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Meet the team

Impact is bursting with energetic, talented and passionate people who want to make a difference. Our people work from over 30 global locations.

Akira Matsumoto (Mikey), Impact International
Japan
Akira andMatsumoto(Mikey)
Assistant Manager, Facilitator

With nearly 18 years in the retail industry, I held roles such as sales, store manager, trainer, and area manager. These experiences taught me that when people grow, organizations grow. Supporting others made me reflect on my own growth and whether I still had something to offer. To challenge myself, I moved into a new industry. Now, I work to create training experiences that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impression—while continuing to grow with my clients. 

Karen Jaques Impact International
UK
Dr andKaren andJaques
Associate

I love exploring issues that my clients face and helping to find practical solutions. My other roles include developing Impact’s thinking around leadership and team development, and using systemic perspectives to encourage responsible leadership in business and society. Convincing, articulate and credible as a facilitator, I'm passionate about helping people realise their full potential...including myself! I love ski-mountaineering and any ways to access wild places.

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Yutaka Sugimoto, Impact
Japan
Yutaka andSugimoto(Yutaka)
Chief Glocal Officer

I was inspired by experiential learning on a leadership programme in 1992 and have worked for Impact ever since. Experiential learning and reflection alongside theory and skills input is a platform for real behaviour change for leaders. My passion is building an organisation worth working for and supporting our clients by developing people. I play football and enjoy discussing the match with friends. Drinking beer maybe more important than playing football.

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Shino Takahashi, Impact International
Japan
Shino andTakahashi(Shelly)
Assistant Manager, Human Development

'Making Work Enjoyable for Children' I’ve spent 17 years in retail, gaining experience in sales, customer service, training, HR, and recruitment. This taught me that business growth relies on people’s growth, inspiring me to pursue my own and motivate children. A key moment was a training program at Impact Co. 11 years ago, sparking my passion for talent and organizational development. As a working mom, I focus on balance—committing to work weekdays and spending time with my toddler daughter on weekends. This balance is key. 

Lucy Gardner
UK
Lucy andGardner
Project Coordinator

As a Project Coordinator, the main focus of my role is to help organise and set up a variety of global programmes as part of the Project Management team. My favourite way to spend my time outside of work is travelling to different places and countries, and after moving to the Lake District a few years ago, I love being based in such a beautiful place every day!

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Itsuyo Watanabe(Barbara)
Japan
Itsuyo andWatanabe(Barbara) and
Director, Brand Enhancement Department

As a consultant, I like Impact's programmes because every one of our projects could make the participants think deeply about their issues in the workplace, and move forward for their business success. I am excited when exploring a solution for my clients' current and future business challenges. Besides my job, I like cooking, travelling, fine arts, musicals, Japanese KABUKI, opera etc.

Sam Rostas, Impact International
UK
Samantha andRostas
Global Lead

After 10 years leading the UK, I am now in a global role focused on two areas: one leading a people project, the other focused on marketing. I grew up through Impact as a marketer and love the buzz of building business through brand and storytelling. My other passion is the people and culture here, so this is the ideal combination for me. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family, enjoying the outdoors and practicing yoga.

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Abi Black Impact
UK
Abi andBlack
Project Manager

As a Project Manager I am responsible for the end-to-end implementation of our client solutions by managing and coordinating the client service teams. During my time at Impact I have worked with a broad mixture of clients and participants ranging from graduates to senior leaders. In my free time I enjoy spending time in the Lakes, planning my next holiday and spending time with friends and family.

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Sarah Osteen
USA
Sarah andOsteen
Senior Consultant

I have spent my career exploring, researching, teaching, coaching and practising leadership skills. I love working with individuals and groups to tackle hurdles and develop strategic initiatives. When I am not designing programs, I like to spend time with my son and my husband building forts out of driftwood or laughing with friends in the beautiful pacific northwest.

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Megan Bartlett
Australia
Megan andBartlett
Program Manager

Joining Impact in 2024 as an associate, I have had the pleasure of working alongside some incredible humans. I have since joined the full time team as a Program Manager, supporting projects from tender through to delivery and completion, partnering closely with both clients and colleagues. My work at Impact has given me broad exposure across organisations, expanding my perspective on what it truly means to support others thrive. In my free time you’ll find me in the ocean or immersed in the natural beauty we are surrounded by.

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Tony Ren, Impact
China and Hong Kong
Tony andRen
Country Manager

Having worked at Impact's UK HQ and Tokyo office, I have been heading up Impact China and developing new business in China and Asia Pacific since 2009. As a professional consultant, I have over fifteen years of management experience covering strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, business development, and worldwide operational excellence. I am extensively involved in the development and delivery of talent development projects at all levels of organisations. 

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Andy Dickson, Impact International
UK
Andy andDickson
Head of Global Customer Solutions Development

I have spent my working life helping organisations, teams and people to be the best that they can be. I believe in the power of expertly designed and facilitated experiential learning and the exciting potential that lies within every person given the right opportunity. In my work I believe that managers and leaders have a responsibility to ensure work is exciting, fulfilling and aspirational for the people working in and with their organisations.

