About Us Prism Strategies was founded by Sophy Gardner, a former Royal Air Force Wing Commander with extensive experience working in the media and communications environment, and with influential stakeholders in government and the private sector. Her leadership skills are founded on the ethos of valuing and working with the contribution of every member of an organisation.

Sophy has achieved high status and recognition for her academic, operational, leadership, and superb media communication skills – all under intense pressure during a 19 year career in the RAF. She has experienced operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Congo. She was also in charge of RAF transport and refuelling assets during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Afghanistan operations 2001-2, for which she was awarded the MBE.

Her academic achievements at Cambridge University set the foundations for her future success and were later proven achieving distinction in every discipline at the Defence Academy, including a thesis on US-UK government relations and behaviours. She was personally selected for her analytical and intellectual abilities to serve as aide to the Commander UK Forces in Iraq in 2003, working with international defence chiefs, politicians and commanders. She developed as an inspirational leader in RAF and deployed to lead start-up operations in Helmand Province due to her expert understanding of complex air operations. In Whitehall, Sophy proved her skills as an excellent communicator – in strategy, delivery, media coaching and speech writing, she became an adept influencer - comfortable and effective at all levels - and gained significant press office experience handling difficult presentational issues such as C130 and NIMROD accident investigations. In contrast she organized the media campaign for the 90th Anniversary of the RAF that attracted audiences of a million people onto the streets of London, handled the successful press conference for HRH Prince Harry’s return from Afghanistan and many other high profile press events. Prior to retirement, she commanded operations at RAF Valley, including responsibility for engagement and communications, as a senior board member at one of the busiest RAF stations in the UK.

Sophy now works with a variety of organisations providing communications consultancy, management training, media and engagement advice, including with Service-related charities and corporate organisations.