What colleagues, founders and boards say.
Independent references gathered across 25+ years of investment, governance, venture building, teaching and public service — spanning institutional partners, founders, academia and long-standing colleagues.
“She arranged and supervised business projects for our Masters in Management students with a corporate reputation consultancy and a global bank — an excellent programme, and she coached the students to very good results.”
What founders say after the work is done.
“Leesa works exceptionally hard to support founders and connect the right people. I have worked with several tier-one venture-capital partners, and Leesa’s impact is above anyone I have had the pleasure of working with. She is a model of what a founder should want in an investor.”
“The energy, knowledge and connections Leesa brought to our deep-tech company were invaluable. She combines commercial judgement, a deep understanding of the global investment landscape and an exceptional willingness to help, while fostering ambition, cooperation and confidence across the team.”
“As a hands-on venture builder and founder coach, Leesa helped us raise capital, secure advanced reimbursement and accelerate our international expansion. Her contribution to our advisory board and the deep-tech ecosystem has been practical, committed and irreplaceable.”
“She relentlessly leveraged an impressive network to help us grow across South-East Asia, generating a constant flow of qualified leads throughout the programme — more effective than the most sophisticated marketing strategy.”
“Leesa’s work ethic and integrity are of the highest standard. She is energetic and driven, and her assistance in networking and structuring joint ventures has been most valuable.”
“Leesa delivers — driven, motivated and highly ethical. She uses advanced relationship skills to deliver results, and can see an opportunity from a very long way away.”
Operators, hosts and market-entry partners.
“As an established Australian fintech scaling into Singapore and broader Asia, Leesa’s knowledge and deep market experience were instrumental — providing access to key local contacts and helping tailor our go-to-market strategy.”
“She is a compelling professional and a thought leader — evidence-based, but soundly rooted in practice and experience, and generous with her expertise. Global and future-thinking in outlook.”
“There isn’t nearly a thing she is not extremely well versed in. An excellent speaker who can truly captivate an audience, well connected and always looking to open her network for others.”
“Trusted and respected — many of us have benefited from her counsel over the years. I recommend Leesa without reservation as a leading industry professional.”
“Leesa played a key role in a major security certification of a top Australian telco, joining at a sensitive time when her sales and people skills greatly facilitated complex negotiations.”
“One of the most inspiring people I have had the pleasure of working with — professional, confident, exceptionally detailed. She will thrive in any challenging environment and make an immediate impact.”
Faculty and programme leaders.
“She arranged and supervised business projects for our Masters in Management students with a corporate reputation consultancy and a global bank — an excellent programme, and she coached the students to very good results.”
“A very dedicated and energetic teacher who sets high expectations and brings real-world perspectives into the classroom — named one of the best adjunct instructors of the year.”
“Leesa was a leader in the TRIUM class — thoughtful, proactive and a great builder of community. She shares knowledge generously in a way that quietly leads to better outcomes.”
“Hard-working, creative and innovative — one of the most ambitious students I worked with during my time directing the TRIUM EMBA alumni community.”
“Her holistic, 360-degree approach integrated well with international students. Her style of teaching is innovative, rigorous and perfectly organised, and she truly embraces her students’ needs.”
“She has supported and guided our Computer Science students through industrial placements and into professional life — consistently going above and beyond what is expected.”
The people who have worked closest with her.
“An innovator and inspiration. Her tireless work ethic, leadership, intelligence and dedication to serving others make her a unique and powerful human being. In business, friendship and life, Leesa is a real Champion.”
“I have known Leesa since we met in the Army. Ethics, honesty and enthusiasm are a true reflection of her personality and professionalism — someone I trust and highly recommend for any venture she pursues.”
“Leesa values ethics in her work, and her character has made her a fair team player and a great leader. Her strategies are never accidental — always based on deep research into the client and the market.”
“An excellent leader and mentor. Always on top of new opportunities, she buoyed the company while supporting everyone who worked within it — her genuine care created an effective, productive environment.”
“Charismatic, autonomous, highly professional, effective and committed to customers — a natural-born manager. I would recommend Leesa to any company willing to drive excellence.”
“A seasoned leader with in-depth knowledge, matched by an excellent sense of humour, tenacity and an insuperable sense of responsibility. It was a pleasure to have her as my boss.”
Selected independent references, lightly condensed for length with meaning preserved. Full attributions and the complete record of appointments, portfolio and profiles are available on request.
Government, ecosystem and programme partners.
“Leesa brought an in-depth knowledge of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem and a strong local network. Her hands-on approach gave participating companies a clear path forward, helping them prepare for investors, prospective partners and successful market entry.”
“Leesa provided tailored strategic advice and valuable introductions to Australian technology companies entering Singapore. Her knowledge of the local ecosystem and genuine commitment to founder success contributed to new offices, distribution agreements and six-figure commercial contracts.”
“Leesa plays a unique role as a deep-tech investor, entrepreneur-in-residence, connector, mentor and educator. Her international networks and hands-on venture-building approach have created significant value for founders, corporate partners and Singapore’s broader innovation ecosystem.”
“As Business Coach for our deep-tech accelerator she added immense value — leveraging a global network to bring in world-class mentors and guiding every founder with energy and a genuine will to help.”
“Her industry knowledge, connections, recommendations and ideas gave us immense value. Her diverse background as an entrepreneur meant first-hand insight into the pitfalls and opportunities to look for.”
“Leesa has been very forthcoming in providing strategic advice for partnership building — extremely responsive, with excellent initiative in thinking outside the box.”
Build what comes next.
Engage Leesa for board and Chair mandates, investment and strategic partnerships, or speaking and media.