Role: Founder & CEO
Tribe: ATOVA International

Mastery of the Body:
Movement has always been an important part of my life. I love running, hiking, training in the gym, HIIT, anything that gets the heart pumping and pushes me physically.

For me, mastery of the body isn't about chasing perfection. It's about energy, discipline and continuing to discover what I'm capable of. There is something powerful about choosing to do something difficult, staying with it when it gets uncomfortable, and coming out stronger on the other side.

Mastery of the Mind:
I believe growth happens at the edge of what we already know we can do. I deliberately try to take on challenges where I don't have all the answers and where success isn't guaranteed.

That can be uncomfortable, but that's the point. It forces me to learn, question my assumptions and keep evolving. I don't want to become someone who simply gets better at doing what he already knows how to do. I want to keep expanding what I am capable of, as a person, as a leader, and in service of the people who place their trust in me.

Mastery of the Spirit:
For me, mastery of the spirit comes down to service.

I've come to believe that kindness isn't simply something we are; it's something we practise. It means actively looking for opportunities to help, encourage, teach, support or lighten somebody else's burden.

One of the greatest expressions of that for me is developing the people at ATOVA. I love seeing someone discover capabilities in themselves that they didn't know were there, giving them responsibility, challenging them, supporting them through the uncomfortable moments and watching their confidence grow.

Building ATOVA gives me the opportunity to do that every day. Seeing extraordinary people grow, succeed and eventually help others do the same is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Role: Chairman

Tribe: Atova International UK

Mike joined ATOVA from the very beginning, helping shape its direction and purpose. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, he offers strategic guidance and financial oversight, ensuring ATOVA’s growth remains true to its mission and values. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in guiding ATOVA from vision to reality.

Role: National Culture & Values Liason - Indonesia

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

Nurul established ATOVA Internationals first overseas Tribe in Indonesia. Nurul now leads our Bali fieldbase. Deeply connected to the local community, she drives our education, health, and youth programs with compassion and purpose, embodying ATOVA’s mission of empowering people from within.

Role: International Communications & Storytelling Lead

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

Mastery of the Body: These days, movement means going from one appointment to another, cleaning a vacation rental, and working in the garden. But I’m learning to add different kinds of movement to a very busy schedule, one that incorporates more exercise for specific muscles and includes a lot of stretching. As I add this back into my schedule and the weather cools, I’m looking forward to hikes in our National Park.

Mastery of the Mind: This one is the easiest for me. I’m an artist and a writer. I meet new people and engage in conversation. I’m thinking of new ways to connect and communicate. I love learning and research. Every subject can be an adventure to explore.

Mastery of the Spirit: This is an area of my life I always pay close attention to. I meditate daily; I spend quiet moments in what I call radical imagination, exploring possibilities and discovering deeper solutions to everyday life.

Role: International Health, Safety & Welfare development lead.

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

Known for his adventurous spirit and warm heart, Karthick serves on ATOVA’s International Expert Advisory Group as our lead for Medical, Health, and Wellbeing. A qualified doctor with a deep passion for preventative medicine, palliative care, psychology, and holistic wellness, he brings unparalleled expertise, compassion, and insight to ATOVA.

A deeply spiritual individual, Karthick’s guiding hand has shaped ATOVA into what it is today and continues to support the organisation in meaningful and impactful ways. His commitment to service runs far beyond the clinic, famously once summiting 30 Himalayan peaks in 5 days alongside our founder while carrying out community support visits.

Role: International Leadership Operations & Development Lead.

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

With more than 20 years of experience across conversation, education, leadership and international development, I have had the privilege of living and working across many countries and cultures, delivering conservation education and supporting people and organisations to create meaningful, lasting change.

My journey has taught me that true leadership begins within. 

Mastery of the Body: 

Is about presence, vitality and resilience.

Mastery of the Mind: 

Is about curiosity, learning, perspective and the ability to navigate complexity.

Mastery of the Spirit:

Is about purpose, connection, integrity and service.

These three dimensions have shaped both my professional life and my personal philosophy. I believe our greatest impact comes when we develop ourselves fully and then use that growth to empower others.

As ATOVA’s International Leadership Operations & Development Lead, I bring decades of experience, an international perspective and a deep commitment to helping people become the very best version of themselves. 

Role: Expert Advisor

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

Stuart Harrowing is a former Royal Marine turned university leader with a passion for developing people, systems, and world-class learning environments. Drawing on his extensive operational background and leadership experience, Stu now serves on the International Expert Advisory Group, where he provides strategic operational insight and curriculum support to the senior leadership team.

Known for his calm, principled approach and ability to bridge military precision with academic innovation, Stu plays a key role in shaping programs that build resilience, capability, and global-minded leadership in students and staff alike.

Role: Expert Advisor

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

Emily brings outstanding experience and skill to the team. With her background in primary education and English as a Second Language, Emily supports the programs team with curriculum writing, and development. In particular with our Empowerment Through Education Program.

Emily ensures that all of the curriculums, handbooks and literature created for our education programs is of the highest quality, in line with international best practices, and contributing towards global goals.

Role: Expert Advisor

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

With over 40 years of experience in electronic engineering solutions, Tim brings a wealth of technical insight and systems-thinking to ATOVA’s International Expert Advisory Group. His career has taken him through a wide range of organisations, where he has worked alongside diverse teams to create reliable, practical, and forward-thinking engineering solutions.

Tim is known for his quiet brilliance, steady pragmatism, and an uncanny ability to spot problems long before anyone else notices them. He is also famously relentless, the kind of person who will quite literally never give up until the job is done, no matter how complex the challenge or how long it takes. His wisdom and behind-the-scenes guidance help ensure that our systems, technologies, and ambitions remain grounded, feasible, and future-ready. A lifelong tinkerer, natural problem-solver, and the person everyone turns to when something “just won’t work,” Tim brings a unique perspective that strengthens the whole organisation.

Role: Expert Advisor

Tribe: International Expert Advisory Group [IEAG]

Ann serves as ATOVA International’s International Safeguarding Lead, guiding our global safeguarding strategy and ensuring that every program we deliver protects the wellbeing, dignity, and rights of the vulnerable adults and children we exist to support. She plays a pivotal role in shaping safe practices across our organisation, embedding a culture where protection and accountability are at the core.

With decades of experience in education and safeguarding, Ann brings deep expertise from her career as a Headmistress of a UK school, a School Governer, and a leader in multiple roles focused on child protection, pastoral care, and organisational welfare. Her background gives her a comprehensive understanding of how to build safe environments, develop effective policies, and lead teams in best-practice safeguarding.