Ways we might work together
The work usually begins with a question, a transition or an opportunity that does not fit neatly into one box.
You may be navigating change, trying to turn ambition into something that works in practice, bringing different interests together, or looking for an experienced outside perspective.
I work in different ways, depending on what the situation needs.
When it is useful to bring me in
Something promising needs to scale.
The idea works. Now the operating model, partners, technology, capital and governance need to work around it.
Strategy is getting stuck in execution.
The ambition is clear, but organisational reality, competing interests or fragmented responsibilities are getting in the way.
The problem crosses boundaries.
Across organisations, sectors, geographies or cultures — where no single actor owns the whole answer.
A consequential decision needs another perspective.
Particularly where today's choices create long-term consequences.
Board & governance
For organisations looking for an independent perspective around the table — particularly where long-term value, transition, international growth or responsible stewardship matter.
~Former CEO · supervisory and advisory roles · governance through organisational transition.
Strategic advisory
For leaders facing a consequential question, transition or opportunity who would benefit from someone who can see the system, challenge assumptions and help determine what needs to happen next.
~Advised cities, governments, multilateral institutions and business leaders across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Projects & transformation
For moments when advice alone isn't enough. I can step closer to the work: shaping an initiative, designing the operating model, bringing partners together, working through governance and funding questions, and helping move an ambitious idea towards implementation and scale.
~Built and scaled organisations, digital ventures and international programmes — from technology start-ups to global circular-economy initiatives.
Speaking & teaching
Keynotes, panels, leadership conversations and teaching around systems change, circularity, stewardship, technology, leadership and what responsible progress asks of us.
~Keynotes and leadership conversations across international conferences, business, government and academia.
Where I work best
I work best where boundaries need to be crossed — between strategy and implementation, technology and people, public and private, capital and purpose, and global ambition and local reality.
Particularly when something promising needs to scale, an organisation is navigating transition, or ambition is proving harder to turn into action than expected.
I move comfortably between the boardroom, a working table with a team, and the places where implementation actually happens.
What others have experienced
“What stood out in working with Ivonne was her ability to bridge global circular economy thinking with local priorities and perspectives.
She approached our work in Oman with curiosity and respect, while bringing the experience and confidence to challenge our thinking when needed. The result was not simply a report, but a process that strengthened our understanding of what circularity could mean for Oman and how we could move it forward.”
Dr. Aisha Al-Sarihi
Ministry of Economy
Oman 🇴🇲
“Working with Ivonne on SHAPE showed me how effectively she operates across organisational boundaries. She combines strategic perspective with a strong instinct for what it takes to turn an idea into something that can actually work — aligning people, clarifying roles and translating ambition into concrete next steps. She brings both challenge and constructive energy to the table, while keeping the bigger purpose firmly in view.”
Joe Papineschi
Founder & Chairperson
Eunomia Consulting & Research
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
“I was fortunate to work with Ivonne in 2025, when she represented Circle Economy and supported our efforts to launch a circular cities initiative in Asia. Through her participation in the Asia Smart City Conference and our work together, she helped bridge valuable European insights with the perspectives and needs of Asian cities.
What touched me most was her genuine commitment to creating a more circular society across borders. Her conviction gave me the courage and inspiration to take our initiative forward with cities across Asia.”
Toshikazu Yazawa
Japan 🇯🇵
Perhaps there is something worth exploring.
Not every conversation needs to begin with a defined brief.
If something here connects with a question, opportunity or challenge you are working on, I'd be glad to hear about it.