About
A former Financial Times executive with 30 years of corporate multinational and venture-backed start-up P&L experience, I am now a strategic advisor, executive coach and board director dedicated to empowering professionals, companies and boards.
With a wealth of global experience in driving organizational excellence and transformation, I and my team specialize in helping individuals and organizations thrive in an ever-changing landscape.
My passion for helping clients finding better ways to lead and work amid this volatility landed me as a Top 50 Global Future of Work Thought Leader (Onalytica) - one of only two in Asia. I also wrote the best-selling book, Future Proof: Reinventing Work in an Age of Acceleration to help people create agile careers across a 100-year life and we run a Future Proof community of senior executives going from success to significance.
With board service across private, association, NGO and start-up boards, I help clients as a director or consultant to improve the functioning and results orientation of their boards, drawing on deep expertise in governance. I set up the Financial Times Board Director Programme in Asia, have delivered the mandatory accreditation programmes for Bursa Malaysia and worked with London Stock Exchange Group, Asia Development Bank, World Bank and others to support board effectiveness initiatives.
Content shared on LinkedIn covers #boards #strategicforesight #futureofwork and articles I've written for publications including Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Inc and Nikkei. I also speak globally as a futurist and trend watcher, future of work expert and board governance practitioner.
I started out my career working on high level strategy as a management consultant and as an assistant to Dr. Henry Kissinger at Kissinger Associates in New York.
Visit www.dianawudavid.com to learn more about my Future Proof community, speaking and consulting.
Articles by Diana
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My Private Island aka How Much is Enough?
My Private Island aka How Much is Enough?
By Diana Wu David
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Are you broadcast ready for the future of work?
Are you broadcast ready for the future of work?
By Diana Wu David
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How can you build your thought leadership in a crisis?
How can you build your thought leadership in a crisis?
By Diana Wu David
Activity
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Is your team at risk of ethical burnout? Scary but true: stress-inducing pressure at work can damage not only personal well-being but also erode…
Is your team at risk of ethical burnout? Scary but true: stress-inducing pressure at work can damage not only personal well-being but also erode…
Liked by Diana Wu David
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We're diving in to how to navigate sustainability skills in your career today with some exceptional guests! In the run up we've had interesting…
We're diving in to how to navigate sustainability skills in your career today with some exceptional guests! In the run up we've had interesting…
Liked by Diana Wu David
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We're diving in to how to navigate sustainability skills in your career today with some exceptional guests! In the run up we've had interesting…
We're diving in to how to navigate sustainability skills in your career today with some exceptional guests! In the run up we've had interesting…
Shared by Diana Wu David
Experience
Education
Licenses & Certifications
Volunteer Experience
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Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows Advisory Council Member
Asia Society
- Present 3 years 6 months
More than a decade ago, Asia Society had a dream: To build a network of young leaders (under the age of 40) across the Asia-Pacific as a way to promote mutual understanding and effective collaboration among the next generation’s most important and influential leaders. A decade later, we have built a movement of nearly 1,000 powerful alumni from more than 40 countries and regions. Today, Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows stands as the Asia-Pacific’s foremost young leaders network…
More than a decade ago, Asia Society had a dream: To build a network of young leaders (under the age of 40) across the Asia-Pacific as a way to promote mutual understanding and effective collaboration among the next generation’s most important and influential leaders. A decade later, we have built a movement of nearly 1,000 powerful alumni from more than 40 countries and regions. Today, Asia 21 Next Generation Fellows stands as the Asia-Pacific’s foremost young leaders network. https://asiasociety.org/asia-21-next-generation-fellows
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Advisory Board
Teach4HK良師香港
- 4 years 9 months
Education
Teach4HK良師香港 is a nonprofit organization with a mission to enlist passionate and outstanding university students to serve in schools with underprivileged students through a one-year teaching fellowship.
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Advisory Board
Shared Value Project Hong Kong
- 2 years 10 months
Education
The Shared Value Project is leading the development of Shared Value in Hong Kong through advocacy, a knowledge repository, peer to peer sharing, and practice. As part of the Shared Value Initiative global network, we aim to align profit and purpose and harness the strengths of big business to address complex social issues in Hong Kong and regionally. We promote the competitive advantages gained by strategically aligning business to create social impact. The business case for shared value…
The Shared Value Project is leading the development of Shared Value in Hong Kong through advocacy, a knowledge repository, peer to peer sharing, and practice. As part of the Shared Value Initiative global network, we aim to align profit and purpose and harness the strengths of big business to address complex social issues in Hong Kong and regionally. We promote the competitive advantages gained by strategically aligning business to create social impact. The business case for shared value creation (as defined in Michael Porter and Mark Kramer’s 2011 HBR article) is compelling.
