- ABOUT
Meet Tesse Akpeki
- DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Celebrating & Championing Leadership
Keynote Speaker · Governance Strategist · Coach · Facilitator · Podcast Host
I am the director of Tesse Akpeki Associates Limited and Founder of Future Focus Wellbeing
Described by her clients as ‘a leading light’, Tesse delivers her services with a smile, compassion, gentleness, care and kindness. She brings hope through the prism of fun, joy, love, resilience, laughter and optimism.
Tesse Akpeki is the Director of Tesse Akpeki Associates Ltd. Tesse, a governance enthusiast, is a consultant, facilitator, trainer and relationship development guide. A leadership strategist, she coaches, mentors and hosts meetings internationally, nationally and regionally.
Tesse is the founder of Future Focus Wellbeing and Resilience trailblazing programme. Working in collaboration with a range of entities, Tesse is able to bring creative thinking and relationships building strategies to the table. Skillfully she integrates technical aspects with human centred approaches.
“I strive to be the best that I can be so people can take advantage of my pursuit of excellence. My love of knowledge and desire to learn comes with a deep curiosity to explore and be adventurous about organisational health, people and resilience.”
- MY STORY
A Journey of Purpose & Passion
I am a director of Tesse Akpeki Associates Limited and Founder of the Well-being and Resilience Leadership Initiative. I am an Appreciative Inquiry Practitioner and a graduate of the Inner Activist.
I have an eclectic advisory portfolio that has evolved over the last 35 years. As a person, I have experienced highs and lows; organisations are no exception. I am able to journey with my clients through their struggles, their bumps, their sufferings, their pain and their triumphs with the hope of coming out at the other side and the ability to learn from failure.
I believe there is nothing like the joy of working with organisations to create and implement change that makes a difference while building sustainability.
Advisory Portfolio
- RECOGNITION
Awards & Recognition
Governance Champion of the Year 2023
Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. Tesse won this prestigious award on her third time being shortlisted. “It is a pleasure to serve while doing something I love.”
Fellow of the Association for Coaching
Formally recognised by the Association for Coaching for demonstrating longstanding coaching experience, service and contribution to the coaching industry across 85+ countries.
Governance Champion Shortlist 2021 & 2022
Shortlisted for the Governance Champion of the Year by the Chartered Governance Institute — an award given to a true ambassador for governance in everything they do.
- EXPERTISE
What I Bring
Governance
Deep expertise in board governance, going far beyond systems and processes to address personal dynamics.
Leadership
Strategic leadership development for CEOs, Chairs, senior teams and emerging leaders internationally.
Coaching
3,000+ coaching delivery hours across executive, group and team coaching with transformative results.
Wellbeing
Founder of the Wellbeing & Resilient Leadership Initiative — championing health alongside professional growth.
- TESTIMONIALS
What Clients Say
“I have worked with Tesse for well over 20 years and recommend her highly. She brings to her work an emotional intelligence that helps her see through to the heart of an issue and get people working together constructively. All delivered with humour, kindness and verve. A rare combination of talents.”
Philip Kirkpatrick
Charity & Social Enterprise Lawyer, Partner at Bates Wells
“What I admire about Tesse is her thirst for knowledge. I mention a new take on governance, testing or leadership and before I know it, she is enrolled in an advanced study course and getting certified.”
Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP
President, Board Builders International
“Tesse never fails to move a room — a truly gifted facilitator who gets results. I have seen her take groups from impasse to breakthrough in a single afternoon. She is a true professional who gets results in her own unique style.”
Marta Maretich
Freelance Writer & Communication Strategist