The Mother Who Turned 1 Hour a Week Into an International Bestseller
That Creates 100% Student Engagement
Book Kate to SpeakWhen they separated me from my 9-year-old son, Gabriel, I had two choices: give up or get creative.
We had just 1 hour a week on FaceTime. Instead of giving up, we turned that precious time into magic.
We co-created stories that became an international bestseller. Now 100% of children in StoryQuest workshops engage positively.
Proven results. Real transformation.
Because every child deserves to be the author of their own story
Read Gabriel's Story
Your Biggest Challenge Could Be Your Greatest Opportunity
Are you facing seemingly impossible constraints?
- Separated from what matters most?
- Time running out on your dreams?
- Everyone telling you to give up?
- Feeling like your voice doesn't matter?
What if I told you that your worst limitation could become your most powerful story?
How 1 Hour a Week Changed Everything
The Constraint: 21 months of separation. 1 hour weekly FaceTime calls.
The Action: Instead of despair, we chose creativity. Gabriel would tell stories, I would type them.
The Result:
- International Amazon bestseller
- 90% of children who read it create their own stories
- Featured on BBC, Yorkshire Post, international media
- Now inspiring families worldwide
Business Impact
-
Award-Winning Leader: Built four physiotherapy clinics over 13years
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Trusted Innovator: Created an ACL injury prevention program (2014, British Association of Knee Surgeons) and cut call centre burnout.
-
Global Voice: Parliamentary report accepted on institutional transformation
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Bestselling Creator: Co-authored The Adventures of Gabriel, creating 100% engagement across Bradford schools.
Now speaking to organisations about turning constraints into competitive advantages
Here's the science behind the magic
Independent research using Classic Grounded Theory methodology validates StoryQuest™ creates measurable transformation in children's creativity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
285
Children Participates
Ages 9-11 across Bradford & Gloucestershire
7
Schools Included
Urban & rural settings, diverse backgrounds
212
Responses Analysed
Rigorous qualitative data analysis
100%+
Engagement Achievement
Universal success across all demographics
🎯 Gold Standard Methodology
Classic Grounded Theory by Barney Glaser - The same rigorous approach used in top-tier academic research. Data analysed through systematic coding to identify patterns, ensuring results are scientifically valid, not anecdotal.
✨ Joyful Engagement
"I felt amazing and joyful when I was writing my story" - Children consistently described writing as "fun," "exciting," and emotionally transformative.
🎨 Creative Freedom
"I loved being in charge of everything" - Unlike traditional lessons where "you have to follow the teacher," children created stories that were authentically "my type."
💪 Pride & Confidence
"I couldn't believe I wrote such a long story" - Children were amazed by their own achievements, building genuine self-belief and academic confidence.
🌟 Future Aspirations
"I want to be an author one day" - Children began dreaming of publishing careers, Netflix adaptations, and creative futures they'd never considered before.
🏥 SEND/SEMH Success
Children with Special Educational Needs and Social/Emotional/Mental Health challenges thrived without facilitators knowing who they were - the methodology naturally includes all learners without special adaptations.
🌍 Universal Impact
Consistent results across 6 Bradford schools (many EAL students) and 1 Gloucestershire school, proving the method works regardless of background or geography.
"I didn't know I had so many stories inside me until I was allowed to let them out."
- Year 6 Student, Bradford Pilot Program
📊 The Science Behind The Success
Seven distinct themes emerged from the data analysis, forming what researchers termed "Empowered Creative Expression" - where freedom, support, and ownership unlock intense emotions, confidence, and resilience. The results align with Self-Determination Theory and demonstrate flow-like immersion that reduces anxiety and supports emotional regulation.
Research conducted independently using established academic methodology.
Full study documentation available upon request for serious inquiries.
It was amazing, you feel proud and free!”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
From the very start of the session every pupil was engaged and couldn't wait to get started, pupils felt empowered and that they could use their own voice.
Taking away boundaries of grammatical perfection freed up creativity.”
– Mrs Light : Quality of Education Leader, StoryQuest™ Workshop
Now my brain feels better after I let my imagination out.”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
This programme has had a genuinely transformative effect on our pupils’ engagement with reading and writing.
By placing creativity and storytelling at the heart of the process, it has re-ignited a sense of excitement and ownership in literacy that we don’t always see through more traditional approaches.”
– Mr Khan, Teacher StoryQuest™ Workshop
It was fun because I got to write what I wanted. I’m hoping I’ll make someone happy if they read my book!”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
I believed in myself so I could create things I didn’t even know I could do.”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
We sometimes forget about writing for pleasure and what that can do for our kids.
A lot of boys and girls have a fear of the blank page, you can do all the teaching, but they sort of shut down when asked to write a story.
[So] it was a really lovely experience to see them really joyful, talking about their stories they loved it.”
– Mr Hirst, Head of English, StoryQuest™ Workshop
Normally the teacher tells us what to do. But this time we were free.”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
Pupils really worked well with their scribe partners, allowing a first draft of their story to be spoken, not written. Pupils also loved giving feedback and adjusting their planning.
