She may have left school without a diploma, but today Nicky Wallis is one of the UK’s most influential voices in leadership development. As Founder and Director of TEAL Learning Solutions, Wallis is transforming how organisations train and retain leaders—through a powerful, emotionally intelligent lens shaped by her own remarkable life story.

With burnout, absenteeism, and high turnover costing UK businesses billions every year, Wallis’s human-first approach to leadership couldn’t be more relevant. Her work delivers measurable change, from slashing staff turnover rates to preparing emerging talent for senior leadership, making her one of the most sought-after figures in organisational culture and training.

Her journey, however, began far from corporate success—in a childhood filled with upheaval and uncertainty.

When she was just 12, Wallis was removed from school and taken to India, then later to Canada, cutting her off from formal education for over two years. With little structure to rely on, she turned to books and began to self-educate. “I was desperate to understand people,” she says. “What drives their choices? Why do they behave the way they do?” That need to decode human behaviour became the bedrock of her life’s work.

Despite excelling once back in education, missing critical years meant she couldn’t complete her studies. At 19, she returned to the UK alone, without a plan or support network. By 23, she became a mother, but ambition soon pulled her toward the working world. A friend’s casual comment about a restaurant job sparked a new beginning.

Wallis quickly proved herself, rising to Assistant Manager in six months. By age 30, she was a General Manager for three restaurants, rescuing underperforming venues and becoming known as “The Manager-Making Machine” for her knack for turning struggling staff into future stars. One major turnaround saw a restaurant shift from a 26% loss to a 32% profit.

Her curiosity about people’s potential found even deeper meaning in roles with broader influence. At The Restaurant Group, she oversaw training for 27 brands operating in UK airports, designing systems to keep service levels high despite intense conditions. At Gaucho, she created an in-house leadership academy that nurtured future CEOs from within the ranks—transforming kitchen porters and frontline staff into high-level leaders.

Wallis credits her toughest times with shaping her greatest strengths. “The personal hurdles I’ve faced have actually been my greatest teachers,” she says. “They gave me perspective, empathy, and creativity; qualities that shape my work every day.”

In June 2023, she launched TEAL Learning Solutions as a way to give back to the industry and offer something different: emotionally intelligent leadership development built for modern workplace challenges. With clients like Sushi Samba and Coya already onboard, TEAL’s bespoke approach speaks directly to industries facing generational shifts, mental health issues, and retention struggles.

Unlike traditional leadership programmes heavy on theory and light on application, Wallis insists on actionable strategies. Whether she’s coaching teams across Europe or advising top executives on culture change, her philosophy centres on one belief: people power performance.

“We’re not just creating better leaders,” says Wallis. “We’re helping individuals understand themselves, build empathy, and drive meaningful change.”

Nicky Wallis’s evolution from dropout to leadership pioneer shows that resilience, empathy and drive can achieve more than any qualification ever could. Her story is a bold call to rethink what leadership really means—and who gets to lead.

Shinobi Capital Group has acquired Elite Renewables, a specialist in cutting-edge solar and heat pump systems, in a significant move to expand its influence in the UK’s low-carbon home energy sector.

The purchase aligns with Shinobi’s vision to build a national network of retrofit providers delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions to both private and commercial clients. This strategic growth comes at a pivotal moment for the renewables industry, supported by rising public awareness and government schemes like the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Elite Renewables, with over ten years of experience, has established itself as a trusted name in the South East of England, particularly among high-end residential customers and the design and construction community. The company’s integrated offerings — including solar PV, air source heat pumps, MVHR, EV chargers, and battery storage — frequently achieve system efficiencies of over 400%, setting it apart in a competitive market.

An Investment in Quality and Capability
Elite now joins Shinobi’s expanding group of retrofit-focused businesses, including The Retrofitters, which concentrates on insulation and holistic home upgrades, and Pyramid Eco, which caters to landlords, housing associations, and homeowners.

The Elite brand and leadership team will remain intact, with Shinobi providing strategic support to scale the business through digital innovation, operational refinement, and growth marketing.

Tim Cameron-Kitchen, founder of Shinobi Capital Group, said:
“Elite Renewables is one of the most technically capable and well-respected businesses in the heat pump and solar space. Their commitment to long-term performance, attention to detail, and service quality make them exactly the kind of company we want to support. Their track record of some truly extraordinary projects makes this one of the most exciting renewables businesses in the UK.

“Together, we will build on that strong foundation and help more people across the UK upgrade their homes with confidence.”

Strong Values for a Greener Future
The acquisition is built on a shared commitment to high-performance solutions, transparency, and lasting value. As millions of UK homes prepare for retrofitting in the years ahead, companies that prioritise education, technical integrity, and customer trust will lead the way.

With this move, Shinobi Capital strengthens its position as a key driver of the UK’s clean energy transition and a trusted partner for long-term sustainability.

Tim Cameron-Kitchen added:
“We believe the next chapter of the green transition belongs to companies that combine technical excellence with trust, education, and exceptional service,”
“Elite Renewables embodies all of that.”