Heather Connery

Background

About Heather Connery

Heather Connery is a multidisciplinary leader with a thriving portfolio career spanning consultancy, business ownership, board-level advisory, research, coaching, writing and social impact. She brings over 20 years of experience working with leadership teams, boards, and organisations of all sizes—from Fortune 500 companies to ambitious start-ups. She is the founder of three businesses: AnthrOrg (20x’d in year 1), which applies cultural anthropology to strategic business challenges and supporting clients in fractional roles, and on design and delivery of strategy/ strategic multi-million dollar programmes and projects; U-G-U, a bespoke coaching practice for emerging - experienced leaders; and WisN, focusing on holistic wellbeing. A seasoned leader, Heather has held senior roles including Chief of Staff at WTW, Strategic Projects and Innovation Lead at WTW, Head of First Line Risk at WTW, and Head of Risk & Transformation Managing Office at Velonetic. She has worked with Fortune 500s, FTSE 250s, government bodies, start-ups, and non-profits—often in multi-disciplinary, leadership contexts—delivering strategic programmes/ projects, cultural change, ESG initiatives, product innovation, governance, risk and operational resilience. Academically, she holds an MBA (Distinction), and Fellowships with Chartered Management Institute, Royal Anthropological Institute & Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturing and Commerce. Her commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in her broad qualifications in risk, governance, leadership through to neuroscience, and holistic wellbeing - where she holds several diplomas, certifications, etc. She contributes to research, delivers training, and participates in academic-industry collaborations. Her work explores leadership, culture, ESG/ DE & I, transformation, and the human experience of change (including AI). As a certified therapist, coach and award-winning mentor, Heather has clocked over hours supporting many people, but specialising in supporting aspiring, emerging and experienced professionals. She also provides pro-bono services to various non-profit endeavours. An award-winning and industry recognised voice in DE & I and ESG, Heather is a dedicated change maker and supports a number of areas, such as being a Board Trustee to Mid and North East Essex MIND. Outside of work, she manages a busy household ("zoo"). She practises yoga, meditation, and other holistic wellbeing modalities. She enjoys gardening, is a keen foodie, and a prolific reader. She has just started to learn to play the ukulele.