Joanna Tong – Bright-i, UK

Nominated by the BBC Greater Manchester radio, Joanna Tong won the first-ever North West Women Achievements Award. A scholarship brought Joanna from Hong Kong to the UK studying the Master of Philosophy degree at the University of Saint Andrews, and Master of Science (with distinction) at the Manchester Metropolitan University. In her executive roles, Joanna led tourist attractions to triple the visitor numbers, directed £35 million economic projects and became the first female Director in the 16-year history of Birmingham's world-class Symphony Hall. However, there was a twist.

When Joanna was recruited into her first Director role, the Board never worked with a senior peer who was female, young and from an ethnic background. At challenging times, Joanna consulted the wisdom of Confucius and Taoism and made new discoveries…Joanna set up Bright-i (http://www.Bright-i.biz) to pass on the Dragon Leadership approach to business and organisation leaders. Her book: Dragon Leadership: Eastern Wisdom for Modern CEO raised an immediate interest before listed on Amazon. Joanna shares her stories and leadership insights to audiences as a professional speaker.