Ellen Buckland is a designer, educator, entrepreneur, and storyteller specialising in emotional intelligence, communication, and storytelling for social impact. Through her business, Contemporary Empathy, she combines theatre and human-centred design methodologies to build empathic dialogue, strengthen professional communication, and rethink traditional approaches to learning.

Her work focuses on helping people better understand themselves and others, creating more meaningful interactions across education, business, health, and wellbeing. As a facilitator, mentor, and trainer, Ellen designs interactive workshops and learning experiences that explore the power of storytelling, connection, and empathy in driving lasting impact.

Ellen holds a Master in Customer Experience and Innovation from IE Business School in Madrid, where she is also an educator in Design Thinking and human-centred innovation. A lifelong learner, she believes transversal skills are essential in times of rapid change and AI, and is passionate about making theatre, design, and emotional intelligence relevant and accessible across industries and professions.