Aesara Partners 

At Aesara Partners, our mission is simple: enable you to be the best version of yourself. We offer a range of focused services that unlock the potential of people, teams and cultures to maximise business performance. 

Collectively our Partners and Associates have decades of experience both in executive coaching and as board level leaders themselves working in multiple sectors across global markets.

Partner & Executive Coach

Doshisha University

Professor of Strategic Management, Global MBA Program

The CFO Coach K.K.

The CFO Coach K.K. is a boutique executive coaching firm specializing in developing High-Performance​ Financial Leaders and Teams.

Founder & Executive Coach

Kansai Gaidai University

•	Awarded President's Global Education Award (Teacher of the Year).

Professor of Leadership & Management

Benesse Holdings, Inc. (USD 4.5B; Tokyo Stock Exchange Code: 9783)

•	Member of the Board of Directors for Berlitz Corporation; Benesse Corporation; and Benesse Style Care.  Chairman of Audit Committee for Berlitz Corporation. Member of Benesse Holdings Pension Committee.
•	Global CFO covering all 40+ Benesse group companies
•	Championed and supported multiple cash generation initiatives including a CFO led "Save to Grow" initiative to improve Company Financial performance and to identify significant savings for business reinvestment
•	Enhanced Finance bench strength and hired a high potential team to start financial business consulting
•	Implemented several process and capability best practices to move group companies towards global standards

Global Chief Financial Officer & Corporate Senior Vice President

McCann Worldgroup Holdings

• Overall Responsibility for Operations (Finance, IT, Legal, and Administration - 10 legal entities) 
• Successfully turned around long term loss making lead agency by delivering double digit margin improvements within two years
• Delivered double digit margin improvements for all six MWG Group companies 
• Built a new Finance team and moved from Scorekeeping to Business Partnership and improved business performance
• Major projects within last two years include: 
  - Shared Service center creation/migration
  - New Financial System Migration
  - Acquisition & Divestiture
  - Business Turnaround
  - Retirement Plan consolidation/change
  - Office relocation/rent reductions

Group Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President, and Member of The Board

Becton, Dickinson and Company

• Led Finance, Procurement, General Affairs, and Rebates teams (43 staff) to deliver multi-million dollar cash and profit performance improvement for first year and beyond. Exceeded all budget expectations.
• Engaged Japan Management Team and Global Finance Leadership Team on company objectives to deliver best outcome (Finance Transformation initiative, Sales effectiveness improvement, Key Account Management, Business Continuity plan, and strategy/selection of backup distribution center).  Led process for 2012-16 Business Plan development
• Developed and executed Finance department strategy and vision to move from scorekeeping to business partnership. Implemented job rotation program and hired several high potential employees to improve bench strength.
• Championed multiple Finance and Procurement initiatives including definition and implementation of new 401k Retirement Plan; divestiture of non-core business; change of primary banks (reduced bank fees by over 30%); vendor reduction process, and new travel expense management system 
• Taught New Manager Essentials program and selected as leadership trainer for PEPFAR program in South Africa to teach Leadership and Change Management to African Health Ministry officials

Finance and Administration Director

Avon Products Inc.

•	Implementation project leader for Avon Sales Leadership Framework (ASLF) – Highest priority project for the Company to adapt to a new Sales Model.  Completed project implementation in record timing.  Awarded regional award as part of ASLF Team. Only person in Asia recognized for both Top-line and Bottom-line contributions in the same year.
•	Defined and executed new vision and mission and led Sales Support department to complete over 40 initiatives (within a six-month period) as part of Team’s new journey towards field motivational excellence. Incorporated new processes to deliver high impact incentives, and to create Sales energy and momentum for sales turn-around.    
•	Achieved highest employee engagement scores with Sales Support Department significantly exceeding country results in over 95% of categories.  Previously had also led Finance department to highest employee engagement scores.
•	Global Project leader for a high potential, multi-functional, multi-national team to study and recommend actions to improve Global Sales Incentive management/spending process.
•	Oversaw execution of a variety of Company and Public/Media events ranging from Sales Conferences to Philanthropic events including Annual Awards to Women, and Pink Ribbon Campaign support.

