Desmond Chen | Collective Change Institute
Desmond Chen
– Authentic human-centric business leader with deep passion for people
– 16 year regional and global HR leadership career across diverse industries
– Extensive mentoring and group facilitation experiences across diverse cultures and leadership levels
– Leads a Curious Life in “Unlearning and Relearning Everyday”
Professional Background
Human-centricity has been the essence of Desmond ever since he started working customer-facing jobs at age of 16 and found HR as his true calling after graduation in hospitality. Today, he is a business leader with 16 years of diverse HR expertise in senior regional and global roles across various industries. He specializes in scaling global business and people transformation through embedding people priorities as part of the business strategy and effective change management. Desmond was recognized by HRD Magazine in 2024 as one of Asia’s “Best HR Leaders” for his forward-thinking, impact-driven leadership.
Guided by his core principle, “Positively Impacting the World Every Day,” Desmond is deeply committed to shaping inclusive, people-first cultures that are instrumental for thriving businesses. Over the last few years, he has coached and mentored managers and senior leaders globally, and seen the transformation in their growth journey as individuals and as leadership teams.
Coaching Specialty
- Leadership Development for First Time Managers, Mid-Career and Senior Professionals
- Career Development
- DEI: Global Culture and Inclusivity
- Personal Growth & Fulfilment
- Change & Transformation
Personal Background
Desmond used to be an introverted gamer who has evolved over the years to be a confident extrovert/ambivert over the years. He actively seeks out varied experiences and role models for him to learn from.
Today he is a father of 2 daughters and fatherhood has taught him to be gentler and kinder with himself and others. Coming to 40, life is no longer about achieving outcomes and milestones, but an appreciation of the little things in life’s journey and live a fuller life.
As a weekend foodie adventurer and part-time gamer, he now also spends more quality time with family, swim actively again (trying to), and occasionally meditates.
Coaching Style
Every client is a unique story. Desmond is an authentic and empathetic coach who listens and provides a safe space to speak freely. His warmth and energy will put his clients at ease, whilst he strives to understand his clients as a whole. He then empowers clients to find their answers within with a structured approach, whilst illuminating possibilities through mindset shifts and intentional actions.
Personal Philosophy
When life is a school of hard knocks, make lemonades and party! – Desmond
