Bio

My super power is as a connector of exceptional people to global capital, relevant technology, responsible growth strategies, and good governance. My portfolio careers includes: Chair of a pioneering pan-Africa seed stage tech VC fund, Investment Committee of a gender lens VC fund, and an independent director role with FTSE 350 pre-IPO fund at which I serve as board lead on ESG policy and Chair the Management Engagement Committee. My 30+ years of global business and life experience come in handy in guiding fund managers and founders; challenging CEOs and board colleagues; and counseling LPs. The battle scars I earned as tech operator that navigated the Internet 1.0 bubble bursting while building an B2B emerging technology company in the US, Europe and Asia and as as an early tech ecosystem builder in Africa give me credibility and empathy working with entrepreneurs and enterprise clients. The trailblazing and fintech learning journey I began as a founding member of the MasterCard Asia-Pacific management team continues apace. My curiosity is currently channeled on deepening my understanding of generative AI and how best to apply my grounding in cybersecurity to support risk mitigation in board deliberations. My expertise: • future proofing private and listed companies by making relevant investment in disruptive technologies like AI, big data, blockchain, and in human capital development • navigating regulatory complexity and compliance • digital marketing and communications • forging strategies for inclusive growth Board Experience includes: • supervision of disruptive tech investment • M&A /trade sale • CEO succession planning, compensation, and mentoring I possess: • The rare talent to repeatedly see new ground-breaking frontier opportunities ahead of the market - examples include Launch Africa Venture Fund, Mastercard China, TheNewsMarket & Mobiles4All • A ferocious ability to read & understand context & people • The skill to lift people’s performance to meet commercial goals • A collegiate approach to challenging boards & constructively influencing investment decisions • The ability to galvanize teams & build strategies to monetize emerging technology; mitigate risk & apply appropriate governance • Clarity about the values & vision required to drive the organization forward Female economic empowerment has been a strong theme since I challenged gender barriers in Korea as a young professional. I'm paying it forward as founding member of women in tech fund called Five35 Ventures.