✨🇩🇪 🧙 Why gnomes? Why myth and folklore in career development?

Known as ‘The Gnome That Inspires’, I’ve often been asked this question over the last couple of years.

This isn’t a new idea for me. The concept of gnomes — and other mythical creatures — inspiring and empowering experiential career exploration first began taking shape back in 2017.

It grew partly as a homage to my time living in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (2009–2012), where my childhood love of folklore, fairytales, fables, and hidden cultural stories from around the world left a lasting imprint.

My sister — my biggest cheerleader and grounding voice for my “bonkers ideas” — even gifted me a copy of the complete Grimm’s Fairytales (the non-Disney version) a few years ago to fuel my research.

She often reminds me of the time, at just five years old, when I brewed my first “potion” in our 1960s style pink bathtub: flowers from the garden, mum’s good perfume and talcum powder… and finally, Dad’s black Indian ink from his draughting kit (he was an Electrical Engineer). 🙈 😄

The creative gnome spirit has clearly been part of me from the start. One day, we even plan to travel the legendary German Fairytale Route to follow the world of the Brothers Grimm.

A friend even used my first dirndl wearing picture as inspiration for my ‘The Gnome That Inspires’ persona and brand.

And since then, the idea has flourished into:

🛤️ A #MetroGnomeMap inspired by Hope-Action Theory to help navigate challenges, build and sustain actionable hope.

🧭 Experiential workshops with gnomes, gremlins, and folklore to spark new perspectives

📚 Toolkits, card decks and more for both adults and children, blending imagination and story with practical career exploration – including supporting veterans #MilitaryToCivilian career journeys.

Why❓-  Because careers are not straight lines. They are quests — filled with helpers, tricksters, detours, and hidden treasures of strength.

For me, the gnomes aren’t a gimmick. They’re part homage, part metaphor, and part invitation to ‘Stretch The Box Thinking’, walk a little more playfully (and purposefully) along your career journey. ✨