diane mensah

​Hey Diane!  What was your first ‘adult’ job? 
I did a management training scheme at Selfridges & Co, a huge department store in the UK.  My first posting was the Lingerie department at 22, all the staff were at least 20 years older than me and I had to learn how to lead while still being the youngest person in the room.  I still call on my experience from back then, like when to speak up but also when to shut up!

When did you feel most uncertain in your career path?
When I joined General Assembly in Hong Kong.  I knew nothing about tech or startups, but I really believed... and still believe in the importance of future-proofing your career with digital skills.  Once I got comfortable with being uncomfortable in such a fast-paced startup I knew that I was on the right track to continue to help people find their purpose and take their next steps. 

Who would you thank at the Oscars? ​
Everyone I have ever met!  Seriously, every person I have interacted with in life, love or business has impacted who I am today, positively or negatively.  For me, that's what being a WIP all about.  It's more than just a journey I am going on, it's also who I go on that journey with.

​Diane has diverse background working with people, having worked in luxury fashion retail management in the UK for eight years and then three years at the UK Government Home Office overseas. 

She joined General Assembly Hong Kong as the founding Admissions Manager in 2013.  Since then, Diane worked with WHub, the Hong Kong startup ecosystem builder to help large organisations with innovation and digital transformation.  

Diane’s career has taken her from London, via Abu Dhabi, Beijing and Hong Kong.  Currently she is completing a Masters in Psychology.  ​

janice hewitt

Hey Janice!  What was your first ‘adult’ job?
I worked my way up to management level at McDonald's by the time I graduated high school. It was difficult to manage peers on the weekends and evenings; peers whom I would be sitting next to in math class come Monday morning. One of my favourite parts of this position was keeping my team happy and motivated throughout difficult or stressful shifts. I learned patience when it comes to training people from all walks of life - young and old. I gained invaluable experience and learned to lead by example.  

What’s the best career or life advice you have been given?
Don’t tell yourself you can’t. At the very least, going for it will help you learn. That, and to work hard (thanks mom).

What would your perfect work/life blend look like? 
My perfect blend would be doing something that rarely feels like work and having the time I want to pursue other activities and adventures.  I’ve never had a proper 9-5 schedule and wouldn’t want to.  I want to work hard when work needs to be done and take time to completely unplug from time to time.

​Janice has a background working with and managing diverse teams. Since coming to Hong Kong 2 years ago, Janice has worked with early-stage startups and entrepreneurs to help clarify the path ahead for growth. She has a passion for helping early stage startups set up their marketing strategy and reach their full potential.  

Throughout her career she has worked with teams in Canada, Scotland, France and Hong Kong. ​She offers freelance service and consultation for digital and content marketing, crowdfunding, content creation, strategy and business development.