Who Killed Resilience?

I am a seasoned business psychologist and CEO of Lumina Learning, where I authored the Lumina Spark psychometric. My research at the University of Westminster integrates supposedly incompatible behavioural measures. As a board member of the Association of Business Psychology, I focus on professional development, attracting top speakers to UK events. I also hold two Masters degrees in Operational Research, and Change Agent Skills and have extensively applied humanistic psychology in organisational change. I recently earned a PhD in Psychometrics, and I am a Chartered Fellow with the CIPD. 

I am Managing Director at Koru Consulting Limited, and am an adept facilitator, learning experience designer, and team coach with over 30 years of diverse international experience. I have a track record of designing and delivering transformational programmes, reaching 30,000 individuals from more than 185 companies across 30 countries. A certified expert in business simulations and the Lumina suite, I specialise in gamifying learning experiences, and corporate events, using innovative tools to engage and educate. I am also a co-founder of Brains-on-the-Beach, a Public Benefit Company focusing on sustainable corporate and NGO solutions.

Trained as a Cell Biologist at Baylor College of Medicine, I research molecular genetics, neural development, synthetic biology, and evolution at HKUST. Since the ’90s, I have served as Program Director for many academic programmes. I have helped launch multiple academic units such as Sustainability, Integrative Systems and Design, and Public Policy at HKUST. I am also currently the Acting Dean of Students, supporting students beyond academic disciplines, and the Director of the Centre for the Development of Gifted and Talented helping students of all ages to reach their full potential. Externally, I have served as the president of the HK Society of Developmental Biology, a council member of the HK Society of Mol Biol & Biochem, Hong Kong Institute of Science, and the Global Future Council of the World Economic Forum.

I joined HKUST in 2000 and currently serve as the Head of Co-Curricular Programs in the Dean of Students’ Office. My team collaborates closely with schools, faculty members and teaching support units to design and deliver outcome-based learning and development programmes focused on leadership, character building and service / experiential learning. In 2009, I founded the HKUST Connect initiative, a community engagement programme that provides a myriad of experiential learning opportunities, bringing positive impact to multiple stakeholders. I also hold an International MBA from Schulich School of Business and a Master of Education from the University of Wollongong. I am a certified Practitioner of Lumina Spark, Emotion, Leader, and Select, and a certified facilitator of the 2030 SDG Game. 

Originally from Scotland, I have spent the last 7 years in Asia and now call Singapore my home. I am a seasoned HR professional with 20 years’+ experience across leadership, learning, talent development and HR generalist roles within professional services, wealth management and spirits. For the last 10 years, I have had the privilege of working for Edrington, a Scottish owned private organisation that crafts exceptional spirits including The Macallan. At work, my passion is unlocking potential within organisations, teams, leaders, and individuals to deliver at their best. When not immersed in work, you will find me spending quality time with my family, travelling and enjoying great food and wine. 

I was born and raised in Switzerland and after university, I decided to venture into banking. I spent a number of years as a client facing private banker in Eastern Switzerland. During this time, I got more and more interested in Training and Development, which in 2003 became my profession. In 2007, I was relocated to Hong Kong where I have been residing since. Between 2015 and 2022, I was running my own Training consultancy and subsequently joined UBS. I am passionate about helping bankers to further develop their competencies, mainly in the area of client interaction. I have facilitated well over 1000 training days on 5 continents.

I am a dynamic leader specialising in talent development, organisational transformation, and diversity initiatives. As the Head of Talent, Learning, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Asia Pacific region at JPMorgan, I drive positive change through strategic vision and innovative programmes. My role involves fostering a culture of continuous learning and advancing the DEI agenda across the APAC landscape. Before joining JPMorgan, I was the Director of Change Management and Transformation at Cigna, leading successful organisational shifts. I hold an MBA from Nottingham University, enhancing my strategic thinking and leadership skills. My Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Modern Languages (French and Spanish) underscores my global perspective. As a certified coach from the International Coaching Federation, I empower others to reach their full potential.