Executive Director and Member of the Board

•	Responsible for Financial policy making/implementation and reporting for Avon Japan as a public company (including statutory/public, and Board Meetings). All year-end financial documents audited with no comments/exceptions.
•	Defined and executed new department Vision and Mission, and recruited, trained and developed a completely new Finance team (80% new hires within a six month period) to move from scorekeeping to business partnership. Finance team formed core of country high potential list.
•	Consistently over achieved profit performance commitment under adverse conditions of sales decline by aggressively managing strategic business needs with cost cutting; Delivered zero overhead growth during all years; Japan winner of regional awards for best cost management performance, and for boldest transformation strategy.
•	Provided leadership and support for critical decisions and strategy development as Japan Leadership Team Member.  Actively led change management process within company.
•	Consistently achieved best internal control results in Asia-Pacific/Avon over a period of eight audits.  Japan one of only two countries with highest audit rating. Outstanding performance generated support to remove Japan from list of High Coverage countries.
• Co-developed strategic/financial business case, and obtained approval for number of campaign reduction in 2006 making Avon Japan only country ever in Avon to undergo campaign reduction. 
• Independently analyzed and provided strategic direction for Plant study which challenged and reversed previous recommendation by outside consultants on plant closure.
• Provided leadership in several restructuring initiatives by providing an achievable plan to achieve 12% people related cost reduction.  Played lead role in this study representing Finance, Supply Chain and HR 
• Consistently achieved highest performance rating and nominations to several high potential programs
• Elected (and re-elected) to Board of Directors

Executive Director, CFO and Member of the Board of Directors

Delphi

• Prepared Asia-Pacific regional messages / presentations for Delphi Strategy Board, and for Delphi Board of Directors.
• Supported development and implementation of critical Asia-Pacific strategies.  Performed competitive intelligence and other special studies to identify risks / competitive threats and outlined regional / corporate response.
• Provided Miller Heiman strategic selling process training to Asia-Pacific personnel to improve value propositions and increase sales effectiveness.

Director Asia-Pacific Planning

• Management responsibilities for Finance, HR, General Affairs, and Six-Sigma.
• Active member of the Japan Strategy Board and Japan management team.  
• Six-Sigma Deployment Champion for Delphi Japan.

Delphi Japan – CFO & Administration Director

Country Responsibilities:
• Managed all finance functions including accounting, budgeting / forecasting and treasury.
• Lead development of cross-functional and cross-divisional Internal Control Review Board.
• Lead and supported strategic initiatives including venture development support, site enhancement, competitive analysis, transfer pricing, and cost reduction studies.
• Represented Japan in Asia-Pacific Financial Task Team.

Regional Responsibilities:
• Coached country CFO and staff to implement common financial reporting processes.
• Supervised and provided training for engineering / commercial / plant / site analysts.  Coordinated regional financial training programs for the sector in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Coordinated the regional budget, business plan, and capital management process.
• Supported development of common financial practices among ventures including:  Loan monitoring, F/X and cash management, compliance with accounting principles, report submission, etc. Provided regional oversight of venture risk exposure.

Asia-Pacific Senior Finance Mgr.

Executive Coach | MBA Professor | Ex-Global CFO

I help senior leaders master complexity, elevate strategic impact, and lead with authentic authority.

I bring over 25 years of C-level and boardroom experience as a former Global CFO for a $5B publicly traded company, combined with a deep commitment to human-centered leadership development.

Today, I coach global executives, CEOs, and leadership teams — specializing in executive transitions, strategic leadership, high-performance teams, and Asian leadership development.

I am also an MBA Professor of Leadership and Strategic Management, blending research-driven frameworks with boardroom-tested insights to develop transformational leaders.

Based in Kyoto, fluent in English, Urdu, and Japanese.

Connect with me: arif@thecfocoach.jp

Website: www.thecfocoach.jp (please sign up on my mailing list to receive future announcements and newsletters)

Arif Iqball

Open to: Board roles • Executive leadership opportunities • Advisory positions • Public speaking engagements in technology, policy, and digital transformation.

I’m a senior executive with 25+ years of leadership experience across data, technology, and policy, delivering measurable impact and innovation in complex, regulated environments.

Currently, I serve as CEO of LegaMart, a global legal-tech platform operating in 128 countries. I lead strategic growth, investor relations, AI integration, platform development, and governance. This role has sharpened my commercial acumen and provided full exposure to scaling a high-growth digital business, engaging investors, managing risk, and building sustainable value.

I bring board-level expertise in aligning digital strategy, evidence, and policy to unlock performance, resilience, and long-term impact across professional bodies, regulators, public institutions, and commercial tech platforms.

