Phyllida worked as an actress and singer for 12 years, including two years with the Royal Shakespeare Company and in various other Shakespeare productions. She was also a member of several professional choirs and contributed to numerous recordings and tours.

In 1998, she began working within the UK public sector, designing and delivering workshops including 18 months leading race awareness and diversity courses across the Criminal Justice System.  Phyllida later moved to the (then) Department of Trade and Industry as a consultant in their ‘futurefocus’ facility working on scenario planning and project working, as well as working freelance as a facilitator on leadership and organisational development programmes across sectors.  

She has been an Associate with Olivier Mythodrama since 2004, and leads Mythodrama programmes for organisations across the private and public sectors.