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Book profit donations
Room to Read
- Present 12 years
Education
In 2012, I also wrote the best-selling children's book, Hong Kong ABCs. The work done on the book has been donated, with all profits from sales of the book going to the charity Room-to-Read. https://amzn.to/2SyS34j
Publications
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The DAO of work - what we can learn from this new form of organization
Global Focus
Decentralised organisations are not a new phenomenon, but everyone is talking about a new type of organisation called a DAO, a blockchain-based decentralised autonomous organisation. At a moment in time when employee engagement is at an all-time low and attrition at all-time highs, what can we learn from this new trend that young, savvy knowledge workers are flocking to in droves? How do you compete for talent when people would rather be a member of an income-producing collective than an…
Decentralised organisations are not a new phenomenon, but everyone is talking about a new type of organisation called a DAO, a blockchain-based decentralised autonomous organisation. At a moment in time when employee engagement is at an all-time low and attrition at all-time highs, what can we learn from this new trend that young, savvy knowledge workers are flocking to in droves? How do you compete for talent when people would rather be a member of an income-producing collective than an employee with a boss?
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Workers of the world beware blockchain is about to eat your career
Nikkei
Op-ed about what people can do to future proof their careers to gear up for the increase in web3 technologies coming down the pike.
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Boards Are Undergoing Their Own Digital Transformation
Harvard Business Review
As the pandemic accelerates digitalization around the world, to what extent have corporate boards embraced new, digital-first tools and mindsets? Based on a recent survey of almost 800 global board directors, the authors first discuss several notable differences between various countries and regions, before going on to highlight three overarching themes that emerged from the data: First, the authors found that boards have largely struggled to implement digital technologies specifically designed…
As the pandemic accelerates digitalization around the world, to what extent have corporate boards embraced new, digital-first tools and mindsets? Based on a recent survey of almost 800 global board directors, the authors first discuss several notable differences between various countries and regions, before going on to highlight three overarching themes that emerged from the data: First, the authors found that boards have largely struggled to implement digital technologies specifically designed to support board operations, instead relying on generic tools such as WeChat or Zoom alone. Next, they found that boards were often similarly lacking in adequate cybersecurity measures to support sensitive digital communication, with less than half of directors reporting that their boards had taken action to improve data security during the pandemic. And finally, the authors found that despite widespread interest in developing digital competencies, many board directors felt they did not have access to as much training as they would like. Together, these three trends suggest that there is still significant room for improvement when it comes to ensuring a successful digital transformation at the board level.
Other authorsSee publication -
The Making of the Modern Elder Marketplace
Global Focus
The number of Americans aged 50 and above who are working has grown significantly over the past decade, and is expected to keep increasing. In many countries, the seasoned worker is also the fastest-growing part of the workforce.
This demographic shift is the next tsunami in the future of work – large scale, anticipated in the abstract, but a blind spot for most leaders. Companies overlook this resource at their peril. Few companies have given serious thought to reimagining the role of…The number of Americans aged 50 and above who are working has grown significantly over the past decade, and is expected to keep increasing. In many countries, the seasoned worker is also the fastest-growing part of the workforce.
This demographic shift is the next tsunami in the future of work – large scale, anticipated in the abstract, but a blind spot for most leaders. Companies overlook this resource at their peril. Few companies have given serious thought to reimagining the role of the modern elder for competitive advantage. -
More companies are using AI to teach EQ. Here's how it could go wrong.
Fast Company
Technology is enabling better soft skills, but there are some unintended consequences.
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Future Proof: Reinventing Work in an Age of Acceleration
Lioncrest
Become forever employable and successful on your own terms without feeling overworked and overwhelmed.
What if you could feel bulletproof in this new, global, AI-driven marketplace?
What would it be worth to you to never feel terrified about losing your job?
What if you could zero in on your highest worth in any market and stay one step ahead of change in these uncertain times?
Best-selling author, Diana Wu David, former Financial Times executive and globally recognized Top 50…Become forever employable and successful on your own terms without feeling overworked and overwhelmed.
What if you could feel bulletproof in this new, global, AI-driven marketplace?
What would it be worth to you to never feel terrified about losing your job?
What if you could zero in on your highest worth in any market and stay one step ahead of change in these uncertain times?
Best-selling author, Diana Wu David, former Financial Times executive and globally recognized Top 50 future of work thought leader, presents the secrets to thriving in the new world of work. Based on research and hundreds of interviews with leading experts from LinkedIn, Netflix and JP Morgan to Fast Company’s top ranked most creative guru, she answers the question - how can I be invincibly successful in this world of perpetual change?
How to perpetually reinvent to succeed in any market conditions and no matter what AI, web3 or quantum throw our way
How to seize emerging opportunities that no one else can see like the former COO of a major investment bank who left just in time
How to focus on the projects that really propel your career and stop throwing away money on expensive, exec courses (sorry Harvard!)
