Christine Hemphill
Founder and Managing Director
Open Inclusion
I founded, designed, built, and lead this research, design, and innovation agency based in London. Open Inclusion is focussed on inclusion of disabled and older consumers. I have imagined and am creating the next version of Open Inclusion that is even stronger and more capable in its delivery of value to clients and consumers.
It is very challenging and can transform people's experiences and therefore their lives in positive ways.
I lead the team. I have meetings with people coordinating, supporting, reviewing and collaborating. I write and review documents for client delivery. I help people progress in their roles, share their skills and their ideas. Woo new clients. I look after current clients. And Ianage some of the administration, also.
My journey has been weird and wonderful. From mineral sales and steel mills in North Asia, to dot com business in Hong Kong and Europe, to banking proposition design, professional athlete, digital design then finally inclusive design. It's not a straight line! Also squashed in a few kids and weekends off mountain guiding, surf patrolling (pre-kids), or racing in a range of sports along the way.
The future is strengthening my current business and building both it and the market for inclusive design and innovation services. Also a new venture that aligns closely to this is leveraging the same resources but in a new way for greater impact.
Ski (cross country, touring, alpine or telemark), run, ride a bike (mountain bike or road), surf, swim and other water sports when I can.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!' " - Hunter S. Thompson