✅ Core strengths include:
- Executive leadership across AI, data strategy, digital platforms, and policy
- Scalable innovation and investor engagement in technology-led environments
- AI governance, regulation, and ethical implementation
- KPI-driven transformation in high-trust, regulated organisations
- Policy strategy, research leadership, and public value creation

✅ Research Expertise & Public Profile

I have a strong record of applied research and thought leadership that has influenced national policy. As Head of Research & Policy at ScreenSkills, I led the 2012 Employment Census of the Creative Media Industries, the largest of its kind, spanning TV, film, and interactive media. Its findings directly informed the creation of Project Diamond, a landmark diversity monitoring framework still used by UK broadcasters.

My work has consistently translated research into action, from informing DCMS’s adoption of the Creative Industries Economic Estimates as Official Statistics, to leading Future Worlds 2050 at The Law Society, which shaped cross-sector policy discussions on AI, law, and society.

I am regularly invited to speak at national and international conferences, and I publish across themes including AI ethics, innovation strategy, and regulatory futures. I have appeared on BBC News, Times Radio, and other platforms to translate complex insights for public and policy audiences.

Kion Ahadi

The most expensive AI education in the world... is now available free.

And it’s just a click away.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology just redefined what accessible AI education looks like, and it's a game-changer.

They have released 10 free, world-class AI courses. 
No coding required. 
No fees. 
Just pure access to some of the most valuable AI education available, from the same institution shaping the future of tech.

Here are some highlights:
1. Introduction to Machine Learning 
Learn the basics in plain English:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gT5HcRs5

2. Artificial Intelligence 
Understand how AI thinks and learns:
👉 https://lnkd.in/ggneRvcZ

3. Foundation Models and Generative AI 
Go behind the scenes of ChatGPT:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gNwgbtaE

4. Understanding the World Through Data 
Decode the data that shapes our lives:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gVdj_EhG

5. AI 101 
A beginner-friendly intro to key AI concepts:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gyJz7whc

6. Introduction to Deep Learning 
Explore the core of neural networks:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gq8PwrnP

7. ML with Python 
See how machines learn using Python:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gUdHfAhx

8. How to AI (Almost) Anything 
Creative uses of AI in music, art and more:
👉 https://lnkd.in/ghfgKgsx

9. AI in K-12 Education
Learn how AI is reshaping learning:
👉 https://lnkd.in/gs9Fesqy

10. Introduction to Algorithms
The logic behind smart AI systems:
👉 https://lnkd.in/g2P-3ptd

Whether you're a CEO navigating digital disruption, a policymaker shaping regulation, or a student just getting started, this is your launchpad.

Key Takeaways:
✅ AI is no longer niche. 
✅ It's foundational. 
✅ And thanks to MIT, it’s now free and accessible to anyone with curiosity and an internet connection.

Which course will you start with? Drop it in the comments. 👇

Happy Sunday!
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Dr. Kion Ahadi

The most expensive AI degree in the world... is now free.

And it’s just a click away.

Harvard University has released 6 lectures on AI and prompt engineering, no paywall, no sign-up, just world-class insights.

As someone who’s spent two decades leading AI strategy, data governance, and digital transformation across legal tech, public service, and regulated sectors… I can tell you this:

📌 Prompting is the new executive literacy.

But most professionals are still stuck at the surface level, tinkering, not transforming.

If you're serious about building AI fluency (for yourself or your team), these lectures are your starting point.

I've included the direct links below.
And added 4 bonus lectures to take you deeper.

HARVARD LECTURES
1. Introduction to Generative AI
A step-by-step guide to how GenAI actually works.
Link: https://lnkd.in/e9rWNjBE

2. Prompt Engineering
Real tips for improving output quality from any LLM.
Link: https://lnkd.in/e5nekvS2

3. Beyond Chatbots: System Prompts, RAG
Move past surface use cases into scalable applications.
Link: https://lnkd.in/exsX5tP7 

4. Generative AI in Teaching & Learning
How educators can adapt and lead with AI.
Playlist: https://lnkd.in/erdwPRvu

5. Teaching with AI in the Classroom
Frameworks for trainers and educators.
Link: https://lnkd.in/eWXskwWG

6. The Basics of Generative AI
No jargon. Just clarity.
Link: https://lnkd.in/eSCJ62Bi

BONUS DEEP DIVES
🟩 CS50x 2025 – Artificial Intelligence Lecture
LLMs, neural nets, and real-world use cases
Link: https://lnkd.in/eYg6vdCr

