National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation – UNESCO Paris/Cairo Developed organisational staffing plan and implementation recommendations.  Analysed issues, developed job descriptions to align people with museum mission, evaluated space planning, and identified hiring and training priorities to prepare for the 2012 opening. Synthesised multiple inputs, developed, and managed end-to-end process for €200k training tender for school of museology to support capacity development in Egypt.

UNESCO Netherlands Learning Advisor, project management facilitator for “First Aid Training” for Culture in Crisis–month long program to develop local professional capacities for protecting heritage in conflict and disaster areas.

Riwaya Museum Bethlehem- UNESCO Ramallah Working with a multinational team and Norwegian donor organisation to complete a comprehensive strategic sustainability plan for a Palestinian narrative museum in Bethlehem. This involved a survey of local cultural institutions, SWOT analysis, developing stakeholder strategies and recommendations for governance, project management, staffing and capacity building for the museum.

Cultural Innovations – London  Led consulting team which conducted benchmarking and best practice research for international clients including the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (survey of Artists Residences), and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (global survey of museum governance for a $1.6 billion investment). Developed approach for staffing and organisational project plan for the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Analysed and developed competency map for cultural consultants. Defined job descriptions and identified three levels of skill sets to prioritise staff development and guide strategic organisational growth.

Royal Geographical Society- London Co-curator and consultant to RGS for exhibition: From Kabul to Kandahar 1833-1933 the first phase of Crossing Continents Connecting Cultures, a three year initiative to engage Muslim and other ethnic communities with RGS photographic collections. Visitor numbers to the RGS increased by 55% throughout the six months of exhibit.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture Kabul, Afghanistan.  Onsite project consultant and researcher supporting five-year reconstruction of an 11-hectare 16th century Mughal burial garden. Provided project management training to architects, engineers and surveyors, contributed historical research to conservationists and archaeologists. Established educational/visitor centre, initiated a successful community engagement programme pilot with Save the Children; developed interpretation panels and garden walk guide.

BBC London Led 14-month project to establish a customer-focused culture for the Information and Archive service. Engaged staff through innovative customer surveys and process mapping, restructured organization, directed installation of new telephony system under strict time constraints due to major office relocation. Project delivered on time and under budget to save £300,000 annually while dramatically improving service to BBC programme producers.

Turquoise Mountain Foundation Kabul, Afghanistan.  Identified strategic priorities, developed and implemented team building program to align people with priorities, improve communication and strengthen director group in preparation for significant organisational change.

What cultural clients and colleagues say:

“Of particular value to any organisation is Deborah’s commitment to life-long-learning. Deborah is broadly read and extremely well informed across a spectrum of cultural and social issues. Deborah has developed and maintains an outstanding network of professional colleagues across the globe over decades of work in multiple cultures which empowers her to link shared interests around the world.”

“Deborah brings a sense of perspective and maturity that has been very valuable to our team. She’s also funny; her humour has helped in times of despair!”

“Fantastic to work with. A real inspiration. The most professional and innovative project manager within the BBC at the moment.”

“Deborah’s superior interpersonal skills were frequently demonstrated in the management of her consulting team. Her concern for, and leadership of, her team was superior; she gave them great trust and opportunity for growth and they returned great loyalty to the team and to the organisation.”

“Natural talent for facilitating this course; calm and open, sharing her experiences and kept all participants engaged.”