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I've spent the last two decades focused on education. Through a variety of roles in production, research, operations, curriculum design, marketing and stakeholder management, I have developed a broad understanding of what it means to run a business and drive growth through sales and marketing effort. My formative years in the education industry were spent in developing open-enrollment conferences and workshops for a tech audience.

Over the last 13 years, I have supported HR and IT professionals through certification-led classes which my company organised. As channel partner to  selected international accrediting bodies, this has involved developing sales and marketing campaigns, building our brand as channel partner, building awareness and educating the market about the certification pathway and the unique certification offerings we bring.

I also spent eight years as the founder and editor of a niche Human Resource publication which ran in Malaysia. In running this magazine, we learnt how to explore other revenue channels outside of subscription which supported us well. This included the development and running of  quarterly industry briefings  and breakfast roundtables with senior HR leaders which I moderated. I have written a book on building a body of work, currently working on my second book and have developed and delivered a course on leveraging LinkedIn.

I run a marketing and communications consultancy based in Canberra, Australia. I am also a marketing and communications manager (part-time) with an EdTech firm in Canberra.

For organisations looking to hire me
I am best suited for roles that broadly involve marketing, communication or content development as I can bring all of my experiences to bear. As an entrepreneur and someone who is immersed in the HR world, I have a keen understanding of business and talent drivers.

Expertise : communications | content development | digital marketing | LinkedIn | branding

Work experience

Marketing and Communication Manager

Jan 2020Present
Inspirity

A learning technology company based in Canberra, Australia.

Passionate about helping children reach their potential, Inspirity is the maker of Storyathon, Think Curiously, Skoolbo, ChuChu School and Chess Squad Academy.
Writing Legends, a comprehensive writing program, was launched in February 2020 in association with Oxford University Press (ANZ). This digital tool enables teachers to guide students through their writing development, providing writing prompts, tools and opportunities for timely feedback.

My role involves:-
- marketing and communication of Inspirity's products including Storyathon, Writing Legends, Daily Writers' Club and Skoolbo;
- executing on a social media strategy that builds community, improves retention and increases sales;
- enabling and managing customer success and engagement.

Founder and Creative Director

Sep 2019present
Digital Confluence

A boutique marketing and communications firm that supports businesses with bespoke solutions including white-label content development, digital product development, social media management and communication services.
LinkedIn profile optimisation | Ghostwriting | Copywriting | Digital Products

Editor/Publisher/Writer and Programme Director

Aug 2014Present
Vertical Distinct

VerticalDistinct.com, a media and learning organisation, supports you through a range of certification-led and professional development courses offered throughout APAC and the Middle East. We bring the best to you, ensuring fit + value.

Authorised Training Partner for:
I. CSA (Cloud Security Alliance) - delivering cloud security certification.
II. HCI (Human Capital Institute) - delivering in-demand HR certification for HR business partnering, talent acquisition, workforce planning, analytics for talent management, change management and more.

Contact me for an obligation-free discussion of your training needs:
I. Human Resource Directors, HR Managers, Learning and Development managers and Training professionals - are you looking to support the talent needs of your organisation?
II. Heads of IT, Network Security, Principal Engineers, Heads of Product and other tech professionals - are you looking for more learning on agile, kanban, cloud security, business architecture or more?

Customers include: BASF Asia Pacific, DHL Information Services APAC, Pure Circle, Baker Hughes, MH Wirth, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, British American Tobacco, Sabic Innovative Plastics, PT Glaxo Wellcome Indonesia, PT Sun Life Financial Indonesia, Oman Oil Refinery & Petroleum Industries company SAOC, VADS Berhad, Petronas, Malayan Banking Berhad, Heineken, Roche, Deloitte Consulting, Materialise, Time dotCom Berhad and more.

What do customers say?
"Excellent program and course content, a must-attend course for every HR practitioner who is keen to add value to the business and self."
Chandru Kanasen, HR Manager MH Wirth - the Strategic HRBP course.

"Objectives met and pace was at correct level."
Eric Koh, Ngee Ann Polytechnic - Cloud Essentials course.

If you're considering getting accredited and have questions, contact me at rmorais@verticaldistinct.com or +603 5021 8352. More info at www.verticaldistinct.com

Teacher | Digital Course Creator

May 2019Present
Skillshare

Skillshare is an American online learning community for people who want to learn from educational videos. The courses, which are not accredited, are available through subscription.

My first course | Build Influence Through LinkedIn: Part I Your Profile
How you can attract great jobs, grow a relevant network and achieve career success

Why take this class?
You may be holding a great job but you’re not sure how long it will last. You may want to keep your options open and ensure that when great roles do come up, you are noticed and headhunted. You understand that key to being approached is to be visible professionally, to have a network of relevant people who can support you when you need it and have others understand the value you bring in your area of expertise.

But how and where do you start?
By using this special link which gives you a one-month free trial ( https://skl.sh/2KqhEfp ) you can sign up for a Skillshare Premium Membership and enroll not just in my class but you’ll also gain access to all other classes on Skillshare.