🟩 CS50 Extension – AI / Prompt Engineering
Design prompts that think with you
Link: https://lnkd.in/eJH4DWQR

🟩 GPT-4: How it works + how to build with it
Behind the curtain on GPT-4
Video: https://lnkd.in/eeh7QXUM

🟩 LLMs and the End of Programming
Why prompting is the new coding
Video: https://lnkd.in/e3JbSFi7

Key Takeaways:
 ✅ Harvard-level prompting knowledge is now free
 ✅ Great prompting isn’t optional, it’s leverage
 ✅ Watch 2 lectures and you’ll be miles ahead of most execs
 ✅ The future belongs to those who can communicate with machines strategically

Which lecture will you start with? Drop it in the comments.👇

Happy Saturday!
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The most expensive AI education in the world... is now free.

And it’s just a click away.
(Says someone with a PhD who’s spent 20+ years in AI and digital transformation.)

You don’t need a formal degree to break into AI.
You need access, and the right starting points.

Here are 8 powerful, free AI courses that can help anyone, from executives to creatives, build real skills:

1. Google’s AI Learning Path
✅ Great for foundational knowledge
👉 https://lnkd.in/d-xihRua

2. Microsoft’s Deep Learning Journey
✅ Practical skills from a tech giant
👉 https://lnkd.in/ddP5wndp

3. Harvard University’s AI with Python
✅ For the technically curious
👉 https://lnkd.in/dspziNjs

4. Vanderbilt University’s Prompt Engineering Masterclass
✅ Perfect your ChatGPT skills
👉 https://lnkd.in/dHTiW7hV

5. OpenAI’s Developer Prompting Course
✅ Straight from the source
👉 https://lnkd.in/dXttWJRX

6. UC Davis Big Data Specialisation
✅ For those looking to scale AI
👉 https://lnkd.in/dtibd25C

7. AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng
✅ Accessible, non-technical intro
👉 https://lnkd.in/drqErXpz

8. edX Application Building with AI
✅ Build real-world AI solutions
👉 https://lnkd.in/dk2_bkMH

🔎 Key Takeaways
• AI mastery is now democratised
• These aren’t to be ignored, they’re from tech giants & top universities
• You just need curiosity and commitment

💬 Which one are you diving into first?

Happy Friday!
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The most expensive AI education in the world... is free. All from NVIDIA the company that powers everything from ChatGPT to autonomous vehicles.
And it’s just a click away.

As someone who’s spent two decades driving digital transformation and AI strategy across legal tech, government, and professional bodies, including overseeing AI-powered innovation at The Law Society and scaling a global legal tech platform to 128 countries, I know how vital hands-on, accessible learning is to staying ahead.

Here are 11 NVIDIA courses you can access right now, all free and linked directly:

1. Generative Al Explained 
A simple intro to how gen Al works. No coding required. Link: https://lnkd.in/gGzipKBq 

2. Building A Brain in 10 Minutes 
Learn how neural networks think in under 10 min. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/giHj9tCM 

3. Al for All: From Basics to GenAl 
Practice From machine learning basics to creative Al tools. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gGzipKBq 

4. Getting Started with Al on Jetson Nano 
Build your first neural network with hands-on notebooks. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gbP9QUQZ 

5. Introduction to Al in the Data Center 
Learn GPU architecture and Al deployment basics. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gq4GZ5SP 

6. An Even Easier Introduction to CUDA 
Start parallel programming on GPUs. Beginner-friendly. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gq4GZ5SP 

7. Introduction to NVIDIA NIM Microservices 
Build, deploy, and scale Al models the simple way. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gJSZW6Dc 

8. Generative Al in Digital Health 
Build Al chatbots for healthcare and clinical notes. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gApPyj5W 

9. Al Weather Models with NVIDIA Earth-2 
Explore Al for weather prediction and climate apps. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gCCtcUNt 

10. Accelerated Computing with CUDA C/C++ GPU computing fundamentals. Start with vector addition. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/g9F5aKzS 

11. Generative Al with NeMo 
Customize text and multimodal Al models easily. 
Link: https://lnkd.in/gFaDpab8

✅ Key Takeaway:
Whether you’re in legal, data, public policy, or tech, learning from the source is a game-changer. I’ve helped shape national AI governance frameworks and led multi-million-pound digital transformations. 

