Celebrating the 2025 DreamMaker award winners

  • News

This year, On Verve turned four, and we celebrated by shining a spotlight on the real superheroes behind the scenes: our incredible DayMakers. The 2025 DreamMaker Awards brought everyone together to honour the unique superpowers that each DayMaker brings to work every day, from magnetic energy and intuitive service to calm leadership and culture-shaping creativity. Inspired by Marvel’s Fantastic Four, the event was a celebration of the strengths, passion, and resilience that fuel our team. We spoke to some of the winners about what their awards mean to them and the special qualities they bring to the role. Here’s a closer look at a few of their stories.

Claire Kershaw – Moment Mastery

Joining On Verve during a time of upheaval, Claire quickly became a grounding force. With her superpower of ‘Moment Mastery’, she brings out the best in others by being fully present. “It makes me feel extremely appreciated and seen,” and went on to say about her award “It confirms to me that my work is worthwhile, not only to me but to the people around me.”

Claire’s strength lies in how she transforms everyday interactions into something meaningful, noticing the unspoken cues, remembering what matters to someone, or simply giving space to be heard. “People often carry more than what they show,” she shared, “and when you take a moment to see them, it creates a ripple effect where they feel valued and capable of more than they realised.”

Hollie Hawkins – Mystic Foresight

Hollie is known for her ability to anticipate needs before they arise, a sixth sense that earned her the ‘Mystic Foresight’ award. Her calm confidence and proactive approach have become invaluable, especially during challenging periods.

“To me, Mystic Foresight is about being a step ahead,” she said. “I like to get to know people and what makes them happy, so I can make them smile before they even realise they needed it.”

And in true superhero spirit, Hollie even dreamed up a light-hearted origin story, involving a freak photocopier incident that gifted her with telepathy and emotional insight. “It’s definitely make-believe,” she laughed, “but I like the idea of turning an everyday moment into something magical.”

Selesha Palmer – Culture Crafter

With a vibrant blend of creativity and care, Selesha is the beating heart of her workplace. As this year’s ‘Culture Crafter’, she brings playfulness and productivity together to shape an inclusive, joyful environment. “This award symbolises recognition for the contributions I make, the small daily actions that build into bigger moments that people appreciate,” she said.

Whether she’s hosting thoughtful events or simply lifting morale on a Monday morning, Selesha makes culture feel like something you live, not just talk about. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and shake up the energy of the workplace,” she advises. “Being friendly, firm and curious goes a long way.”

Carl Helmke – Mission Commander

When things get intense, Carl’s the one you want in charge. With his ‘Mission Commander’ mindset, he brings structure, calm, and clarity to high-pressure situations. “People look to you for guidance and a calm head,” Carl said. “Those traits are my superpower.”

For Carl, leadership is rooted in empathy, a strength shaped by personal loss that fuels his drive to support others through their own challenges. “You didn’t get to this position by accident,” he reminds those just starting, “Trust yourself.”

And while his ability to command a mission is clear, it’s his unwavering empathy that makes Carl’s leadership quietly powerful, the kind that transforms teams and turns chaos into cohesion.

Alice Neave – Unshakable Reliability

Reliable, positive, and always ready, Alice embodies ‘Unshakable Reliability’. Her colleagues know they can count on her, no matter the circumstance. “It truly means a lot to feel recognised and valued,” she said. “It reassures me that I’m doing my job well.”

Alice’s approach is simple but powerful: be yourself, stay consistent, and let your work speak for itself. A fun fact? She’s expecting a baby and somehow manages to keep delivering excellence while growing a tiny new DayMaker of her own.

Milja Emilia Takala – Empathy Vanguard

Calm under pressure and generous with her support, Milja leads with quiet strength and boundless compassion, a true ‘Empathy Vanguard’. When a team member struggled to meet expectations, she stepped in with a blend of coaching, kindness and determination that not only turned things around but helped raise £4,000 for a children’s charity in the process.

Her origin story, though fictional, feels grounded. Milja moved to London alone and threw herself into situations far outside her comfort zone, boardrooms, high-stakes meetings, slowly realising her shy nature wasn’t a weakness, but a superpower. “I didn’t lose my shyness,” she said, “I transformed it into a voice the world couldn’t ignore.”

She credits her manager, Gabbie, with challenging her to grow, and encourages others to lead with genuineness. “People see past it quicker than you think. Own your mistakes, stay organised, and lead with heart.”

Angel Jones – Perceptive Clairvoyance

Angel Jones brings a kind of intuition you can’t teach, an instinct for anticipating needs, tuning into people, and creating a seamless experience before anyone even realises they need it. Her award for ‘Perceptive Clairvoyance’ celebrates this rare ability to elevate every interaction with foresight and warmth.

“This award means so much to me!” Angel said. “I’m so touched by the thoughtfulness of it all, from the nominations to the prizes. It’s just so nice.” That deep sense of gratitude mirrors the same care and thoughtfulness she brings to her work every day.

Angel’s people-first mindset is at the heart of her approach: “I love people, so I naturally think about their wants and needs ahead of time and make sure to accommodate as and when I can.” Her colleagues see it daily, the way she reads the room, adapts with grace, and makes guests feel like they’ve been seen and understood.

She draws inspiration from those around her, especially one client: “I find Alex Mills’ ability to give his whole attention to whoever is speaking to him inspiring. I’d love that level of focus!”

The 2025 DreamMaker Awards weren’t just about trophies; they were a tribute to the unstoppable force behind On Verve’s success. Each DayMaker, from Michael’s magnetic energy to Milja’s compassionate leadership, contributes a spark that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Congratulations to all of our 2025 DreamMaker Award winners! As we look forward to the next chapter, these everyday superheroes remind us that it’s their unique superpowers, big and small, that make all the difference.