From global brands to grassroots innovation hubs, Samantha Harland’s career has always centred around driving big ideas forward. Now working at the intersection of tech, creativity, and entrepreneurship, she supports startups, local authorities, and universities with high-impact programmes, founder support, and sustainable innovation. As Chapter Director of Startup Grind Brighton, she’s all about community, collaboration, and helping great ideas take root.

Which talk/panel did you speak at?

I hosted the Work Reimagined track

Can you share a bit about your background?

I started my career in FMCG, working within large global corporates, but over the past 8 years I’ve focused on driving innovation and supporting businesses to grow across Sussex. I’ve led and contributed to national and regional programmes through organisations such as the NatWest Accelerator, Plus X Innovation and Wired Sussex—where, as Director of Innovation, I ran the FuseBox, Brighton’s creative tech hub. More recently I’ve worked independently as a fractional Programme Director and business adviser, designing and delivering initiatives that bring creative sectors and emerging technologies together. This included mentoring creative and tech companies through the Create South East programme to help them raise investment and advising hundreds of businesses in East Sussex through the Go for Growth and Big Ambitions programmes. My passion is helping organisations, founders and leaders to unlock opportunities, build thriving cultures and create lasting impact.

What inspired you to speak at EVOLVE [25]?

I’m passionate about the human side of tech and wanted to champion the conversations that explore how we innovate not only through technology, but also through culture, inclusion and wellbeing. Hosting the Work Reimagined stage felt like the perfect opportunity to bring those topics to life.

What was the key message or idea you most wanted the audience to take away from your talk?

I wanted everyone to leave feeling inspired and empowered to make practical, human‑centred changes in how they work or lead. Meaningful change doesn’t always require big budgets or dramatic overhauls, often it starts with simple shifts like fostering honest conversations, setting and modelling healthy boundaries, and building trust through transparency. I hoped people would walk away thinking about how they can lead with more purpose, champion inclusion in everyday decisions, and create workplaces that genuinely support wellbeing and flexibility.

Were there any audience reactions or questions that really stood out to you?

Yes – particularly during the mental health and leadership session. I felt everyone was deeply moved by Oly’s personal story, which was honest, raw and vulnerable. It was clear that people were reflecting deeply on how the topics raised could apply in their own lives and organisations. Mental health is still considered taboo in some contexts, and it’s so important that we keep having these open discussions about the challenges as well as the successes – and to recognise that technology can be both part of the solution and part of the problem.

How does the topic you spoke about connect to your current work or passion projects?

In my work I focus not just on delivering innovation for businesses but on embedding approaches that are human‑centred – supporting leaders to build cultures and values where inclusion, flexibility and wellbeing are seen as core to long‑term success.

What emerging trends or challenges in tech (or your field) are you most excited about right now?

I’m excited by advances in AI and quantum computing, not just for what they can achieve, but for how they’ll reshape our work. AI already takes repetitive tasks off our plates, while quantum computing will help tackle problems we’ve never been able to solve before. Together, they give people the space to focus on what machines can’t replace: creativity, empathy, collaboration and the time to develop as leaders who truly understand and support their teams.

What advice would you give to someone looking to make an impact in your area of expertise?

Start by listening to the people you’re trying to serve. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; begin with small, thoughtful experiments and learn as you go. Build networks of people who challenge and support you, and remember that progress often comes from many small steps, not one grand leap.

How do you see the future evolving in your industry over the next few years?

I see more cross‑sector collaboration and a deeper emphasis on impact beyond just financial results. Measures such as wellbeing, inclusion and sustainability will increasingly sit alongside revenue and growth metrics, giving us a fuller picture of what true success looks like.

What was your favourite part of the EVOLVE experience?

Hosting the Work Reimagine track was fantastic, but I also loved exploring the other talks and seeing how the themes connected across tracks. The energy in every space was incredible, and the conversations happening in the corridors were just as inspiring as those on stage.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, initiatives, or goals you’re excited to share?

This summer I’ll be stepping into a new role as Head of Innovation for Digital Catapult. For anyone who hasn’t come across Digital Catapult, it’s part of the UK’s national Catapult Network and is funded in part by Innovate UK to help drive the UK’s adoption of emerging technologies. It’s a not‑for‑profit innovation centre that works with startups, scaleups, corporates and the public sector to turn cutting‑edge tech such as quantum, AI, immersive technologies and advanced networks like 6G into real‑world impact. In this new role, I’m excited to champion tech innovation projects and programmes across the UK while also focusing on human innovation – building cultures that value wellbeing, flexibility and inclusion alongside delivery and growth.

What’s one book, podcast, or resource that’s inspired you recently?

Workstyle by Alex Hirst and Lizzie Penny – it’s packed with practical insights on designing work around life, not the other way round. I loved how they go beyond just talking about flexible working; they explore mindset shifts, culture change and how to build work in a way that truly supports different lifestyles and strengths.

How can people connect with you or follow your work after the event?

Connect or follow me on LinkedIn