Anna Roberts
Chief Operations Officer
As Chief Operating Officer, I support the team globally to ensure our internal ‘engine’ is as innovative and high-performing as the world-class designs we deliver for our clients. My focus is on empowering all with agile and responsive global operations. By bridging our 20-year heritage with a future-facing, scalable structure, Charcoalblue can move fast, experiment, and continue our trajectory of international growth, all while keeping our unique collaborative culture intact.
What Brought You to Charcoalblue
The people. They are the heartbeat of Charcoalblue. What matters most to me is nurturing a “people-first” environment where everyone feels heard and empowered to lead. When we invest in our people and give them the space to be adaptable and passionate, business growth follows naturally. I’m driven by the idea that operational excellence isn’t about rigid process—it’s about enabling our experts to do their best work for our clients.
What We Won’t Learn from Your CV
I enjoy being constantly curious and am a keen explorer – be that deep-sea diving, following Howler monkeys around the jungle or trying new architecture and spaces around the world
Cultural Value That Guides Engagement with Others
I value communication highly. I believe the best work happens when we balance deep empathy with a fierce ambition for what we’re building.I approach every conversation as a “listener first.” It’s vital to me that people feel heard and understood—that’s where trust begins. I also advocate for “radical candor”: giving honest, real-time feedback so we can learn quickly and keep our standards high.As we grow, I’m focused on using communication to help us become more nimble. Instead of getting buried in long documents or waiting for committees, I favour short, clear check-ins that get to the heart of the matter and allow for fast experimentation and constant improvement. By being transparent about the “why” behind our decisions, I hope to give everyone the confidence to experiment, take risks, and move forward with passion.