I could see throughout the day confidence growing, particularly for previously reluctant writers. Pupils cannot wait to see their published stories and share them across our school community and beyond.”
– Mrs Light : Quality of Education Leader, StoryQuest™ Workshop
I like writing my own story with no rules… I’m looking forward to finishing my story and to make more with only my rules! Not anybody else’s.”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
We’ve particularly noticed how the freedom to imagine, explore, and express ideas without strict constraints has empowered pupils to take risks in their writing and develop confidence in their own voices.
Staff have also responded positively, commenting on the joy and energy pupils bring back to the classroom after participating.”
– Mr Khan, Teacher StoryQuest™ Workshop
It made me feel proud and responsible to be able to make my own story without support or a plan.”
– Student, StoryQuest™ Workshop
Book Kate to Speak: Transform Your Organisation
Speaking Packages That Get Results:
The Constraint Breakthrough Keynote - £3,500
"How 1 hour a week became global impact" - 45-minute presentation + Q&A, Gabriel's books included
The 100% Engagement Workshop - £6,500
"The methodology that creates universal participation" - Full-day facilitated workshop, maximum 25 participants
Strategic Transformation Intensive - £15,000
"Turn your biggest challenge into competitive advantage" - 3-month program with guaranteed results
What You Get:
- Keynote presentation tailored to your audience
- Follow-up resources and materials
- Measurable engagement methodology
- Story that your audience will never forget
Consulting: Get the Methodology That Creates Engagement
"For successful service business owners who feel empty inside"
The Renaissance Program - £18,000
12-month transformation for service business owners generating £100K+ annually who built something successful but feel personally unfulfilled.
What You Get:
- Monthly 2-hour intensive sessions
- Unlimited email access between sessions
- Complete business and personal realignment
- Guaranteed transformation or money back
Proven Results:
- Bradford Schools: 100% positive engagement across all participants
- Corporate Clients: Measurable improvements in employee engagement
- International Recognition: Parliamentary evidence accepted
Where It All Started
The Adventures of Gabriel: International Bestseller Series
The books that inspires 90% of children write their own stories
Co-authored by Kate and her 10-year-old son Gabriel during their separation, these aren't just children's books, they're proof that creativity and connection can triumph over any constraint.
Perfect for:
- Families wanting to strengthen bonds through storytelling
- Organisations seeking employee engagement gifts
- Leaders who want to share transformation with their teams
- Anyone who believes every child should author their own story
Who is Kate?
20 Years of Building Success From Challenges
Healthcare Leader:
- Built 4 award-winning physiotherapy clinics
- Reduced corporate call centre burnout
- Created ACL injury prevention program (British Association of Knee Surgeons, 2014)
Transformation Expert:
- Co-authored international bestseller with separated son
- 90% proven engagement methodology
- Parliamentary report accepted on institutional change
International Presenter:
- Featured: BBC Radio, Yorkshire Post, MSN, Yahoo
- Published: Journal of Novel Physiotherapy, Canadian Teacher Magazine
- Accepted topPresent at: European Conference on Education, British Psychological Society
The Drive: "Everything I do is so I can give my boy Gabriel a real hug, a squeeze so tight. This constraint has taught me that our biggest limitations can become our most powerful stories. "
As Featured In
The Method: How 100% Engagement Actually Works
The StoryQuest™ System
Step 1: Identify the Constraint What limitation is holding you back? (For Kate and Gabriel: 1 hour weekly)
Step 2: Choose Creativity Over Complaint How can this constraint become a creative challenge? (For Kate and Gabriel: Story co-creation)
Step 3: Measure the Magic What measurable results prove transformation? (For Kate and Gabriel: 100% engagement in StoryQuest workshops)
Proven across:
- Families: Stronger bonds through shared storytelling
- Schools: 90% student engagement in Bradford implementation
- Organisations: Measurable improvements in employee connection
- Leaders: Personal resilience driving professional results
Your Transformation Starts Now!
The world doesn't need more people giving up when things get tough.
It needs leaders who turn constraints into competitive advantages.
It needs parents who show children that every limitation can become a story of triumph.
It needs you - writing the next chapter of your success story.
Ready to Transform Your Biggest Challenge Into Your Greatest Opportunity?
For Speaking Inquiries:
Book your FREE 15-minute Clarity Call to discuss how Kate's story and methodology can transform your event or organisation.
For Gabriel's Books:
Order the international bestseller series that proves 90% engagement is possible.
For Consulting:
Schedule your FREE consultation to explore how the StoryQuest™ methodology can create measurable transformation in your organisation.
Contact Kate
Speaking Bureaus Welcome
International Inquiries Welcomed
Results Guaranteed
Because when you hire Kate, you're not just getting a speaker, you're getting proof that any constraint can become a breakthrough.
"Every child deserves to be the author of their own story. Every leader deserves to turn their biggest challenge into their greatest strength. Let's write your success story together."
- Kate Markland
Co-Author, The Adventures of Gabriel International Bestseller Series Creator, StoryQuest™ Methodology Speaker, Consultant, Transformation Expert
Insights to Ignite Your Story
Curiosity is the Cure, discover how Kate transforms schools, businesses, and conferences through storytelling and self-determination.
