Dena Michelli Biography

Dena began her professional life as a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry where she worked as a design engineer. However, as a result of furthering her education as a mature student, she developed a passion for adult learning and development and, after several years, decided to expand this interest further. Her career step was marked by joining the Institute of Management, a professional body, and took responsibility for the senior executive development of members. 

Deciding to work internationally, Dena left to join the London Business School as Business Development Director for the Executive Education arm of the business. This took her travelling across the world and gave her direct exposure to many of the business issues facing large, multinational organisations. It was here, too, that she built her experience as a programme director and coach, taking responsibility for the flagship senior executive programme. After leaving London Business School, Dena became a full-time consultant with Potentia International, a consultancy specialising in the identification, development and deployment of senior executive talent. She became independent in 2002 to create time to finish her PhD studies. Since this time, she has worked with many international organisations and business schools. 

Dena completed her MSc in Human Resource Development at Lancaster University in 1996 and her PhD on 'Transformative Learning' at the University of Surrey in 2004. She has authored, co-authored or contributed to many books on topics that help to build personal effectiveness.

In her spare time, Dena likes to make stained glass windows in the medieval style and, in 2012, graduated with an MA in Architectural Glass from the Swansea Metropolitan University.