About
Our Start
Discovering Development first launched in March 2023 as a website created by then-recent MSc Development Studies graduate Ayeasha Johnson (SOAS University of London, ’22).
The site featured blog-style articles exploring development in Guyana from political, economic and environmental perspectives, with a particular focus on energy and climate. This regional lens reflected Ayeasha’s academic focus and a personal journey to learn more about her father’s homeland.
Our Relaunch
In November 2025, Discovering Development underwent a soft relaunch as an international communications venture, adopting the motto Communications that connect. Connections that last.
Our goal is simple – to go beyond the surface by telling real stories, building genuine connections between businesses and their audiences and making a lasting impact.
Our Focus
We strive to put people and places at the heart of communications, empowering businesses to share their purpose in ways that resonate across borders, communities and sectors.
Staying true to our roots, we especially enjoy supporting businesses and initiatives in Guyana and abroad that benefit Guyanese people and the diaspora. We also enjoy working on projects that draw on our understanding of complex environmental and development challenges, and the solutions being created to address them.
Our Founder
Early Beginnings
Born and raised in London, UK, Ayeasha Johnson developed a passion for music and dance from a young age, an influence that stemmed from her mother. She played the violin and took dance classes in genres ranging from ballet and contemporary to street.
Since the age of 15, she had dreamed of working for a record label and, two years later, with the support of her A-Level Music teacher, began her first internship with DJ Spin Doctor of The Doctor’s Orders – an experience she credits with broadening her music taste to include underground hip-hop musicians such as J Dilla and Black Moon.
Music Industry Career
Ayeasha went on to study BA Music & Entertainment Industry Management at the University of Hertfordshire, before working for global music companies including BMG Rights Management, Universal Music UK and Kobalt Music Group in royalties, 360 deal administration, touring services and accounting.
She later held further royalty accounting roles in film and book publishing.
International Development
In 2019, Ayeasha returned to university part-time to study MSc Development Studies, driven by a desire to learn more about the world while pivoting towards cause-driven, international work. Her master’s began the same year that oil production commenced in Guyana, making it an especially interesting time to explore the country in this context and develop interests in energy transition and climate adaptation.
Since graduating, Ayeasha has worked as a researcher for the international development organisation Level the Playing Field in Development, and in communications for the charity sector. Alongside shaping her vision for Discovering Development, she remains an avid aerialist and fitness enthusiast in her spare time.
