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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.

Stephen Smith, Impact
UK
Stephen andSmith
Digital Team

I love the diversity my role brings, I work with many types of organisations and interact with some amazing people. I’m a problem solver and love tinkering with new technology to see what’s around the corner. Outside of work my passion is cycling and enjoying time with my family.

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Dave Hardegger, Impact
New Zealand
Dave andHardegger
General Manager, New Zealand
Asia Lead - Solutions & Practice

I love what I do! Each day is so different and brings challenges, interactions, and rewards. In my different roles I get to lead, mentor, coach, create solutions, and deliver life-changing experiences. I’m lucky to be surrounded by amazing colleagues - whom I get to call friends. I relax by spending time in nature – usually with my loving family but with the occasional solo adventure as well!

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Ilaria Capogrossi Guarna
Italy
Ilaria andCapogrossi andGuarna
Key Account Support

I had the chance to join Impact Italy in June 2022 Joining Impact has added value to my professional background giving me the opportunity to work with very special collegues in a world company.I support our team and I coordinate the Milan Office.

In my spare time I like to travel to discover new destinations and people. I love animals and sports, especially skiing.

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Mirko Brinoni
Italy
Mirko andBrinoni
Consultant and Facilitator

My career has been very weird and challenging so far. I graduated in industrial chemistry, then worked as a research scientist. In 2014 I moved to the energy field as consultant and account manager in charge of technical trainings and management courses. This job lasted 10 years and made me passionate about human resources management. I joined Impact where I can improve my skills as a trainer and facilitator and cooperate with a real great team.

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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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Connor Gildert, Sales, Americas
USA
Connor andGildert
Sales Operations Administrator

I work alongside our business development team to ensure we provide quality service to our global clients. I also work closely with our internal teams to help do our bit to help develop the local community. Impact gives me the space to be myself, which usually gets me into trouble...

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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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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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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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Dan Jones
UK
Dan andJones
Head of Media

I bring my passion for photography and film-making to work, creating people development and marketing films. I like many types of cheese, with my favourite probably being Wensleydale with some sort of dried fruit in it. Sometimes with crackers. And chutney. Maybe a glass of wine… What was I supposed to be writing about again?

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Yusuke Kobayashi (Baya), Impact International
Japan
Yusuke andKobayashi(Baya)
Assistant Manager, Client Partner

'Continuing to "enjoy" life'
My lifelong mission is to continue positively influencing both myself and those around me, while persistently seeking enjoyment.
Throughout my career, I've had various experiences, from utilizing cutting-edge technology in logistics to engaging in gritty tasks. Through these experiences, I've realized the importance of finding meaning and joy in everything I do. Although sustaining this mindset is not easy, I am committed to continuous learning to become a professional to bring a positive impact to people and organisations.

Sam Williams, Impact
UK
Sam andWilliams
Business Development

At 21 I had my first day of work at Impact in the stores... I am still making up for everything that happened that week. My passion is in sports coaching and development. My journey with Impact has taken me traveling around the world where I continue to meet and work with many amazing people. I am a big family man, and love surrounding myself with the best of company. If I am not herding terrifying highland cattle, I’ll be playing rugby or baking sponge cakes. 

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Yoshinori (Kite) Kaino, International
Japan
Yoshinori andKaino(Kite) and
Chief Executive Officer

I am responsible for “Re-Born Strategy” in Impact Japan, I am passionate about developing people and our organisation by executing all Re-Born strategic agendas. As a facilitator, I love creating and sharing the precious moments together with executives and managers who are reflectively asking themselves what leadership they would like to realise in their life/work. What I love most is drinking after working hard to make effort in realising my vision.

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Cassie Cuppek
USA
Cassie andCuppek
Senior Consultant

When asked, "What do you do for work?" it is not uncommon for me to respond, "Light Bulb Moment Technician". I have been fortunate to be filled with such energy through my talent, leadership, and organisational development work. When I am not working, I take my role as Aunt Cassie with my husband, Josh, very seriously! It is the greatest thrill to teach them to ride motorcycles, do yoga, and explore the world.

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Holly Higham Impact International
UK
Holly andHigham
Global Lead, Marketing

My job is to share amazing client stories with the world through integrated marketing campaigns. I love live events and building Impact's community, as well as research and content creation. I live for adventure...and cake!

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Małgorzata Kniaź, konsultant Impact
Poland
Małgorzata andKniaź
Senior Consultant

Having experienced business from many perspectives, from manager to board member, I understand the opportunities and pressures leaders face. I am passionate about helping people discover their potential and find the courage to act. I believe the best leadership starts with self-awareness, strong relationships and a willingness to keep learning.

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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. 

Delfino Corti
Italy
Delfino andCorti
Senior Consultant and Executive coach

I see life as a gift and a journey. I bring in my backpack some of the experiences I had the luck to have: nuclear engineering and 25 years as a manager in various industries in various parts of the globe. And then Impact. I feel excited when I see the very essence of situations emerge: in individuals, groups, communities, and organisations. I am fond of endurance sports and am a passionate soul explorer. 

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Simon Wagstaff
UK
Simon andWagstaff
Senior Consultant, UK

I joined in 1982 when the company was two years and totalled four people. I have had the great privilege of what seems like two parallel careers - helping to build and develop our business and working with clients to help them do the same with theirs. I love the variety of my role, that at Impact personal talent is more important than hierarchy, and that we have never waivered from our vision to make a positive difference in the world, through leadership development.

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Kate Wolf
USA
Kate andWolf
Sr Director, Client Services

I’ve spent my career partnering with clients to solve problems and drive their organizations forward. As Teddy Roosevelt (and then Leslie Knope) shared: “The greatest gift that life can give is to work hard at work worth doing.” I’m honored and thrilled to do meaningful work with my colleagues at Impact, leveraging powerful experiential learning experiences for our clients to create the ‘leaders they wish they had’. Outside of work I love to explore the beauty of Oregon by foot, bike or boat.

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Lou McDonald, Impact
UK
Lou andMcDonald
Head of Brand

Sum myself up in a paragraph? There’s a challenge! And maybe a good starting point. I like challenge. I like the challenge of grabbing attention with interesting, useful and relevant marketing. From a new website or re-brand to a sell-out festival, for me it’s all about customer first. I like a physical challenge too, and the challenge of how long I can last without listening to music!

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Geraldina Sordi
Italy
Geraldina andSordi
Consultant & Sales Hub

Since I've joined Impact, I feel like my professional development grew exponentially. I feel very empowered by the company and by the values we bring each day into work. My goal is to learn how to best support our clients in every step of a consulting journey, as well as my colleagues, bringing a real change to the process. As a way to recharge I love to take long walks with my dog. My favourite sport is to hang out with friends, especially if in foreign countries!

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Sally Fleming, Impact International
UK
Sally andFleming
Senior Consultant, UK

My focus is on developing responsible leadership. I bring a warm combination of broad industry experience, academic rigour, Yorkshire humour and humility. My motivation and purpose is to help us mutually learn and create a more sustainable, compassionate and just world.  Fortunately, my spirited playful side, wilderness adventures and inclination toward anything shallow on a Friday night ensures people still invite me to parties despite all of that.

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Yuki Endo, Japan
Japan
Yuki andEndo(Snowpea)
Client Partner

I started my career at a global automobile parts manufacturing company, where I got interested in people development. Currently I am enjoying my journey at Impact, improving my knowledge and skills, to find the best solutions for our clients. I enjoy travelling both in Japan and overseas. I like reading books and staying indoors, but also enjoy scuba diving and going outside to see friends and new experiences.

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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