This is part 1 of a three-part series of courses to help you build more influence.

Ghostwriter | Copywriter | Content Marketer | Editor | for hire

Apr 2007Present
rowenamorais.com

Helping you to build more influence by developing a clear and strong digital profile, building a purposeful network + building a strong body of work.

Supporting organisations, large and small, with the following:

  • developing content for websites, video scripts, email newsletters, social media posts;
  • developing corporate written and visual assets such as corporate profiles and reports, whitepapers, and brochures;
  • streamlining and strengthening an organisation's presence on social media through LinkedIn profile makeovers;
  • developing content for marketing or brand-building purposes which may be published as social media posts, blog posts or articles;
  • supporting communication efforts ie development of corporate speeches and proposal-writing.

Supporting senior executives, with the following:

  • ghostwriting content, published as articles or posts, to help build your professional brand;
  • streamlining and strengthening your social media presence through LinkedIn profile makeovers;
  • helping with article writing to build your professional brand through thought leadership;
  • supporting first-time authors looking to launch their book or who need help with the manuscript.

Customers include  a government-linked organisation in Malaysia, engineering and tech companies, consultancies, learning and development business, national FMCG organisation, a US-based tax accountant, a  US-based fitness and wellness coach and more.


What do customers say?
"I’m not a great writer or editor but I had some great content for a book, so I took it to Rowena. We worked together and with her excellent writing, organisation and editing skills, I now have a book published that is already bringing rave reviews! Rowena went the extra mile in helping me create great content and get a book ready for publication. I highly suggest her professional skills for anyone desiring to write and publish a book!"
Jake Hanes, CPA and author, The 7 Strategies of Highly Successful Business Owners, Seattle, Washington.

More info at www.rowenamorais.com

Founder and Host

2017Present
Thrive Meetup

This is a meetup group I built for professional/career women across all industries. Providing a regular and safe space for us to network, learn, support and mentor each other in one another in all our ventures.  Currently  running online meetups.

www.rowenamorais.com/thrive

Associate Editor

2016Present
HR Gazette

The HR Gazette is a community of leaders and influencers who offer fresh perspectives on topics such as HR Technology, Talent Management, Performance, Learning, Strategy and Leadership. This North American online publication has a global reach of 100,000 HR professionals and business leaders.

As Associate Editor, I help source and curate relevant HR articles for the platform and build a contributor base.

Columnist

Nov 2016Present
New Straits Times

English language newspaper published in Malaysia.

I write a weekly column covering Human Resources, communication and writing.

Contributing Writer

Dec 2013Dec 2018
Hppy and Women of HR

multiple publishing platforms

2016 | Hppy is an employee engagement insights platform, providing leaders and HR managers information, data and ideas for creating better workplaces. I am a contributing writer on HR issues.

2013 - 2018 | Women of HR is a US-based site dedicated to the development of women in HR and business. I am a contributing writer on HR issues.

Fundraiser

Oct 2018Mar 2019
Cancer Research Malaysia

Cancer Research Malaysia is an independent and non-profit cancer research organisation based in Malaysia which is funded entirely by donations and research grants and the public.

Raised money for cancer research so that the vital work into new cures, medical breakthroughs and innovative therapies may continue. This was a six-month campaign from Oct 2018 - Mar 2019.

Creative and Communications Specialist

Mar 2017Dec 2018
LeadWomen - lead-women.com

LeadWomen, a Malaysian organisation, supports women’s career goals and aspirations by providing a platform that empowers them to grow and develop continuously as great leaders and role models for the next generation. They are doing important work in encouraging greater gender diversity in decision- making positions and on boards in the professional workplace. 

I worked collaboratively with the team to identify, design and implement effective member communications, corporate announcements and engagement strategies to promote LeadWomen’s brand, programmes and services.

Co- Founder and Programme Director, Flipside and Editor, HR Matters Magazine

Aug 2004Feb 2015
Flipside Sdn Bhd

leading provider of technical and professional development training for the Asia Pacific market focused primarily on the Tech sector. Publisher of the quarterly  HR magazine, HR Matters. With offices in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

HR Matters Magazine is the old monicker for Accelerate Magazine. A publication founded in 2007, it began as a niche print magazine for Malaysian HR professionals and ran for eight years before migrating into the current Vertical Distinct publishing platform. I was the founder and editor of the magazine. I managed delivery of all technical and professional training course offerings.

  • Product development - Built a training business from the ground up, focused on instructor-led technical training, servicing Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Saudi Arabia. 
  • Media and Publishing - Over a period of eight years, launched and managed a niche quarterly magazine, HR Matters Magazine, catering to Human Resource professionals, that generated revenue via events, magazine subscription and built a community, both online and offline.

