The ProfitAbility Business Simulations Team
Nigel Downing, co-founder and Managing Director
Nigel is a research scientist by background and was educated at Cambridge University (Tripos in Natural Sciences and PhD in Zoology). In 1990 he partnered with Brian Helweg-Larsen as a two-man team, which has since grown to what ProfitAbility is today.
Aside running ProfitAbility programmes worldwide — and being crucial to the development of the early Classic and Customised simulations — Nigel has spent much of his time building the business through various partners and by opening the US office.
In his spare time, and thanks to long term support from ProfitAbility, Nigel still occasionally blows bubbles for science as a Marine Biologist in the southern Seychelles (www.aldabra.org). Nigel grew up in South Africa, Mauritius and the Mozambique Channel, and is a fluent French speaker. He is married to Trish, a personal trainer and between them they have 3 sons and a daughter.
Nigel is a research scientist by background and was educated at Cambridge University (Tripos in Natural Sciences and PhD in Zoology). In 1990 he partnered with Brian Helweg-Larsen as a two-man team, which has since grown to what ProfitAbility is today.
Aside running ProfitAbility programmes worldwide — and being crucial to the development of the early Classic and Customised simulations — Nigel has spent much of his time building the business through various partners and by opening the US office.
In his spare time, and thanks to long term support from ProfitAbility, Nigel still occasionally blows bubbles for science as a Marine Biologist in the southern Seychelles (www.aldabra.org). Nigel grew up in South Africa, Mauritius and the Mozambique Channel, and is a fluent French speaker. He is married to Trish, a personal trainer and between them they have 3 sons and a daughter.
Brian Helweg-Larsen, co-founder and Director of Product Development
Brian is the founder and Director of Product Development for ProfitAbility Business Simulations Ltd. He originally studied Zoology at Oxford University, before moving into personal development training in partnership with Tony Buzan, inventor of the Mind-Map technique. After teaching both faculty and students at seven British universities, Brian lectured for several corporate universities (including Barclays Bank and GEC) and business schools (including the CEI in Geneva) on advanced learning techniques and creative and analytic thinking skills.
He has travelled the world teaching executives, managers and staff of global corporations, including Abbott Laboratories, Unilever, Diageo and ICI in English, French and Spanish in 24 countries across 6 continents.
Since the 1980s he has concentrated on teaching business acumen to managers and staff at all levels, through experiential simulations.
In 2002 he wrote “How to Understand Business Finance” (with Robert Cinnamon) — available to buy from the Amazon website — which has consistently been a best-selling Sunday Times business book — now reprinted and translated into Chinese and other languages.
Brian is qualified as a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). His personal interests include playing the clarinet, learning languages, water sports, skiing, personal development and bell ringing. He is married with two sons and one daughter.
Brian is the founder and Director of Product Development for ProfitAbility Business Simulations Ltd. He originally studied Zoology at Oxford University, before moving into personal development training in partnership with Tony Buzan, inventor of the Mind-Map technique. After teaching both faculty and students at seven British universities, Brian lectured for several corporate universities (including Barclays Bank and GEC) and business schools (including the CEI in Geneva) on advanced learning techniques and creative and analytic thinking skills.
He has travelled the world teaching executives, managers and staff of global corporations, including Abbott Laboratories, Unilever, Diageo and ICI in English, French and Spanish in 24 countries across 6 continents.
Since the 1980s he has concentrated on teaching business acumen to managers and staff at all levels, through experiential simulations.
In 2002 he wrote “How to Understand Business Finance” (with Robert Cinnamon) — available to buy from the Amazon website — which has consistently been a best-selling Sunday Times business book — now reprinted and translated into Chinese and other languages.
Brian is qualified as a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). His personal interests include playing the clarinet, learning languages, water sports, skiing, personal development and bell ringing. He is married with two sons and one daughter.
Sarah Helweg-Larsen, Director of Finance
Sarah is Brian’s wife. They met while studying Zoology at Oxford and have been married since 1975. They have three adult children and live in Hambleden, Oxfordshire. In 1983 Sarah started and ran a Montessori nursery school in Johannesburg for four years. Since returning to the UK in 1987 she has run the accounting and financial management of ProfitAbility Business Simulations.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys countryside activities including tending the local vineyard. She is Churchwarden of her local church and also a bell ringer.
Sarah is Brian’s wife. They met while studying Zoology at Oxford and have been married since 1975. They have three adult children and live in Hambleden, Oxfordshire. In 1983 Sarah started and ran a Montessori nursery school in Johannesburg for four years. Since returning to the UK in 1987 she has run the accounting and financial management of ProfitAbility Business Simulations.
In her spare time Sarah enjoys countryside activities including tending the local vineyard. She is Churchwarden of her local church and also a bell ringer.
Helen Atkinson, Simulation Developer
Helen initially started life at ProfitAbility in 2001 working within Course Logistics and later in several other departments within the company. Her knowledge of retail combined with her extensive knowledge of ProfitAbility’s products and a degree in Business & Finance led her to join the simulation development team in 2007, where she has been involved in creating and developing many of ProfitAbility’s leading simulations.
