Blend in Yasni Exposé of John James O'brien

I offer: Challenge, choice and change. *** IRM Strategies works with leaders to build the capacity of business to get the most out of key resources: people and information content. Reaching global markets takes defensible, evidence-based business. We help leaders and teams establish and transform practices in the development, use and management of knowledge resources. We represent S4K Research in Asia, providing a relevant reading to multi-nationals through an innovative desktop service branded within the client portal. *** Early in 2006, I created IRM Strategies (www.irmstrategies.com) with partner Robert Tornack as a niche consultancy registered in Hong Kong. After concluding a three-year contract to re-position the HKSAR Government Records Service for the reality of technological change and its impact on managing recorded information and the increasingly electronic history being generated every day, I found that despite being well placed in Asia, I had seen almost nothing outside my office! *** Today, my work in bringing together people and information in technology enabled environments has put me on the ground from Sydney to Singapore to Stockholm. The shift has been intellectually gratifying with exposure to new concepts through meetings on IC at the World Bank in Paris, 2006 & 2008, and opportunity to present at business and academic conferences. The change has been fulfilling, too, in reconnecting me with work in which the outcomes and ability to achieve them are the interest of partners and clients. All in all, it can be a wonderful thing to shape personal and professional interests into a business that delivers meaningful results. *** With a BA from the University of Victoria in Slavonic Studies, it is not surprising that I love history, architecture, and languages (my Russian and French are rusty!). My MA in Leadership & Training from Royal Roads University reveals my fascination with the power of people to organize and achieve in organisations. Undoubtedly, the mix grounds my belief that effective action requires the integration of people, information and systems. *** Career? It continues to evolve. My experience is very broad including public, private and non-profit sector practice and leadership. I teach at the college and university levels. Currently, I am developing curriculum for Hong Kong Polytechnical University as well as planning for distance education to be delivered through IRM Strategies' own learning resource portal. Have a need, an idea? Let's explore the opportunity to collaborate! *** On the personal side, I am a hobby architect, artist and musician. I keep fit through hiking, endless exploration of the byways wherever I may be (most recently in Paris and Bangkok) . Old loves of canoeing and skiing blend with a new interest in squash. I like to take discussion to a level below the surface with friends over a great meal and glass of wine. In this, my interest is often "meaning" and how understanding can be a catalyst for improving our world. Finding ways to bridge difference and celebrate the diversity of humankind is the key to the future. I have benefited from the wisdom and assistance of others, and believe in passing it on. Don't hesitate to ask. *** Are you in Hong Kong, Bangkok or passing through? Give me a shout at johnobrienATirmstrategiesDOTcom