About the Extra Brain collective

Our consultants are collaborative, ego-free, and client-focused. We share knowledge generously and thrive on making progress.

Intentionally grown

'Network of consultants', you've heard it before right? A page of a 100 biogs and photos that it's impossible to navigate.

That's not us. Phew.

We deliberately grow slowly. This helps us build new relationships between Brains, and maintain existing ones. Unlike single-skill networks, our Brains combine and collaborate, rather than compete.

Our collective expands when it needs new skills and our membership model means our Brains are actively engaged.

Our voting process means we only invite in people who the other Brains genuinely want to spend quality time with, and collaborate with on client work.

Our Key Values

Shared values & decisions

This isn’t a co-operative, but it’s inspired by the movement.

Consultants vote on all key decisions in the organisation, including our donation to a key social cause every year.

Diverse brains are better

We’re working to improve the diversity of our collective and create an inclusive space where the talent of people from underrepresented groups can be amplified.

Brains with heart

Every year, some of our profits go to a cause that we believe is actively supporting one of the 17 UN SDG’s, global or local.

We work with positive companies

We’re not purely designed for for purpose-driven organisations, but we avoid work that we think has a direct, negative impact on society.

A community, not a network.

Being part of Extra Brain is having team, without losing your independence.

Monthly collective activities ensure team relationships flourish, and knowledge is shared so everyone benefits.

The Brains Behind Extra Brain

Jess Gregson

CEO & Founder

An agency Board Advisor for over 7 years, with clients spanning the duration. Before hanging up her MD hat, Jess racked up 20+ years in agencies. She is the Founder & CEO of the Extra Brain collective.

Dan Gregson

CSO & Founder

Ex 'big agency' MD, Dan is the other half of 'Jess & Dan', and of the Extra Brain founder team. Dan mentors senior leaders and dives into long term strategy & short term pitch doctor projects.

Simon Wakeman

COO

A wizard with everything operational, Simon brings his vast experience of working as an co-founder, agency MD and COO to his short term consulting and long-term advisory roles.

Damian Rees

CXO

A master in crafting experiences based on solid insight, Damian helps agencies build solid services based on client needs. An ex-agency owner, he understands the pressure of trying to innovate while spinning day-to-day plates.

What clients say about us

"Working with Jess and the Extra Brains has been one of the best business decisions we've made in a very long time. I find time with her extremely productive and inspiring and she always lightens my load."

Sophie Edwards

MD, ...Gasp!

"Extra Brain have been fundamental in unlocking our potential as a business and as individuals and they are very much part of our team. We've been so lucky to have them guiding us and we've learned so much in the process."

Peter Johnson

MD, Creature & Co

"The highs and lows of running an agency can be extremely taxing and sometimes just having a conversation with someone who’s been there and done it is just what you need to put your mind at rest and work out a clear route through."

Josh Bolland

Founder, JB Cole

"We’ve found having an objective view point, a robust challenge or just a fresh pair of eyes invaluable in keeping us true to what we do, and to have the best chance of success. That’s what Extra Brain brings to us and why we work with them."

Elliot Sykes

Managing Partner, Krow X

"We've had the pleasure of working with Extra Brain for the last few months to help shape Orbit29's Sales & Marketing strategy. Would highly recommend any founders or businesses to get the help of Extra Brain."

Jay Bhadresha

Founder, Orbit 29

A few common questions

We love questions, especially difficult ones.

What exactly does Extra Brain offer?

Extra Brain provides on-demand access to a network of skilled consultants and advisors who can help you to make progress against your most pressing problems, and your most exciting opportunities.

How does Extra Brain differ from other consultancies or working with an individual consultant?

Extra Brain focuses on matching businesses with the right help without you needing to pigeonhole your needs into a specific discipline, e.g. I need a ‘Marketing Consultant’. We help you unpick the problem, help you establish the priorities, and then match you with just the right skills, experience and personality so you can make progress.

Can Extra Brain help with short-term projects?

Yes, Extra Brain is designed to assist with both short-term tasks and ongoing projects. Their flexible model allows businesses to access talent as needed, without long-term commitments.

How do I get started with Extra Brain?

To begin, you can simply describe your business challenge or task to Extra Brain. They'll then match you with the appropriate talent from their network to address your specific needs.

Can I scale up or down my use of Extra Brain's services?

Yes, one of Extra Brain's key features is scalability. You can adjust the level of support you receive based on your current needs, making it ideal for growing businesses. Our emphasis is on flexibility. You can engage us as needed, whether for a single task or ongoing support.

How does Extra Brain ensure the quality of their talent?

Extra Brain has a careful selection process for our collective, we grow by 8-10 consultants a year and anyone who joins passes a vote from other collective members.