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Team
Chris Lawer
Previously holding the position of Managing Director at Strategyn UK, he led the adoption of innovative management practices in global enterprises within the medtech, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors, including Coloplast, Ahlstrom, SCA Hygiene, Mundipharma, Sanofi, and others.
He played a key role in attracting investments to the Scottish economy, particularly in the area of diagnostic technology for diabetic foot ulcers.
Additionally, he crafted compelling value propositions for the EU Horizon program and provided essential guidance to SME consortia in securing vital final-stage grant funding.
As an accomplished author, his works such as "Interactional Creation of Health" (2021) and "Health Ecosystem Value Design" (2017) have made significant contributions to the field.
With an MPhil from Cranfield School of Management and experience as a visiting fellow, Chris occasionally shares his expertise as an adjunct part-time lecturer at the New York Institute of Technology School of Architecture and Design, where he teaches the Umio experience model and framework to Masters students, promoting the design of inclusive and equitable urban spaces.
Nicki Sutton
Nicki's career spans over two decades, during which she has demonstrated leadership across the innovation process; from identifying unmet market needs, developing evidence-based innovation strategy and generating new concepts, to realising products through science and technology R&D.
Her strategic insights have helped to create successful growth products and new markets in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and consumer health sectors, addressing pressing health challenges faced by communities worldwide.
Nicki's ability to connect with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds, cultures, and regions—including the UK, Europe, the United States, Mexico, Kenya, India, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia—underscores her global perspective and empathy. This multicultural and compassionate approach enriches her work, allowing her to capture and address healthcare needs with sensitivity and inclusivity.
She joins Umio from Cambridge Design Partnership where she held a director position. Previously she worked with Chris Lawer, Umio CEO, for seven years at Strategyn UK (see Chris’s bio).
Nicki has a BSc Physics from Manchester, an MSc Biomedical Engineering from Surrey, and an MSc Strategic Marketing from Cranfield School of Management.
Daniel Pesut
Dan holds the prestigious title of Emeritus Professor of Nursing at the University of Minnesota, marking him as a distinguished authority in the field.
As a visionary in futures thinking and foresight leadership, he has earned a fellowship with the American Academy of Nursing, signifying his outstanding contributions.
Widely acclaimed as an educator in nursing, Dan's multifaceted career spans roles as an academic, researcher, consultant, and mentor.
With a PhD in Nursing from the University of Michigan and a Master's degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center, his expertise and dedication to the field are beyond question.
Angela Kennedy
With three decades of experience, Angela has served as the mental health clinical lead for the NHS in Northern England, championing compassionate leadership and spearheading the creation of a nationwide network dedicated to transformative change.
Recognized as an authority on workplace culture, the therapeutic use of creative arts, issues surrounding women's health and employment, as well as the prevention of suicide and self-harm, Angela has also made her mark as a producer of impactful documentaries focusing on women's health issues and the prevention of suicide.
Anne Hackworthy
Anne is a fourth generation HM Armed Forces Royal Navy Veteran, following in the naval service tradition of both her parents.
Since leaving the navy, Anne has been a residential social worker, founded and ran local charities, and been the managing director of her local community centre. She has worked with Hampshire Probation as a Veteran peer mentor as well as Age UK Portsmouth as a Veteran befriender. Prior to having her family, Anne was a Psychiatric Auxiliary Nurse, working on secure wards as well as community placements.
Anne studied Psychology, Sociology and Education at Portsmouth University. She is registered disabled and lives with chronic pain, amongst other health issues.
Anne works as our lived experience adviser on our Umio for HM Armed Forces Veterans with Chronic Pain project.