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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.

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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Naoshi Kimura (Woody)
Japan
Naoshi andKimura(Woody)
Manager, Client Success Department

Over 10 years of experience in retail industry, I experienced various roles, managing some stores as a store manager, executing retail strategies as a retail manager, and an internal trainer in the organizational change project, planning, making, delivering the programs to the managers and staffs. I am very much interested in “people change” so very happy to work at Impact to build my career as a professional of people and organizational consultant.

Alissa Joy
UK
Alissa andJoy
Project Manager

Programme Coordinator at Impact. I am based in the Windermere office (UK) and joined the company in 2021. 

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Tim Raw, Impact
New Zealand
Tim andRaw
Global Lead Solutions & Practice

Over the previous 30 years, I’ve held Impact leadership roles in Asia, America and now globally. My focus is to partner with clients to solve their people development challenges. I lead global teams to deliver inspiring solutions that solve complex social, economic and environmental challenges of our clients. In work and play, I am adventurous, ambitious and deeply about people realising their potential.

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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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Arianna Bianchi
Italy
Arianna andBianchi
Consultant and Facilitator

As a consultant, I hope to be a catalyst for change, helping others to discover what their real needs are. Empathy, curiosity, creativity, organisation and strong sense of duty are the things that most characterise me. I love the adventure and the discovery of travelling, organising outdoor trips with friends in close contact with nature… But also sharing a gin lemon or a barbecue at home is not so bad!

David Williams, Impact International
UK
David andWilliams
The Boss!

I co-founded Impact in 1980 to explore adventure and experiential learning in people development. It worked! We now inspire and develop people worldwide. Shared values, a common purpose and a spirit of adventure bind us together. With over 200 colleagues working in the UK, Europe, America and Asia Pacific, we have a solid reputation for enabling clients to build leadership capacity and navigate complex change. To stay grounded, I rear rare breed cattle and sheep.

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Erica Partelli
Italy
Erica andPartelli
Senior Consultant and Head of Operations
As a consultant in Impact I like to bring fresh perspectives, energy and curiosity to the problem solving process. With a strong organisational psychology background and an drive for project management, I work with genuine passion for innovation and for the opportunities that the digital transformation is offering. My main passions include travelling, swimming and playing board games.
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Dave Milligan, Impact International
UK
Dave andMilligan
Support

In support we deliver on programs and manage day-to-day operations and infrastructure. I really enjoy my role as it’s very diverse, one day I am canoeing on Windermere and the next cleaning boots! My favourite programs feature outdoor activities and journeys. People see me as a steady pair of hands and a person who does a quality, professional job. Outside work I keep myself fit and active, and enjoy chilling out with my wife Emma and travelling in our camper van.

Yui Tanaka(Yucho), Impact International
Japan
Yui andTanaka(Yucho)
Coordinator

My food and beverage career began with a bartending job as a student. Working in large restaurants taught me that guest service depends on recruitment and training. After roles as restaurant manager, supervisor, and recruitment and training lead, I focused on employer branding and training programs. To deepen my expertise, I joined Impact Japan, a global leader in experiential learning. I am now developing as an organizational development partner in CSD. I enjoy fishing, hiking, and rugby.

Yuki Okamoto, Impact International
Japan
Yuki andOkamoto(Yuki)
Master Coordinator

Since 2006 I have coordinated programme delivery. This involves meeting facilitators and consultants to design great modules, using creativity to ensure participants have profound learning experiences that add value to their organisation. I manage project set up and use technical skills such as abseil belaying. I have a teaching licence to teach PE. Now I enjoy working using my body, so I love to do exercise and jogging, swimming, gymnastics, and most outdoor things!

Wendy Lee, Impact
USA
Wendy andLee andBerger
Global Lead, Operations

I was lucky enough to join as the third member of the US team in 2006 and have done almost every role in the business including design, delivery, sales support, project management and even bookkeeping! That breadth of experience has helped me in my current leadership role, it allows me to understand the business from multiple perspectives and focus on operational excellence. My nickname is Wiki because I can usually help find the answer!

