Theme: Unfolding Apex

‘Unfolding Apex’ encapsulates the pulsating heartbeat of endless ascent, where the pinnacle of potential never unveils itself completely. It’s a slow journey that goes beyond mere accomplishments, fueling our capacity to dream and reach greater heights. The term “unfolding” implies an ongoing, dynamic, and evolving journey, while “apex” signifies the peak or zenith. Together, they capture the essence of continual growth, evolution, and reaching new heights. At TEDx NYUShanghai, we want to inspire individuals to be bold, creative, and transformative. So, What is your Apex? And how do you choose to Unfold it?

NYU Shanghai
567 West Yangsi Road, Pudong New District
Shanghai, Shanghai, 200124
China

Christian Göttker

Christian moved to China in 2013. He was hired by a German packaging company to establish and manage their subsidiary in Ningbo, Zhejiang. Fluent in Dutch and Mandarin, he was recruited by a Dutch-German education company in 2017 as Vice President to oversee the APAC (Asia-Pacific) business with a strong emphasis on marketing, business development, and personnel development. Through continuous dedication to his studies, Christian obtained a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) and earned certificates in Group Coaching and Psychology from the University of Oxford. In 2020, he relocated to Shanghai. As the Managing Partner of East & West Consulting, he guides international companies on all matters related to conducting business in China. In September 2022, he accepted an offer to lecture in Business Management at The Sino-British College, USST.

Christina Yan-Hejazi

Head of Communications & Engagement of L’Oréal North Asia & China R&I

- Christina has been continuously re-inventing her life trajectory through self-motivation, initiative-taking, and self-growth. - From a girl born in a rural village in China to building an intercultural marriage/family. - From working in a domestic public hospital to the world’s No. 1 beauty company. - From an exercise-avoider to learning biking, swimming, and tennis at mid-30s.

Gabrielle Roberts

Gabrielle is one of the very few women working in virtual production and is using her advanced technical and creative skillset to revolutionize the film industry. She has worked with Oscar-winning filmmakers, pioneered the virtual human industry at the LA startup Brud, was the main virtual production operator and technical artist for one of Netflix's most expensive productions to date, and recently worked as a Virtual Production Lead at The Third Floor. Gabrielle received the Diana Award for founding the international nonprofit Code Your Chances, the most prestigious award a person under 25 can receive for humanitarian work. Gabrielle is a Schwarzman Scholar and is currently collaborating with companies across China to build up their virtual production capabilities.

Jeffrey Chang

CIO, Sephora Greater China

CIO of Sephora (LVMH) in China Strives to be a “new breed of technology leader” where Digital & Technology meet with ever-evolving customers, business models, competition landscape, and geo-political complexity. In the last 10 years, Jeffrey has transformed Fortune 500 companies at Sephora, Nike, and Wanda (the largest commercial real-estate operator) in China, built teams, delivered digital and data capabilities, and innovated mobile-first omnichannel strategies. In the first 15 years of his early career, at Tencent, Jeffrey pioneered Tencent’s lifestyle mobile apps internationally; at Microsoft Global HQ, Jeffrey product-designed Microsoft MSN.com, Bing Search, and Windows, and activated the Microsoft cloud solutions for China. Jeffrey is an NYU alumnus (Tisch School of Arts); he and his family enjoy traveling and giving back to the community and charities.

Jordan Loo

A Canadian-born Chinese yoga teacher who is passionate about guiding others on their wellness journey: with more than a decade of experience, Jordan currently holds the position of Senior Teacher and Brand Culture Trainer at Prakāśa Yoga in Shanghai. Alongside this, Jordan specializes in teaching family and kids yoga, ensuring the practice is accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages. It’s worth mentioning that Jordan has collaborated with Lululemon as a Brand Ambassador to promote well-being as more than just an idea but as a way of life. Together, both have dedicated themselves to inspiring others to make wellbeing an integral part of their daily lives for the past 6 years. Jordan's primary focus is to help individuals cultivate a profound connection with themselves through the harmonious integration of movement, meditation, and breathwork. Recognizing the transformative power of yoga, Jordan endeavors to create a safe and nurturing environment where students can explore their mind, body, and spirit.

Kirsten Johnston

Founder & CEO, JWDK | Chair, BritCham Shanghai

- Place & Cultural Brand Strategist - Founder & CEO of specialist brand design agency, JWDK - Strategist and brand designer specializing in place and cultural identity for China’s districts, cities, and places. - Lived in six countries, on four continents and thrived amongst many more cultures - Chair of BritCham Shanghai; Creative Industries Leader in China; GlobalScot - Has called Shanghai home since 2014.

Marion Campan

Founder and Managing Director at INTANDID

- Marion Campan is a French entrepreneur who embarked on the journey of improving work standards in China and the world. After 10 years in the corporate world, she founded Intandid, an HR solution provider for foreign brands in China. - Every day, Marion and her team are growing people and organizations. - As a Professional Certified Coach, Marion stands out for her ability to create Strengths-based environments that drive success. - Marion's diverse international experience spans France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Taiwan, and China, providing her with a unique perspective on global business dynamics. Her profound understanding of behavioral psychology fuels her drive to help individuals thrive within their professional spheres.

Natalie Lowe

CEO & Founding Partner of The Orangeblowfish

- CEO & Founding Partner of The Orangeblowfish, an international creative and branding agency with its headquarters in Shanghai, China. The Orangeblowfish unleashes the power of creativity using storytelling, art, space, and technology to get client brands talked about. - Born and raised in Australia, Natalie moved to Asia in 1999 and lived and worked in Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. - Natalie is a big believer in getting involved with industry and community-based initiatives. Currently, Natalie is Chair of the Creative Industries and Marketing Committee (British Chamber of Shanghai), a Member of the Forbes Business Council, and is also an active mentor volunteer for Shanghai Mentor Walks and sits on the board of the UNSW Alumni Advisory Committee. - Natalie is regularly featured in publications and invited to speak on topics such as entrepreneurship, women's leadership, brand management, surviving and thriving in a post-pandemic world, and more.