Helen was born in Canada and has lived in Paris, but now she lives with her partner in the UK and enjoys skiing, horse riding, reading and watching movies—if she ever has spare time!
Helen initially started life at ProfitAbility in 2001 working within Course Logistics and later in several other departments within the company. Her knowledge of retail combined with her extensive knowledge of ProfitAbility’s products and a degree in Business & Finance led her to join the simulation development team in 2007, where she has been involved in creating and developing many of ProfitAbility’s leading simulations.
Helen was born in Canada and has lived in Paris, but now she lives with her partner in the UK and enjoys skiing, horse riding, reading and watching movies—if she ever has spare time!
Emma Beasley, Company Secretary
Emma works with Director of Finance, Sarah Helweg-Larson, in the accounts department. With a BTEC in Business & Finance coupled with AAT and ACCA qualifications, Emma brings a wealth of experience and many years at managerial level to ProfitAbility.
Living locally with her husband and two children, Emma enjoys running and swimming and is Treasurer for her son’s pre-school.
Emma works with Director of Finance, Sarah Helweg-Larson, in the accounts department. With a BTEC in Business & Finance coupled with AAT and ACCA qualifications, Emma brings a wealth of experience and many years at managerial level to ProfitAbility.
Living locally with her husband and two children, Emma enjoys running and swimming and is Treasurer for her son’s pre-school.
Alex Draper, Business Development Consultant, USA
Alex was going to be a primary school geography teacher—now he teaches adults business! After 4 successful years in developing ProfitAbility in Europe, Alex moved to the USA and is now duplicating his success in North America. For the last three years he has been developing the NA business, focusing on his favourite industries: food and beverage, manufacturing, and education. He is a certified trainer in Enterprise ProfitAbility and Legal ProfitAbility.
Alex has high levels of passion and energy for his job, that also spill into his favourite hobbies: playing rugby, and kayaking on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Alex was going to be a primary school geography teacher—now he teaches adults business! After 4 successful years in developing ProfitAbility in Europe, Alex moved to the USA and is now duplicating his success in North America. For the last three years he has been developing the NA business, focusing on his favourite industries: food and beverage, manufacturing, and education. He is a certified trainer in Enterprise ProfitAbility and Legal ProfitAbility.
Alex has high levels of passion and energy for his job, that also spill into his favourite hobbies: playing rugby, and kayaking on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Thanuja Kandasamy, Simulation Developer
Thanuja joined ProfitAbility in May 2002 as a Simulation Designer after graduating with a Degree in Pure Mathematics. She is involved in the full development of business simulations. In addition to development, she is also involved in facilitating. Thanuja enjoys the experience of meeting clients from various parts of the world and gains enormous satisfaction from creating simulations that satisfy their needs.
Outside work Thanuja is kept very busy with her two young children.
Thanuja joined ProfitAbility in May 2002 as a Simulation Designer after graduating with a Degree in Pure Mathematics. She is involved in the full development of business simulations. In addition to development, she is also involved in facilitating. Thanuja enjoys the experience of meeting clients from various parts of the world and gains enormous satisfaction from creating simulations that satisfy their needs.
Outside work Thanuja is kept very busy with her two young children.
Idris Memon, Business Development Manager
Idris Memon joined ProfitAbility in May 2008. His role includes business development and co-ordination of the Business Development team. Idris is a motivated, enthusiastic and ambitious individual. His positive outlook and drive are utilised in developing new clients and maintaining existing accounts. Idris’ focus is on legal, telecoms and energy companies and he has product knowledge about The Change Simulation programme that was used at Harvard business School for 10 years.
Away from the office Idris has a love of sports—in particular football and cricket. Idris is a social animal!
Idris Memon joined ProfitAbility in May 2008. His role includes business development and co-ordination of the Business Development team. Idris is a motivated, enthusiastic and ambitious individual. His positive outlook and drive are utilised in developing new clients and maintaining existing accounts. Idris’ focus is on legal, telecoms and energy companies and he has product knowledge about The Change Simulation programme that was used at Harvard business School for 10 years.
Away from the office Idris has a love of sports—in particular football and cricket. Idris is a social animal!
Sophie Mills, Marketing Coordinator
Sophie works with the Marketing Manager and Sales Teams, coordinating projects and marketing initiatives and helping to bring them to fruition. Sophie brings a broad range of knowledge in experiential learning from previous roles in sales, marketing and training within the education, finance and IT sectors.
Having lived and worked in Sweden for 5 years, Sophie is fluent in Swedish. Sophie now lives locally with her husband and their children, Lydia and Tabitha. She is a keen horse rider, plays the violin and has other interests including art and skiing.
Sophie works with the Marketing Manager and Sales Teams, coordinating projects and marketing initiatives and helping to bring them to fruition. Sophie brings a broad range of knowledge in experiential learning from previous roles in sales, marketing and training within the education, finance and IT sectors.
