetes UK, NHS, the Civil Service and top-tier companies, where she delivers innovative development programmes that focus on leadership, team culture, and human performance.
Bringing a fresh perspective
At Laughology, Vicky has had the privilege of helping teams navigate complex changes, bringing fresh perspectives and creative solutions to the most challenging workplace dynamics. Her expertise lies in blending the science of psychology with the power of performance – and through this fusion, she creates environments where people cannot only learn but thrive.
Vicky’s gift? Changing the atmosphere in any room. Whether it’s an executive boardroom, a workshop full of leaders, or a team session, she has this rare ability to create an environment where people feel at ease and actually be themselves. And that’s when the magic happens.
And through it all, Vicky has stayed true to that one mission she set for herself all those years ago: to instil confidence, spark passion and empower people to lead — not with authority, but with the confidence that comes from being true to themselves.
Because when people believe in themselves, that’s when they start leading with heart.
Vicky’s story proves that confidence doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but it can be built. And she’s made it her job to help others build theirs.
In their own words
- Lucy Reed, Grosvenor Systems:
“Thank you so much for coming in for the workshop. We all discussed how informative, engaging, and enjoyable it was! Our employees had a lot of fun.”
- Denise Stormquist, NDA Group
“The session was informative, light-hearted, and fun. I felt the tips and tricks you shared were well explained and easy to understand, and whilst it might take some time to change the wonky thoughts, the concept is brilliant. I have already received some really positive feedback from my colleagues.”
If you want to learn more about Vicky or book her for a session, click here.
