Putting People First in a Digital World
How we started practical transformational coaching and training that unlocks skills, creativity, and confidence.
Tech Evangelist to Portfolio Consultant
Sam Parnell began her digital career in the early 2000s, at a time when the internet was rapidly transforming how people connect, learn, and do business. As the founder of the digital agency Measured Brilliance, Sam spent years working across industries, helping organisations navigate change and make sense of evolving technology.
Through this work, she saw firsthand how overwhelming digital could feel—and how much potential was unlocked when people felt genuinely confident using it. Over time, these experiences shaped her belief that clarity, empathy, and evidence-based practice should be at the heart of every digital project.
That philosophy became the foundation of Human First Digital.
Less Disruption, More Building
Today, Sam draws on her extensive background to help leaders and managers look at their challenges in new ways. Her approach combines practical know-how with coaching that builds lasting skills, empowering teams to think creatively, solve problems, and use data to achieve their goals.
From fostering connection and sparking innovation to empowering people with knowledge, the digital landscape offers unmatched opportunities to create a more inclusive and equitable future. Sam Parnell supports continuous learners to build the skills they need today and stay ready for whatever comes next.
How Sam’s journey began
Digital Transformation and Change Management expert Sam Parnell is the driving force behind Measured Brilliance. At her consultancy, Sam collaborates with fellow digital professionals to provide invaluable guidance to businesses and individuals navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital and data projects.
In addition to this, Sam leverages her expertise to assist business owners in delving into the very essence of their operations and constructing comprehensive growth strategies. In her own words, she describes her role as one that involves translating technical concepts for non-technical individuals, addressing the 'whys' and 'hows'.
Sam specialises in devising digital growth plans, harnessing the potential of data suites and digital tools for businesses of any nature. Her overarching objective is to empower businesses by demystifying technology and facilitating its seamless integration through targeted training initiatives. Sam's profound knowledge and infectious energy set her apart as a truly distinctive professional, ideally positioned to collaborate with small and medium enterprises.
Beyond her consultancy work, Sam leads the Ipswich & Suffolk Tech Network, directing efforts towards providing accessible CPD education for diverse audiences, spanning from students and SMEs to government entities and innovators.
Entrepreneur.
Founder.
Catalyst for Change.
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The company Sam founded with her brother and Ruby on Rails Developer, Max Shelley 2012. Measured Brilliance has evolved beginning with software development and optimisation to their work nowadays on digital transformation strategy and data driven growth. The team boasts a suite of expert technical delivery partners and specialist consultants delivering practical, understandable and useful solutions.
Measured Brilliance relies of years of expert experience to ensure your technology meets standards, ensuring stability and longevity of any company’s tech stack and digital portfolio. From exploring opportunities to measuring current value, the Measured Brilliance team create digital and data solutions for progress businesses looking for measurable growth.
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During the pandemic, it became apparent that digital growth was needed to help businesses survive. Working with local authorities, Sam ran a pilot digital economic development scheme, this was the beginning of The Digital Advice Service.
The service proved extremely popular and helped hundreds of enterprises to assess their current digital state of play and work on an effective growth strategy. Sam is an expert in teaching SMEs how to harness the power of their digital tools.
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Founder of the Ipswich & Suffolk Technology Network, Sam brought together local tech leaders and Meetup education groups to explore how we boost digital learning.
The board was formed after research conducted by the New Anglia LEP showed the need to align the work of technology and digital services firms with education.
The ISTN work with schools, colleges and universities to create a greater understanding of the digital sectors and to help address any skills gaps.
The ISTN are keen to see a solid skills pipeline and the board plans on bringing industry and students together to bridge that gap and empower Suffolk’s students.
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At the heart of Innovate Suffolk is a team of passionate individuals, each with a unique background but united by one shared belief - that innovation should serve real people, solve real problems, and start right here in our own communities.
Awarding winning advice from someone who values work over accolades. 🤭
Sam started her career as a digital marketing trainer and strategist, she’s knows your story is unique to you and your business and she knows how to fill the gaps in your delivery and education.
Some of Sam’s achievements
Winner of awards for Digital Marketing and Mentoring
Winner of an award for Best Responsive Design and Build (pre-mobilegeddon)
Helped countless clients to win trade and industry awards.
Started SIMS, Suffolk Internet Marketing Specialists teaching SMEs how to cross pollinate
Advised thousands of businesses teaching them how to read their analytics data
Created the Digital Advice Service and HFD Accelerator, training for SMEs
Created the Norfolk & Suffolk Innovation Network website, exploring the possibilities of IoT in delivery of local services.
Deliver social media strategy training to parliamentary support teams
