Emerging Leader bios

About Our Novi Emerging Leaders 2024

Cassie Gasson

Cassie Gasson is the Co-CEO of Thrive, the fastest-growing workplace learning technology company.

Joining Thrive in 2019, Cassie soon became the youngest female director and shareholder for her contribution to driving significant growth that sources over 60% of the business’s ARR.

With a passion for innovation and a people-first culture, Cassie drives Thrive’s mission to deliver cutting-edge, personalised learning experiences to businesses worldwide.

She brings 10 years of leadership experience, helping businesses like Jet2holidays, AA and Frasers Group unlock their potential through smarter, AI-driven solutions. Under her leadership, Thrive is transforming the landscape, making learning more engaging, accessible, and impactful for everyone.

CHADYA EL KARIMI

I am Chadya El KARIMI, 38 year-old, born and raised in Morocco, I have been working for Bouygues for 15 years, 11 in Morocco and 4 in the UK in different positions, design , design management, Cost estimating, project management, planning, I like running, hiking, reading, I play piano and do a lot of yoga and meditation everyday.

Elin Ng

Elin Ng is Griffin’s Chief of Staff. She is a seasoned technology leader with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and executing complex projects.

Before Griffin, she was co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Salve, a VC-backed healthtech company, where she guided product and sales, spearheaded international expansion, and finally took the company to a successful exit.

Prior to this, Elin was an investigator & chartered accountant.

Farzana Naz

Farzana started her legal career after qualifying in April 2004. She has been practising for over 20 years. She joined Saracens Solicitors in February 2014 as a family consultant. In October 2018 she was promoted and became one of the directors. She continues to run the family law department as well as undertaking management duties and being involved in the running of the business.

georgia marchant

Georgia has over ten years of experience in PR and communications, spanning roles in both agency and in-house. Working across a diverse range of industries from hospitality to manufacturing and technology, she knows how to distill technical information into simple prose. Georgia is passionate about cross channel storytelling and is currently responsible for all aspects of external communications including; PR, Social Media, Analyst Relations and Executive communications. Having benefitted from some truly influential and transformative mentors in her career, Georgia carves out time for mentorship across both her team and individuals in the wider organization to ensure talent is nurtured to grow.

Vanessa Viney

Vanessa is UK and US Innovations Manager at Airbus Defence and Space, based at the company’s UK HQ in Stevenage. With over 27 years’ experience in the aerospace sector, Vanessa has worked on Mission Systems design for Earth Observation satellites, Project Management, Bid Management and Product Management. Today, she is responsible for a portfolio of Innovation projects and is experienced in Innovation methods and tools – she is a ThinkWrong facilitator, motivator and ecosystem connector. Vanessa is also involved in outreach activities – such as the UK Youth Rocketry Competition – and is a ‘Women in Defence’ mentor as well as an active member of the internal Equality and Gender Diversity Working Group.

Achieved a Masters degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering from the University of Southampton. She is married with 2 children and enjoys swimming, cycling, sailing and traveling. In the past, she was lucky enough to run a Charity Project in Africa.

Tolulope Osobu

I’m a Chartered Chemical Engineer and Management Consultant with a global professional services firm. I’ve led projects across diverse sectors including biopharmaceuticals, medical, consumer goods, and Energy. My expertise lies in Industry X, where I leverage Lean methodologies, data analytics, and digitization to optimize manufacturing processes and drive value creation.

As a dedicated advocate for young professionals, I created inSTEM Blog, a digital platform reaching nearly 2,000 members worldwide. Through this, I provide valuable resources, mentorship, and career guidance for early-career individuals that helps them navigate the challenges and opportunities of the post-university landscape. My commitment to fostering excellence has been recognised with a Rising Star STEM Finalist nomination at the 2023 Black British Business Award.

Victoria Thorpe

Victoria leads Accenture’s Health & Public Sector Technology Strategy & Advisory practice.

She has extensive experience in technology strategy and advisory roles across a range of health and public service clients. Her focus is on delivering projects to support clients’ strategic and technology agendas.