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Stephen Bungay, management consultant turned military historian, channelled his fascination with WWII battle principles and practices into creating an unusual and pragmatic take on business strategy and its execution. His is an inspiring personal story on the transformational power of taking time out mid-career to pursue your true passion.

Prof. Yuval Shany is one of the world’s leading voices on international law. He’s passionate about strengthening or reforming international legal norms and institutions through the great changes brought about by momentous historical events, such as the global war on terror, global digitisation or the war in Ukraine.

Jane McDonagh, partner and head of Family Law at Simons Muirhead Burton, has built a career as a collaborative lawyer, taking great satisfaction in helping clients through the painful maze of separation. Jane is an advocate for alternative, constructive routes to resolution beyond the court room and enjoys ‘giving back’ through bereavement counselling and mentoring.

Professor Dennis Snower is a renowned economist, working on a new paradigm for “caring economics” focused on achieving true prosperity whereby economic growth isn’t mutually exclusive from social wellbeing. He’s putting his wisdom to work to define economic policies that serve the collective good.

Jen Jankel lives by the mantra, “Everything is about people.” Inspired and nourished by a world in which music and creativity intersect with care in the community, Jen encapsulates the spirit of giving back and continues to do so with undiminished energy well into her eighth decade.

Ex-audit partner at BDO, Gary is an alumnus of our Planning Your Next Chapter programme. Since “un-retirement”, he has embraced several fulfilling opportunities focused on giving back, channelling years of wisdom and experience into new and exciting ventures.

Productivity pro Juliet Landau-Pope has developed an expertise in decluttering spaces and schedules, and in helping students and busy adults to overcome procrastination. Her fascination with motivation has inspired a rewarding new career path.

As Director of Faith & Belief Forum (F&BF), Phil’s mission is to help strengthen relations between people of different faiths and beliefs. Previously a global peace-builder, he brings the golden rules of dialogue, imagination, and sustained engagement to his work today.

Danielle describes herself as not your typical high-flying Circle Square member. We disagree! Her passion for sport, especially open water swimming, and her dedication to charitable work, has taken her on exciting adventures that are sure to inspire.

Setting up her interior design studio over eight years ago, Simone Suss stepped into the unknown as she changed her career path and embarked on a personal mission to marry interior design with conscious consumerism without forfeiting luxury.

Adam summarises his life so far as “surrounded by books”. Twelve years as book editor of The New York Observer, author of three biographies, a Harvard graduate with a doctorate in American Literature from Stanford University – he’s absolutely right.

Ardyn Halter has painted for as long as he can remember, exhibiting his work at the age of 9 in the Haringey Library. Talented in printmaking, stained glass and oil painting, Ardyn’s work can be found in collections and buildings from Rwanda to Cambridge to New York.

Gifford Booth has spent 35 years supporting leaders and teams in both startups and large enterprises around the world. Rooted in the belief true success comes from the boldness of stepping fully into who you are, rather than who you think you’re supposed to be.

Isabelle Seddon is a historian, author, theatre-lover, intrepid traveller, counsellor and volunteer. Isabelle has so many strings to her bow, driven by an innate desire to help people living on the edge of society. She is a member we admire for her boundless energy and enthusiasm for life.

Avron is an ex-Captownian who has swapped lying on the beach, climbing mountains and meandering through the wine routes of the Wester Cape for a more civilised life in London. Now he transforms and builds business with a focus on crypto, NFTs and the Metaverse.

Barbara is a barrister, mediator and arbitrator. As co-chair of Bar Council’s Race Working Group, she is responsible for leading systemic change within the legal system to tackle race and gender bias. She is also co-editor of the International Family Law Journal.

Carl Honoré is a bestselling author, broadcaster and the voice of the Slow Movement. His two main-stage TED Talks have racked up millions of views. His counter-intuitive message is simple but game-changing: to thrive in a fast world, you have to slow down.

Jackie has extensive HR experience as Recruitment Partner for PWC, Head of HR at BBC Worldwide, HR advisor to the NHS and to a Local Authority. She is currently working with the House of Commons on their Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.

John Steinberg spent many years in business before turning his hand to writing. “If you don’t at least attempt a change of careers then you can go through life not knowing what you might be capable of.” He has written and produced stage plays and authored a series of books.

Following a diagnosis of multiple myeloma in 2003, Judy left a successful career in finance and dedicated herself to championing the patient voice, working tirelessly in a number of charitable roles, including as Chair of the Royal Free Charity and as president of Myeloma UK.

With an impressive 35-year career at Clifford Chance, Julia’s journey has taken her from M&A lawyer to heading up learning and development globally and is now responsible for coaching and partner development – a role she describes as an immense privilege.

Michael and Linda’s business idea was born one Sunday afternoon at the King’s Library at the British Museum. They pledged to reproduce one of the great manuscript treasures on display and today are renowned for making facsimiles of the most beautiful, rare works.

Nick Viner is co-founder of Circle Square. This is the third chapter in a career that began with 20 years at The Boston Consulting Group, and then shifted to not-for-profit, establishing JW3, a ground-breaking new cultural and community centre in London.

Noah is a long-standing member of Circle Square, our in-house IT support as well as our much relied upon provider of ‘IT in the Home’ services for members. His patience and tenacity make him a natural fit should you need assistance in solving IT headaches. 

Noam first acquired his management skills in the Israeli army, where he achieved top honours, as the youngest officer in the ‘Entebbe Raid’ and became a Captain in one of Israel’s elite squads. A seasoned entrepreneur in healthcare education and now, Circle Square.

Noeleen was born in Johannesburg, SA. In the turbulent 1980s and 90s, and as part of a commitment to building a better South Africa, Noeleen helped parents and children in townships develop core skills for school readiness, and taught literacy and life skills to domestic workers.

Raj has over 30 years’ experience in dentistry as a general practitioner, lecturer and dento-legal consultant. He was appointed MBE for services to dentistry and is a former policy advisor to the Department of Health.

Sue Conder is a former Deloitte Partner with over 25 years of experience in organisational change and leadership development. As an experienced business psychologist, Sue is passionate about ‘Embracing Your Third Act’.