Nicola Choo Email & Phone Number

Singapore

Singapore

As Co-founder, I draw on my knowledge in a range of fields from visual art, neuroscience, cognition, psychology and learning sciences to develop coaching and facilitation tools and frameworks for deep thinking and transformational change. My expertise is in creating coaching or training programmes that utilizes drawing (yes, the 'magical talent' of realistic drawing) to reframe perspectives, challenge assumptions, understand complex problems and create breakthrough solutions. As Lead Facilitator, I use the drawing tools to facilitate deeply experiential and critically reflective workshops to help individuals understand themselves, clarify their goals, identify their obstacles and find ways to overcome them. Workshop participants leave with increased confidence, commitment and insight to direct themselves and their teams in new ways that continually expand their capacity for growth and enhance business performance. Some of our clients include Credit Suisse, Apple (South Asia), Aviva (Singapore & Vietnam), Interbrand - Global Brand Consultancy, Rio Tinto (Singapore), Koru Partners, Ministry of Education (Singapore) and EM Services Pte Ltd. Our drawing programme was also featured on Channelnewsasia.

Within Escher, I develop programs that bridge research and theory in psychology with practical applications and employability skills to enhance employee performance and professional development. I collaborate closely with clients to understand their specific needs and challenges, providing strategic guidance and actionable solutions that guide professionals towards building sustainable careers and facilitating successful career transitions.

Singapore

In my personal capacity, I collaborate with and support EREVNA to design and deliver training programs related to Authentic Leadership Conversations™ (ALC) to help organisations identify critical conversations and improve psychological safety at the workplace, and What Motivates Me Engagement Training™, the world's leading motivation experience by New York Times bestselling authors and workplace experts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton.

Singapore

An educator at heart, I am particularly energised with my interactions with students, who have not only learned to draw, but have learned to see themselves and the world in different ways. I believe this valuable skill of perceptive observation will help our young undergrads grow in confidence to become critical thinkers and creative problem solvers in a VUCA world.I teach courses for the degree and post-graduate programs relating to:- Pedagogy (educational theories, teaching approaches and methods)- Children Artistic Development (in relation to brain and intellectual development from birth to adolescence)- Drawing (for visual inquiry, creative thinking and problem solving)- Psychogeography (the impact of the physical environment on human psychology and behaviour)I also mentor trainee teachers in my role as Practicum Supervisor with the National Institute of Education / NTU.

South Asia

As a Professional Development Consultant for Apple, I worked with schools in Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines to train faculty in the innovative use of Apple technology to enhance teaching and learning. In 2013, Drawing Right also collaborated with Apple to develop the training plan and curriculum, and conduct Apple's first ever train-the-trainers programme, Learning Academy, in Singapore.

Singapore

As Principal Educator, I worked with schools to redesign their art curriculum and train teachers in new ways of engaging children's imagination and cognitive development through the arts. During this time, I also co-authored the Primary 3 and 4 art textbooks used in schools all throughout Singapore. A firm believer of collaboration between schools and the wider community, I organized U.S. based master ceramicist, Fong Choo's inaugural exhibition and masterclass in Singapore. Entitled 'Full Circle: An Exhibition of Diminutive Teapots by Fong Choo', this event was featured on Channel News Asia, TODAY newspaper and The Business Times, and encompassed a demo and dialogue, a masterclass and an exhibition, that enabled teachers, students, art enthusiasts and artists to interact and learn from each other.

Henderson Secondary School, Singapore

As Head of Department, I drove the visual and performing arts programme forward and developed a new and innovative arts curriculum for the school, with a vision of providing as many platforms for students to showcase their learning and achievements. These included the new tradition of a biannual public art exhibition and arts performance - bringing together hundreds of students involved in the visual arts, choir and band performing groups. The work that I do is driven by my belief in the power of growth mindsets, as I focus on empowering disadvantaged students to achieve success and growth on multiple platforms. The school's success was not driven by me alone. I led a team of 15 highly committed teachers to the school's first gold in and official opening performance for the Singapore Youth Festival, and in many community projects with MP, Ms Indranee Rajah for the Tanjong Pagar constituency.

Master Of Arts (M.A.), Educational Management, Gold Award For Best Performance In The Maem Programme

Master of Arts (Educational Management) 4 key areas: 1) Transformational Leadership - Principles and practices based on the science.

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), First Class Honours, Education

Awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and the Art Gold Medal for best performance and excellent proficiency throughout the course of study.