Award-Winning Social Entrepreneur & CEO | Transforming Trauma Recovery through Survivor-Led VR & AI Innovation | Founder of UKind Therapy
The Power of the Pivot
There is a profound difference between surviving a storm and learning how to map the clouds for others. For Amanda Haigh, the journey from a “people-pleaser” seeking safety in the shadows of childhood bullying to an award-winning CEO at the forefront of HealthTech was not a straight line—it was a hard-won ascent. Amanda’s story is defined by a singular, bold realization: that the very trauma intended to diminish a person can, when forged with integrity and technology, become a revolutionary tool for global healing.
As the Founder and CEO of UKind Therapy CIC and Fix Your Future Ltd, Amanda is not just a participant in the social enterprise sector; she is a disruptor. By merging immersive Virtual Reality (VR) with trauma-informed care, she is dismantling the barriers of traditional therapy waitlists. Her work is anchored in a philosophy that challenges the clinical status quo, fueled by her belief that “one day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will become someone else’s survival guide.” Today, Amanda is that guide, leading a movement where lived experience isn’t just a background story—it’s the primary engine of innovation.
Integrity in the Imperfect
Amanda’s roots in Wetherby, UK, provided the first testing ground for her resilience. Growing up in local schools, she navigated the isolating landscape of bullying—an experience that forced her to develop a “people-pleasing” mask to maintain a sense of security. While she didn’t recognize it then, these early years planted the seeds of a deep-seated empathy. She understood, perhaps earlier than most, the weight of unmet emotional needs and the devastating impact of feeling unseen.
Her professional journey began with a stark lesson in ethics. Enrolled in a Youth Training Scheme (YTS), her first placement was in a charity shop raising funds for what would eventually become Martin House Children’s Hospice. Earning just £27 per week, Amanda found herself working within a system that was later revealed to be mismanaged. Rather than deterring her, the experience sharpened her moral compass. Amanda reflects that “you can survive and learn even in imperfect systems, but integrity matters.” This early exposure to the complexities of the charitable sector solidified her commitment to transparency, teaching her that a mission—no matter how noble—is only as strong as the values of the people leading it.
From Advocacy to AI
Amanda’s professional trajectory shifted gears when she stepped into the world of self-advocacy. For over a decade, she served as a business developer and leader for organizations supporting adults with learning disabilities. Working alongside individuals who navigated the world with unfiltered kindness and non-judgmental spirits profoundly reshaped her worldview. It was here that she mastered the art of “abilities, not disabilities,” helping marginalized communities find their voices through digital production and entrepreneurship.
However, it was her personal journey through domestic and narcissistic abuse that catalyzed her most significant professional pivot. Rather than allowing these experiences to define her as a victim, Amanda chose to weaponize her insights. She founded Fix Your Future Ltd and authored her flagship book, advocating for women to reclaim their self-worth. The true evolution occurred when Amanda identified a systemic failure in mental health: the agonizing wait times for trauma support. In response, she pioneered UKind XR®, a VR and AI therapy platform co-created with those who need it most. Under her leadership, UKind Therapy was named Social Enterprise of the Year, proving that technology is at its best when it is infused with a human heartbeat and the grit of someone who has walked the path themselves.
Empowering the Next Generation
Amanda’s influence is perhaps most visible in the “Heal with the Reel” podcast and her woodland retreats, where she facilitates the transition from “survivor” to “thriver.” She doesn’t just offer a platform; she offers a pathway. One of her first research participants in the VR pilot progressed into a Master’s-equivalent AI apprenticeship—a testament to Amanda’s belief that those who have suffered the most often have the most to contribute to the solutions of the future.
Her leadership style is one of “moral courage,” frequently featured on BBC Radio Leeds and at digital festivals where she champions inclusive design. When advising the next generation of Gen Z social entrepreneurs, she encourages them to “hone in on what you are passionate about and be honest about what you are good at—and what you are not. If your life experience or trauma has shaped you, don’t shy away from it; it can become your greatest source of insight and impact.” For Amanda, the goal is to build around strengths and bring others in to complement the gaps, turning personal history into a professional powerhouse.
A Legacy of Accessibility
As Amanda looks toward the future, her vision remains fixed on scale and accessibility. Through UKind Therapy, she aims to ensure that no survivor is left in a “waiting room” of despair. Her legacy is being built on the idea that the “Ally App” and VR solutions can provide immediate, trauma-informed sanctuary to those in crisis.
Amanda Haigh’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having a flawless past; it’s about having the courage to use your past as a blueprint for a better future. She continues to climb mountains, not for the view, but to show others that the summit is reachable. It is a testament to her belief that survivors are not broken—they are uniquely powerful agents of change.
Editorial Note
Amanda Haigh’s transition from a secretarial trainee to a tech-pioneer is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Her work reminds us that innovation is not just about the code we write, but the lives we touch.
