Delivering commercial success through competitive growth strategies that work.

John Nichols, CEO

I'm obsessed with adventure—mountain climbing, big hikes, cold swimming, and running. That love of challenge drives me in life and business; setting up this brilliant boutique consultancy, Ryse, is another exciting chapter. I'm lucky to have this team, you're only as good as your people.

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I've spent most of my career client-side, including as a global partner at Microsoft and in senior roles at Nokia, where I lived in beautiful Finland for five years. Before tech, I worked with major retailers like Sainsbury’s. My expertise lies in data-driven growth, helping C-level execs navigate complexity, build investable business strategies, and optimizing budgets.

I'm passionate about impact, growth, & harnessing technology and AI.

James Ebdon, Managing Director

I'm driven by challenge—whether I'm surfing or creating digital advertising that grows businesses big and small.

I spent a decade in strategy and marketing leadership at Nokia before launching Sheldraker, a marketing consultancy that shaped strategies for top brands. Following this I worked as a Marketing Director at Oxford Metrics Group Plc, an Oscar- and Emmy-winning tech firm, and Freeformers, a Meta-partnered digital consultancy. As CMO at AnyVan, I drove brand strategy and digital growth for the £150m-funded marketplace.

Away from work, I’m a petrolhead and a surfer and I'm happiest in the water or spending time with my young family.

Charlotte Bossick, Director

I’m fascinated by people—why they think, act, and behave the way they do. With a background in archaeology, I’ve always been drawn to uncovering patterns and insights, a passion that now drives my approach to business and marketing.

Over 15 years, I’ve built brands, driven growth, and led data-driven strategies across global luxury, arts, tech, and membership brands. I’ve held a number of senior marketing roles, always blending creative vision with analytical precision, and I have expertise in omni-channel marketing, brand development, and customer segmentation.

In my spare time, when I'm not building websites or AI models, you’ll find me in galleries, museums, or exploring London’s restaurant scene.

Jordan Otty, Director

As nerdy as it sounds, I’m passionate about data and love using it creatively to solve business problems. That’s why I pursued a Master’s in Business Analytics—and it’s now central to how I approach client projects.

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 I honed my consulting skills at a boutique retail digital consultancy, helping global brands like Pandora, Nike, and Skechers implement customer-centric, omni-channel strategies. I played a key role in the company’s merger into Pattern, a $1B marketplace brand partner, and led its European expansion while living in the Netherlands.

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Outside work, I’m an ultra-marathon runner and I'm currently training for an Ironman triathlon. Whether in business or sport, I’m always pushing myself to think bigger, move faster, and go further.

George Watling, Senior Consultant

I’ve always been drawn to both logic and creativity, whether it’s shaping a growth strategy, or perfecting a golf swing. That balance of structure and imagination is what excites me, and it’s what I bring to my work.

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I started my career in financial services and capital management, here I developed a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving. Now, I lead and support projects across brand, marketing, and innovation strategy, working with startups and multinational corps, delivering market insights and data-driven recommendations.

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Outside work, I’m either on the golf course or exploring London’s music scene, always searching for something new to listen to.

James Brooker, Finance Director

I’ve worked with businesses of all sizes, from startups to global corporations, specializing in financial planning, forecasting, and optimizing operational performance.

Whether it’s managing budgets, improving cash flow, or driving profitability, I focus on building sustainable financial strategies that support business success.
 

Outside of work, you’ll find me playing any sport that involves a bat, stick, or club. I love the competition, the challenge, and the constant drive to improve.