Having lived and worked in Sweden for 5 years, Sophie is fluent in Swedish. Sophie now lives locally with her husband and their children, Lydia and Tabitha. She is a keen horse rider, plays the violin and has other interests including art and skiing.
Lindsay Robinson, Simulation Developer
After graduating from York University with a Masters in Mathematics and Computer Science, Lindsay joined ProfitAbility as a simulation designer in Nov 2001. Lindsay works on the full life cycle of a product—from taking the original scope from the client to developing the simulation, supporting the facilitators on courses and continued improvement of ProfitAbility’s products. She has worked with many companies across different industries and loves the experience of working with clients to develop solutions that match their needs. Lindsay’s highlight is seeing the results ProfitAbility’s simulations bring to its customers.
In her spare time, Lindsay loves ballroom dancing, skiing and playing music.
After graduating from York University with a Masters in Mathematics and Computer Science, Lindsay joined ProfitAbility as a simulation designer in Nov 2001. Lindsay works on the full life cycle of a product—from taking the original scope from the client to developing the simulation, supporting the facilitators on courses and continued improvement of ProfitAbility’s products. She has worked with many companies across different industries and loves the experience of working with clients to develop solutions that match their needs. Lindsay’s highlight is seeing the results ProfitAbility’s simulations bring to its customers.
In her spare time, Lindsay loves ballroom dancing, skiing and playing music.
Leon Roos, Account Manager / Simulation Developer
Leon worked in retail management for 13 years at different levels before joining ProfitAbility as a Simulation Developer and Account Manager for one of ProfitAbility’s biggest clients. Leon brings applied knowledge in business administration and front line management, coupled with a thorough understanding of business strategy, which he enjoys seeing come to life through people. Leon enjoys the challenge large projects offer and takes pleasure in creating ‘life like’ simulations for ProfitAbility’s clients.
Leon is married with a daughter. His interests include cycling, swimming, golf and reading.
Leon worked in retail management for 13 years at different levels before joining ProfitAbility as a Simulation Developer and Account Manager for one of ProfitAbility’s biggest clients. Leon brings applied knowledge in business administration and front line management, coupled with a thorough understanding of business strategy, which he enjoys seeing come to life through people. Leon enjoys the challenge large projects offer and takes pleasure in creating ‘life like’ simulations for ProfitAbility’s clients.
Leon is married with a daughter. His interests include cycling, swimming, golf and reading.
Lisa Spring, Administration Assistant
Lisa works with Annette organising and distributing the material required for ProfitAbility’s simulations, along with other office and administration work.
Lisa previously worked in the Police Force and has a passion for volley ball and badminton, together with a love of all things sporty. She is married with two young children.
Lisa works with Annette organising and distributing the material required for ProfitAbility’s simulations, along with other office and administration work.
Lisa previously worked in the Police Force and has a passion for volley ball and badminton, together with a love of all things sporty. She is married with two young children.
Phil Walsh, Client Team Leader
Having been at ProfitAbility Business Simulations since 2002, Phil brings a wealth of industry knowledge which he aptly applies to the management of the Sales Team. Phil is passionate about working with new accounts and developing robust and lasting relationships that deliver success to ProfitAbility’s customers. As part of a learning organisation, Phil consistently develops and improves business processes, leading to increased selling time for ProfitAbility’s Business Development Managers. He is a capable French-speaker. More recently Phil has developed and implemented the concept of client-focussed teams for each of our customers, drawing on the specific strengths and skills from within ProfitAbility to maximize our customer-centric approach.
Outside the office, Phil is a keen sportsman (enjoying playing football, snowboarding and wakeboarding) and a lover of music, arts and the great outdoors!
Having been at ProfitAbility Business Simulations since 2002, Phil brings a wealth of industry knowledge which he aptly applies to the management of the Sales Team. Phil is passionate about working with new accounts and developing robust and lasting relationships that deliver success to ProfitAbility’s customers. As part of a learning organisation, Phil consistently develops and improves business processes, leading to increased selling time for ProfitAbility’s Business Development Managers. He is a capable French-speaker. More recently Phil has developed and implemented the concept of client-focussed teams for each of our customers, drawing on the specific strengths and skills from within ProfitAbility to maximize our customer-centric approach.
Outside the office, Phil is a keen sportsman (enjoying playing football, snowboarding and wakeboarding) and a lover of music, arts and the great outdoors!
Annette Young, Course Logistics
Annette started working life in publishing before joining the BBC World Service. After 18 years at the BBC, Annette was prized away from her role as Marketing Executive to join the ProfitAbility team in 2005, where she is responsible for organising all the training courses and materials.
Annette has 3 teenage boys and lives locally with her partner. She enjoys researching her family history in her spare time.
Annette started working life in publishing before joining the BBC World Service. After 18 years at the BBC, Annette was prized away from her role as Marketing Executive to join the ProfitAbility team in 2005, where she is responsible for organising all the training courses and materials.
Annette has 3 teenage boys and lives locally with her partner. She enjoys researching her family history in her spare time.