The People Alchemist: Introduction
We’re pleased to welcome The People Alchemist, founded by Juliette Yardley, to the Play It Green community.
Juliette is a Behavioural Change Specialist, trainer and coach with more than 25 years of experience working with individuals, teams and organisations. Through The People Alchemist, she focuses on the human side of work, helping people explore behaviour, mindset and the patterns that shape how they show up at work and in life. Her approach blends applied positive psychology with real-world experience, creating space for reflection, learning and meaningful change.
The People Alchemist works across training, facilitation, coaching and speaking, supporting organisations that want healthier cultures, stronger relationships and more conscious ways of working. Juliette’s work centres on curiosity, self-awareness and practical insight, helping people reconnect with what matters and move forward with intention.
By joining Play It Green, The People Alchemist is taking a step to link people-focused work with environmental and social responsibility, recognising that how we treat each other and how we treat the planet are closely connected.
We recently caught up with Juliette to learn more about her work, her values and what the future holds.
Please tell us a little about The People Alchemist and your work
I’ve always been curious about people and why they behave the way they do. What once looked like a nosey streak as a child turned into my purpose and passion. I’ve spent almost 30 years working hands-on with businesses and organisations, designing training and coaching that gets to the root of behaviour and creates change that actually sticks.
My work goes deep. We look at values, belief systems, goals, and the behaviours people want to change, why they want to change them, and how they can do it step by step in the real world. I make the process approachable, honest, and grounded in common sense, even when the questions get challenging. I don’t do surface-level work. I ask the questions others avoid and create space for people to solve their own problems.
For organisations, the return is clear. Better relationships lead to better performance. I work closely with leadership teams, MDs, and CEOs on how their behaviours shape culture and results. Work smarter, remove human friction, and get on with the business of the business.
Outside work, I share life with my partner Nick, our three grown-up kids, and Richard Parker, the golden retriever. I love the gym, music, films, nature, camping, and being outdoors in Lancashire.
Why is sustainability important to you and your work
Ok, so I have to be honest, and it may sound a bit weird, but I am happy to own the weirdness. I am a tree hugger! What this means to me is, in the same way I have thought about people, what they think, what’s their story, what are their experiences, and why are they the way they are. I have always been this way with trees! I’ve always wondered the same thing,s and I wonder about their connections, their community, the magical mycelial network and what may be going on beneath the surface, just like with people.
I have protested for the protection of trees and nature in my local area and have been known to even take action that may not quite be within the ‘rules’. Nature and our natural world are under attack; we’ve known this for decades. Working to help people really appreciate the world around us, to take care of it as we can take care of ourselves, in synergy.
As The People Alchemist, I feel a deep connection with the basic elements, which is an area I explore in the final question.
Why did you decide to join Play It Green
Richard and I are childhood friends, having known one another since mid teens. A few of us used to hang out together at Afflecks Palace in Manchester, we had long and meaningful conversations, all the usual teenage stuff. When I saw a few years ago that Play it Green had launched, I felt really pleased that he had connected to something so purposeful. As I changed and evolved, and as my own career has done the same, it felt like the right time to get on board with something like this. Feeling a deep connection to the planet, wanting to play some sort of part in helping, felt like a bit of a calling.
What does the future hold for The People Alchemist
As I take my business more towards the essence of what I see as ‘people alchemy’, I am more drawn to using the natural elements of who we are as people. Connections, values, culture, relationships, self-awareness, sense of purpose and fulfilment are examples. I am taking the principles of alchemy, the raw materials, and if you like, looking at how I can build on these ideas to help people grow and develop to help turn us all into ‘gold’. By this, I am driving towards each of us finding what our strengths are, what fuels us and how we can lead lives that fulfil a deeper sense of purpose.
Quotes
The People Alchemist Founder, Juliette Yardley
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr Seuss.
Play It Green Founder, Richard Dickson
“I’ve known Juliette for most of my life, and her curiosity about people, behaviour and what really drives us has always stood out. The People Alchemist reflects who she is at her core – thoughtful, grounded and deeply committed to helping people grow in ways that actually last. Bringing her work into the Play It Green community feels personal as well as purposeful. When values align over time, collaborations like this make complete sense.”
Why not join The People Alchemist and become part of a community creating positive change by partnering with Play It Green?
We help you reduce your footprint, repair the planet, and regive to social causes that matter, all through simple, measurable actions that fit your business.
Modern employees, consumers, and investors want to see impact, not promises. With Play It Green, your sustainability journey becomes visible, credible, and rewarding.
Join us today and turn good intentions into lasting results.