These NVIDIA resources align with exactly the kind of skillsets future leaders will need.

Which one will you start with? Drop it in the comments. 👇

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BREAKING: Google just dropped 10 FREE AI courses.

You're one click away from gaining the AI skills top employers are actively hiring for.

As someone who’s led AI and digital transformation across legal tech, housing, and professional services, including deploying Azure OpenAI and machine learning tools at scale, I can tell you: these are the fundamentals recruiters look for.

Whether you're just starting out or upskilling for your next move, these courses are a solid foundation. Here’s the full list (with direct links):

1. Introduction to Generative Al
• Understand what Generative AI actually is and how it works. 
• Learn how to build simple AI applications using Google tools
🔗 https://lnkd.in/ghGR-kqa

2. Introduction to Large Language Models
• Get a clear understanding of models like ChatGPT. 
• Learn where LLMs are used, why they matter, and how they can be improved, without heavy tech terms.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gMKCQ7nf

3. Introduction to Responsible Al
• Learn how AI can be built ethically. 
• Explore Google’s 7 core principles for creating fair, safe, and responsible AI systems.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/g4EAJmGT

4. Prompt Design in Vertex Al
• Learn how to write better prompts to get better results from AI. 
• Practice creating text and images using Google’s AI tools with hands-on exercises.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gWJg-6aP

5. Introduction to Image Generation
• Understand how AI creates images from scratch. 
• Learn the core ideas behind modern image-generation models.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/ggZWmem7

6. Encoder-Decoder Architecture
• Learn how AI translates languages, summarizes content, and generates text. 
• A simple introduction to the backbone of language models.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gc-g3-fq

7. Attention Mechanism
• See how AI learns to focus on important information in text and images. 
• A quick and clear intro to one of the most important AI concepts.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gfXVJFPw

8. Transformer Models and BERT Model
• Understand the models that changed modern AI. 
• Learn how BERT understands context in language, and earn a digital badge on completion.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gGGKTCsS

9. Create Image Captioning Models
• Build AI models that can understand images and describe them in words. 
• Learn how vision and language work together.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/g62aH2sf

10. Introduction to Generative Al Studio
• Explore Google’s platform for building AI applications. 
• See real demos that show how ideas turn into working AI tools.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gRnedPKk

🎯 Key takeaway: You don’t need to break the bank to break into AI. 
Start small. 
Learn fast. 
Build real-world skills that matter.

👉 Which of these courses are you tackling first? 

Happy Monday!
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The most expensive AI degree in the world... is now free.

And it’s just a click away.

Stanford University, one of the top AI research institutions, has made its flagship AI & Machine Learning courses freely available on YouTube. 

No tuition, no gatekeeping. Just world-class learning.

As someone who's spent 20+ years driving AI and data-led transformation, and who spoke at a Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability webinar this November: https://lnkd.in/e9hd-NQD

I can confidently say: these courses are game-changers for anyone serious about AI.

Here are Nine courses worth bookmarking👇

1️⃣ CS221 – Artificial Intelligence: Principles & Techniques
↳ Core AI foundations: search, reasoning, planning, decision-making.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dD-zCpRV

2️⃣ CS224U – Natural Language Understanding
↳ How machines interpret meaning, semantics, and human language.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dvyKbgni

3️⃣ CS224N – NLP with Deep Learning
↳ Deep dive into transformers, embeddings, and modern NLP.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dWdzHA6B

4️⃣ CS229 – Machine Learning (Andrew Ng)
↳ The legendary ML course that started it all.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dNuiW9BM

5️⃣ CS229M – Machine Learning Theory
↳ Mathematical backbone: sample complexity, generalization, convergence.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dmyS2WZr

6️⃣ CS329H – ML from Human Preferences
↳ Where reinforcement learning meets alignment.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dz6uVz-N

7️⃣ CS230 – Deep Learning (Andrew Ng)
↳ Neural networks, CNNs, RNNs, and practical DL systems.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dZRdJhWb

8️⃣ CS234 – Reinforcement Learning
↳ Agents, environments, and reward-driven learning.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dh6QWS_f

9️⃣ CS330 – Deep Multi-Task & Meta Learning
↳ How models learn to learn. Transfer and generalization at scale.
🔗 https://lnkd.in/dFDYNMbj

The AI revolution is open-sourced. Your Stanford education is now one decision away, from curiosity to capability.

📣 Which of these will you start with? Comment below. 

Happy Monday!
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