Co-Director/Co-Founder and Legal/Operations Director

Aug 1999Jul 2004
Tell Business Pty Ltd

Sydney based conference and seminar organiser , providing technology training, servicing Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Managed key positions in the areas of operations, technology and product development of online business educational products, in a team of 18. Managed all legal requirements for the company, including business plan development, VC funding, client relations, company secretarial filings, development of legal policies, personnel recruitment and employee relations. Was a key team member negotiating investment and financing opportunities explored.

Legal Advisor

Jan 1999Jul 1999
Homeseekers (NZ) Limited

Commercial real estate investment services firm based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Provided in-house counsel on property laws and negotiation on a project basis. 

Advocate & Solicitor

Feb 1997Nov 1998
Messrs Balendran, Chong & Bodi, Advocates & Solicitors

Legal firm specialising, among others, in commercial contracts, sale and purchase agreements, lease agreements and financing agreements. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Drafted and managed negotiations for commercial contracts, sale and purchase agreements for selected housing projects as well as financing agreements.

Education

Certificate of Legal Practice (CLP)

1996
University Malaya, Malaysia

Post graduate legal programme required for admission to the Malaysian Bar.

LL.B (Hons)

19911994
University of Glamorgan, Wales, UK (now known as University of South Wales)

Three year law degree programme.

Skills

Editing

Provide support through different editing functions - structural, developmental or copyediting.

Writing

Provide support in developing content for articles, blog posts, book reviews, Q&A pieces, opinion pieces. Can contribute on technical and business topics including Human Resources, Communication, Management and Technology.

Marketing

Content marketing, digital marketing and social media management including page and group management. Provide support in developing a content marketing plan.

Podcasts

Have experience producing podcasts on both Human Resources and Tech topics. 

Design

Provide design support for website, logo, social media posts, brochureware, email campaigns, flyers, book covers and more.

Portfolio - Book and Articles

Build a Body of Work - A Case Study on How to Build More Influence

This is a digital book which I have written and published in October 2019. Based on the last 12 years of my research and work helping people understand how to push forward and create opportunities for themselves by building more influence, I have boiled it down to three key elements you need. The book focuses on how to build a body of work that captures the essence of your efforts and expertise.

Download a free copy of my book at:
https://mailchi.mp/5030157832c5/free-ebook-bow

A selection of my articles below  :

1.  https://verticaldistinct.com/author/rowena/   (all my articles)

2. http://womenofhr.com/author/rowena-morais/ (US-based online community of HR leaders) 

3. http://www.rowenamorais.com   (My writing and editing business website)

4. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rowenamorais/ (My LinkedIn Pulse posts)

5. https://rowenamorais.contently.com/   (Online publishing platform)

6. Past full copies of Accelerate Magazine and HR Matters Magazines can be obtained from the dropbox link  - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d5q036nitlfv4ot/AAAmjuhTY9Fq0EggCmBN0PWYa?dl=0

Portfolio - Magazines, Podcasts, Videos

HR Matters Magazine

Certifications

Content Marketing Certified

Aug 2019
Hubspot Academy

International English Language Testing System

May 2013
British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment

Overall Band Score 8.5

Podcasts and Video Produced

Podcast - What Does It Take To Deliver Successful Change Programmes?  
An Interview with Elissa Farrow (audio file)
In this exclusive podcast, brought to you by Vertical Distinct, Rowena Morais talks to Elissa Farrow, an experienced consultant, facilitator and coach who specialises in portfolio, programme, project and change management. Global Board Secretary for the Change Management Institute, Elissa was invited on the call precisely because of her background in change management. The plan for the call was to examine the various factors which influence the delivery of successful change initiatives in organisations, considering issues like the role of managers, what commitment means as well as closer look at the relationship between the soft and hard issues at play. 
Listen at https://soundcloud.com/verticaldistinct/what-does-it-take-to-deliver-successful-change-programmes-an-interview-with-elissa-farrow 
Other podcasts  | http://verticaldistinct.com/podcast/ 


What It Takes To Begin Mentoring  
An Interview With Doug Lawrence (Youtube)

This video interview hosted by Rowena Morais, Editor of Vertical Distinct features guest, Doug Lawrence, who has been instrumental in developing a curriculum to train people on how to become effective mentors. 
This interview looks at what it takes to begin the mentoring journey. You will hear about : 
1. the need to have the right mindset; 
2. critical preparatory steps you need to take; 
3. how to identify the most appropriate mentee; 
4. what is called for in mentoring; and 
5. how to deal with mis-steps. 
 Watch on https://youtu.be/pVmTSIkJFG0 

TEDx Speaker - TEDxUUM

In the spirit of TED’s mission, “ideas worth spreading,” the TEDxUUM program which ran on 13 March 2018 was themed Prism. I was invited as one of 11 speakers. My talk - 'Become an Influencer'.
View my talk at https://youtu.be/fC9P_pwSA3c

TEDx Speaker - TEDxUCSI

In the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading", the TEDx UCSI programme which ran on 23 March 2019 was themed Mavericks and Misfits. I was invted as one of 12 speakers. My talk '- "Unfetter your dream". 
View my talk at: https://youtu.be/XSGhktdKwuo

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