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Goran Kelecic, senior consultant
Poland
Goran andKelecic
Senior Consultant

I like to do meaningful work, working together with clients to create something new and deeply valuable. The areas of change where I feel I contribute the most with my skills and strong business background are leadership development and agile transitions. I like to challenge myself in many ways, my favorite challenge is climbing high ice covered mountains.

Yukiko Asano (Coco), Impact International
Japan
Yukiko andAsano(Coco)
Client Partner

I have worked at Impact Japan since 2015, coordinating the delivery of programmes. I support our consultants and delivery operations. What makes me happy is seeing my colleagues, clients and participants smile, as my job is supporting them. My hobby is collecting Starbucks Coffee mugs from around the world, although I don’t drink coffee personally!

Elena Ceriotti
Italy
Elena andCeriotti
President, Executive Coach

Find a job you love and you will never work a single day in your live! I do everything from managing the business, to inspiring people and helping clients to develop as sustainable business in which the quality of leadership is crucial. People describe me as a passionate and fast moving person, able to quickly connect to the culture and the needs of each organisation and to co-design powerful solutions. I love adventure which is about saying “yes” to life.

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Manny Larenas
USA
Manuel and(Manny) andLarenas
Senior Consultant

I am devoted to applying theory, practical application and innovation to people development. As a lead designer and facilitator with 10+ years of experience, I deliver custom client solutions globally. My insatiable curiosity stays satisfied by reading, researching and exploring the world. I love the culinary arts, and although I enjoy cooking, my passion is simply being the consumer of freshly made, delectable dishes. 

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Rebecca Shaw
UK
Rebecca andShaw
Consultant

I love why Impact exists, which is to liberate human potential. I love building effective client relationships both externally and internally, the people at Impact are passionate, motivated individuals, and I love working here. I am always out and about, whether it is running around after my niece or walking the fells or working out in the gym, happy, happy, happy!

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Francesca Gianandrea
Italy
Francesca andGianandrea
Senior Consultant and Facilitator

Senior consultant, for over 25 years I have been involved in the design, development and management of projects in both corporate and cultural organisations. Consolidated experience in team building, creativity and development of commercial skills.I love photography, practicing yoga and creating unique and colorful objects with my hands.

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Phil Poole, Impact International
UK
Phil andPoole
Global Safety Advisor

I’ve been working at Impact for over 30 years and now advise on Safety. It’s a demanding job, but Impact also allows me time to have my own adventures. I am a qualified International mountain guide and run yearly expeditions to East Greenland. These experiences give me a healthy dose of “on the edge” experiences, helping me to sharpen my skills and foster a common sense approach to safety matters. There's always something different to give advice on.

Jaya Machet
Singapore
Jaya andMachet
Senior Consultant

My coaching & facilitation expertise builds on a strong foundation of 20+ years in senior management positions including global and regional roles. I guide leaders to their peak potential and help enhance their professional and personal impact. I grew up in India and then studied and worked in Switzerland for 23 years before moving to Singapore. This has helped me successfully bridge Eastern and Western thinking, with an in-depth understanding of both cultures. I am an avid reader and love to spend time in nature and travel. 

Hannah Reeves
UK
Hannah andReeves
Account Manager

I am passionate about helping organisations, teams, and people be the best they can be. Not all girls are made of sugar and spice and all things nice. Some girls are made of adventure, fine beer, brains and no fear.

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Kamil Kurpierz, Impact consultant
Poland
Kamil andKurpierz
Senior Consultant

I have always been curious about how people learn, grow and collaborate. As a consultant and facilitator, I enjoy helping teams make sense of complex challenges and find solutions that work in practice. I believe the best ideas emerge through curiosity, collaboration and great questions.

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Araya Assawapayukul
Thailand
Araya andAssawapayukul
Operation and Programme Manager

Lucky me, I have a job that allows me to be a Human Doing and a Human Being. I love connecting and building relationships with people through my work. I appreciate what I have rather than what I don’t have. Photography has been my passion since I was young! I love capturing people’s expressions, emotions and feelings. I use my photos to tell stories of myself, amazing people that I’ve met and inspiring places that I’ve been to.

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Stan March
USA
Stan andMarch
Account Director

I rely on both my unbridled curiosity and appetite for knowledge and exploration in my pursuit for continuous improvement. As an ambassador of the Impact brand, I harness this mindset to work effectively with my colleagues to increase our brand awareness and build mindshare in the marketplace. In my spare time, you can find me in the mountains skiing, hiking, and fly fishing with my wife and hound dog.

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Our awards

Year after year, we continue to be acknowledged for the quality and effectiveness of our partnerships with clients and for our own work on building Impact as an organisation worth working for.

2026 Training Industry Top 20 Leadership Training Company
2026 Training Industry Top 20 Leadership Training Company

Impact is a 2026 Top 20 Leadership Training Company. Training Industry independently assess the training marketplace for top providers. Their Top Leadership Training List, based on capabilities and expertise, includes Impact for the 16th consecutive year. 

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Chief Learning Officer gold award 2025
Gold Excellence in Partnership Award from Chief Learning Officer 2025

Impact won the gold award at the Chief Learning Officer 2025 Learning in Practice Awards for Excellence in Partnership. This recognises our support of Bristol Myers Squibb in implementing a learning and development programme.

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