Gwendoline Thornton / Innovating for a Sustainable Future
Name: Gwendoline Thornton
MONROE MUSE: Sustainability Champion
Gwendoline Thornton is a designer, engineer and creative problem-solver pioneering new ways of thinking across sustainability, accessibility and inclusive design. With a background that spans manufacturing, construction, electronics, software development and circular innovation, she blends technical precision with a deep human-centred focus.
Her work is rooted in systems thinking and social impact—qualities that earned her project, ElectroTilez, a finalist spot in the 2023/24 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition, selected from over 600 entries.
Founder of The.Workshop, Gwendoline partners with purpose-led businesses and social enterprises to design products, experiences, and systems that truly serve the communities they’re meant for. Based between the UK, Ireland and the US, she’s growing a global network committed to doing things differently.
Tapping into inner strength
“Registering my business was the leap that changed everything.”
One of the most significant moments of inner strength came when Gwendoline officially launched The.Workshop. With no roadmap and a thousand uncertainties, it was a step into the unknown—but also into autonomy and alignment.
“Starting the business meant moving forward without all the answers. It was anxiety-inducing, but also liberating. It allowed me to grow beyond what I thought possible.”
Since that leap, she’s built a career that combines impact with experimentation—helping others shape bold ideas into reality.
Navigating barriers and bias
“Don’t wait for permission—take up space.”
Gwendoline has worked in several male-dominated sectors where she’s been second-guessed, overlooked or expected to over-perform to prove her worth. But her breakthrough came when she realised perfection wasn’t the goal—progress was.
“I used to feel like I had to get everything ‘right’ before taking up space. Now, I know that imperfect action is still powerful—and often more impactful than waiting for the ‘right time’.”
Her advice to other women:
“Challenge expectations. Stand in your worth. Spend your time with people who amplify you, not shrink you.”
Purpose and impact
“My goal is to make people feel more capable, not just better equipped.”
At the heart of Gwendoline’s work is a passion for helping people feel seen, supported and empowered—especially those from neurodivergent or disabled communities.
Whether mentoring someone through a transition or co-designing assistive technology, she approaches every project with a mindset of co-creation and curiosity.
“It’s not about solving someone’s problems for them—it’s about uncovering new ways forward, together.”
She envisions a world where design doesn’t just “include” people—but centres them.
Defining moments
“Leaving university was a turning point—because I didn’t have a script to follow.”
After finishing university, Gwendoline felt like she was at a standstill while others raced ahead. The real challenge wasn’t just career-related—it was existential.
“I had to figure out who I was without a clear next step. It was uncomfortable, but it taught me to value curiosity over certainty.”
That period of exploration became a masterclass in resilience, mentoring, and self-leadership—skills she now brings into every project.
Strength in what you wear
As a neurodivergent person, Gwendoline experiences clothing on a sensory level. Soft textures and breathable fabrics aren’t just preferences—they’re essential for focus, comfort and confidence.
“When I wear clothes that support my sensory needs, I feel safe and regulated. That opens up the space to be fully present.”
Her personal style blends function with identity—demonstrating that fashion can be both empowering and deeply practical.
“For me, fashion is a tool for regulation, not just expression.”
What Strength & Style means to her
“It’s the freedom to be fully yourself—inside and out.”
For Gwendoline, Strength & Style is about living in alignment with your values, showing up unapologetically, and trusting your instincts even when the path ahead is unclear.
“It’s about embodying your story—and letting it shine through everything you do.”
Pivotal growth
“The biggest growth came when I stopped chasing certainty.”
A period of serious health challenges reshaped how Gwendoline approaches life and work. No longer striving to control outcomes, she instead prioritises depth, purpose, and human connection.
“Growth isn’t linear. What feels like a setback often becomes the root of your greatest work.”
Courage outside the comfort zone
“Everyone else had a plan. I chose the unknown.”
While her peers jumped into traditional careers, Gwendoline embraced a different rhythm—one shaped by experimentation and intuition.
“It was terrifying at first, but also freeing. I found my way by honouring my own pace.”
That risk not only led to her founding The.Workshop—it helped her redefine success on her own terms.
The power of story
“Stories connect where data can’t.”
Gwendoline credits storytelling—both her own and others’—as a core element of her journey. Whether translating complex ideas to clients or reframing personal setbacks as turning points, she uses narrative to spark change.
“People don’t always remember the numbers—but they remember how you made them feel.”
Stories have helped her navigate transitions, build empathy, and stay anchored in purpose.
“In the words of Bob Marley “Don’t worry about a thing, Cause every little thing is gonna be alright”. Life is messy, but it’s going to be okay”
Gwendoline proves that innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of inclusion. Her work shows how engineering, design, and empathy can come together to create meaningful change—and how embracing uncertainty can lead to extraordinary growth.
Style Moment
Gwendoline’s signature look blends functionality and comfort with personal flair.
Monroe celebrates Gwendoline Thornton as part of our Strength & Style campaign: a platform for women rewriting the rules, changing the narrative, and showing up exactly as they are.