Meet the Beacon Mindset Team

Beacon Mindset founder Justina Gilbert head shot - she is wearing a purple winter jacket and a purple scarf, with a background of snow-covered ground and a partly cloudy sky.

Justina Gilbert

Founder & Chief Compassion Officer

A large fluffy white dog lying on a colorful rug in a room. The dog has a curly coat and dark eyes, and is resting with its head on the floor.

Finn

Chief Companion Officer

John Gilbert - Head of Business Development at Beacon Mindset

John Gilbert

Head of Business Development

A note from Justina…

I’m Justina - founder of Beacon Mindset. Our work is mission-led, evidence-informed and shaped by real lived experience — but at its core, it’s deeply human.

Forty years ago, I lost my father to suicide and many years later, I navigated burnout and returned to work with greater clarity, compassion and understanding. Throughout my 20+ years as a leader, I’ve supported teams through rapid change, uncertainty and transformation. These experiences shaped who I am — but they’re not all of me.

I’m also someone who:
• loves outdoor swimming, running and skiing
• is currently (& determinedly!) learning to play golf
• is married with two grown-up sons
• finds joy in everyday moments…

Finn - Chief Companion Officer - a fluffy white dog with a black nose and dark eyes, sitting on a surface with a painting of a sunset in the background.

…and I rarely go anywhere without Finn, my goldendoodle.

Finn has an extraordinary ability to bring happiness to a room just by being in it (my hope is that Finn will soon join Beacon Mindset as a therapy/support dog — because sometimes the safest conversations happen when a friendly, fluffy presence is in the room)...

Professionally, I bring:

  • 32 years experience at IBM

  • Global L&D leadership experience

  • Expertise in future skills, AI readiness and leadership development

  • Accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training:

    • MHFA Instructor, MHFA England

    • MHFA Refresher Instructor, MHFA England 

    • Level 3 Award in MHFA, Royal Society for Public Health

  • The ability to blend serious topics with warmth, empathy and steadiness.

Beacon Mindset founder Justina Gilbert taking a selfie with Finn - Chief Companion Officer. The background features a wall with tree-patterned wallpaper.

Personally, I bring:

Humanity, calm, curiosity and a belief that we can discuss even the toughest topics with compassion and, when appropriate, a light touch.

That’s what Mental Fitness for Life means to me: supporting people not just through crisis, but through growth, change, learning and life.

Get in touch