New ways to collaborate to be the go-to choice in your field even if you suck at LinkedIn and networking
How to save time by understanding your unique value and not chasing “quantum dreams”
How to avoid the torment of missed opportunities and stagnation
How to thrive personally and professionally in the face of rapid change
How to make sure the fear of uncertainty doesn’t consume you and keep you stuck
Bonus: Life audit to ensure you never waste your most precious resource again
Bonus: Finding Your Venn to articulate your work sweet spot across multiple life stages
Buy this book now to love your work, make more money and find success on your own term without feeling overworked and overwhelmed -
Hong Kong ABC
Hong Kong ABCs included twenty-six illustrations and rhymes of Hong Kong delights on the pages of this funky, chunky board book. It sold 20,000 copies until finally going fully digital in 2021. Designed to appeal to babies learning ABCs as well as early learners and children interested in Hong Kong culture, all profits from sales of the book went to Room to Read.
Other authorsSee publication
Honors & Awards
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Top 50 Global Future of Work Thought Leader
Onalytica
Onalytica is an award-winning influencer marketing platform that connects brands with topical influencer communities. I am privileged to be on of the Top 50 Future of Work Influencers globally in 2023 and 2024 based on the level of engagement my posts receive on LinkedIn and Twitter.
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Women To Watch | TWFHK
30% Club
30% Club Hong Kong brings together business leaders committed to bringing more women onto Hong Kong corporate boards. Women to Watch showcases highly qualified women for board roles.
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Inc. Magazine Top Innovation Book for my book Future Proof: Reinventing Work in an Age of Acceleration
INC
Selected in 2019 as one of the Top Innovation books by Inc Magazine.
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Asia 21 Young Leader
The Asia Society (www.asiasociety.org)
A decade ago, Asia Society had a dream: To build a network of young leaders across the Asia-Pacific as a way to promote mutual understanding and effective collaboration among the next generation’s most important and influential leaders. Today, with 800+ alumni from more than 30 countries, the Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative stands as the Asia-Pacific’s foremost young leaders network.
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Luce Foundation Luce Scholar
The Luce Foundation (www.hluce.org)
The Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship program. It was launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. The program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for 15-18 Luce Scholars each year, and welcomes applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields who have had limited exposure to Asia.
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Chinese
Elementary proficiency
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French
Elementary proficiency
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Spanish
Elementary proficiency
Organizations
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i4j - innovation for jobs
current member
- PresentThe i4j organization has incubated a substantial collection of ideas and grown an influential, eclectic, community of several hundred thought leaders who are dedicated to catalyzing innovation that channels AI and technology towards creating better jobs for more people.
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Women Corporate Directors
Member
- PresentWCD is the only global membership organization and community of women corporate directors. In this new era of responsibility, WCD is committed not just to good governance, but to governance with global vision. Smart boards are going global in members and mindset. Our members share information and insights in order to ensure best practices in corporate governance around the world.
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Asia Society
Member (Young Patron, 2002-3, NY)
- PresentAsia Society is the leading global and pan-Asian organization working to strengthen relationships and promote understanding among the people, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States. We seek to increase knowledge and enhance dialogue, encourage creative expression and generate new ideas across the fields of policy, business, education, arts and culture. Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Houston…
Asia Society is the leading global and pan-Asian organization working to strengthen relationships and promote understanding among the people, leaders and institutions of Asia and the United States. We seek to increase knowledge and enhance dialogue, encourage creative expression and generate new ideas across the fields of policy, business, education, arts and culture. Founded in 1956, Asia Society is a nonpartisan, nonprofit educational institution with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Houston, Los Angeles, Manila, Sydney, Mumbai, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai and Washington, D.C. Visit AsiaSociety.org and explore Asia Society's rich content, research, analysis, video and more.
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The Society of Publishers Asia (www.sopasia.com)
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
-Member of the Society of Publishers Asia Board - 2006-2011. Elected Deputy Chairman, 2010-11.
Recommendations received
15 people have recommended Diana
Join now to viewMore activity by Diana
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Love this review of 10 Patterns from 400+ SXSW '25 Talk Submissions: ✅ Commodification of Authenticity ✅ Convergence of Mysticism + Technology ✅…
Love this review of 10 Patterns from 400+ SXSW '25 Talk Submissions: ✅ Commodification of Authenticity ✅ Convergence of Mysticism + Technology ✅…
Liked by Diana Wu David
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Love this review of 10 Patterns from 400+ SXSW '25 Talk Submissions: ✅ Commodification of Authenticity ✅ Convergence of Mysticism + Technology ✅…
Love this review of 10 Patterns from 400+ SXSW '25 Talk Submissions: ✅ Commodification of Authenticity ✅ Convergence of Mysticism + Technology ✅…
Posted by Diana Wu David
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Let’s talk about credentials! About a month ago, I got an email asking if I’d like to be a member of the “HBR Advisory Council”. I’ll admit that…
Let’s talk about credentials! About a month ago, I got an email asking if I’d like to be a member of the “HBR Advisory Council”. I’ll admit that…
Liked by Diana Wu David
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