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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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Fabio Gabbiani
Italy
Fabio andGabbiani and
Senior Consultant and Key Account Leader

With over 26 years as L&D and Internal Communication manager in large multinational companies, I’ve developed deep knowledge in consulting roles, building trusting relationships with all levels of an organization, implementing complex projects. I love my job, the countryside, animals and sports.

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Camila Pontieri, Impact
Australia
Camila andPontieri
Finance Manager

I joined Impact back in 2017, and already in my first year I fell in love with the culture and the people. There is nothing better than working in a place where we genuinely care for each other, feel supported, and deliver meaningful work that makes a real difference for organisations. Outside of work, I love spending time with my family in nature, exploring new places. I recharge my energy at the beach, enjoy cooking new recipes, and love listening/dancing music with my kids.

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Anna Ziółkowska
Poland
Anna andZiółkowska
Senior Consultant

I am happy to be responsible for creating and implementing new solutions as well as taking care of our clients and delivering adventurous programs. I see my purpose as working with people to help them be more aware of their power and inner wisdom and therefore to make our organisations and communities stronger. I get my energy from time with my gorgeous family, biking, reading in a hammock, listening and dancing to the music.

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Marta Lamberti
Italy
Marta andLamberti
Senior Consultant and Facilitator

Hi! I am an occupational psychologist, coach and trainer! I have been working for over 20 years to help companies develop and enhance their greatest capital, their people! I met Impact many and many years ago, and I am still proudly part of it! In my spare time I am a theatre actress, a traveller, but above all... a mum!

Marjolein Smith
UK
Marjolein andSmith
Graphic Designer

Born in the Netherlands, I aim for simplicity, clarity and efficiency in my designs and processes. I appreciate Dutch, German and Swiss designs for their geometric boldness and witty solutions as well as the minimalism and sense of calm in modern Japanese design. To soothe my creative brain, I put on my running shoes and head for the beautiful hills that surround me to rediscover my peace and tranquillity.

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Lena Czernecka, Impact Poland
Poland
Lena andCzernecka
Senior Consultant

For many years, I have been fascinated by how people navigate change, uncertainty and pressure. Combining experience as a psychologist, therapist and facilitator, I support leaders and teams in building resilience, self-awareness and healthy relationships. I believe lasting change begins with a deeper understanding of ourselves.

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Sydney Johnson
USA
Sydney andJohnson
Program Manager

I am a Program Manager located in the heart of Texas. My favorite part of my role is interacting with so many different people daily while building and carrying out a variety of client-specific programs. Every day, I learn something new, and it excites me to continue growing in my position. When I am not working, you can find me dancing, rewatching Friday Night Lights, traveling, and spending time with my friends, family, and dogs! 

Phil Holdsworth, Impact
New Zealand
Phil andHoldsworth
Head of Asia

In the last 25+ years I’ve worked with many great organisations and love being able to bring a breadth and depth of experience to my programs. I currently regularly travel across Asia consulting for clients and looking after our great people. I'm described as an Energiser Bunny, I bring energy into everything I do, even if I'm stepping off a 12-hour flight! I recover by spending time with my family and exploring the wilderness in NZ with a fishing rod.

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Damiao Lo
China and Hong Kong
Damiao andLo and
Senior Consultant

Working with Impact allows me to cross-germinate ideas and learnings between clients globally. In an ever-changing, dynamic business environment, I promote everyone to be designers of possibilities.

Haruka Maruyama (Maruko)
Japan
Haruka andMaruyama(Maruko)
Assistant Manager, Planner

Working as a planner at Creative and Marketing Department since 2019. Before Impact, my career was mainly on the position of sales and marketing at the bank and advertising agency. My focus is on the capacity building for both individual and team. Virtual team building is one of the fatal themes because I am working as a full remote member. I love traveling around the world with my backpack and enjoying beautiful local delicacies!

Lisa Priore Impact
USA
Lisa andFelloni
Finance Administrator

I am a highly experienced Accounting and Financial Management professional with expertise in problem solving, business communications, project management and customer relationships. I’m an enthusiastic leader, successful in liaising across all levels, handling confidential information and managing multiple priorities. I enjoy attending live events; cheering on my favourite sporting teams, watching my friend’s rock band, and supporting my daughter’s dance team.

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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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