Our Story
Astera Asia began in 2015 based on an observed gap in the Asia market. On one hand, you had large corporate companies that were doing big things in the marketplace, with all the strategies, tools, and budgets at their disposal. On the other hand, you had a fruit vendor shouting the specials of the week while shoving a photocopied flier into your hand. Is there nothing in between, no middle ground? Is organisational best practice really an all-or-nothing game?
Astera was built to support the ‘middle’.
Our commitment was, and has always been, to offer corporate level expertise as guidance for small-scale businesses and organisations to operate effectively.
We believe that:
- Best practices are not reserved for only those with billion dollar budgets
- Organizations of a similar size have more in common than whether you’re for-profit or non-profit
- Consulting should be first relational, and then tactical
- Especially at this level, in the importance of founder/leader flourishing because when leaders are healthy, the organisation follows
- The health of the organization must be holistic; where no function rises (or falls) on its own but every part affects another
10 years later, we’re now based in Toronto, Canada but still doing the same thing, serving clients globally, and living out our answer to the founding question. The setting has changed but our calling has not. In this new context, we are also able to leverage our experience in Asia to support those who are coming from or entering that market.
The journey is long but you’re not alone. Whether you’re just starting out and want to get to the middle, or passing through the middle to go big, let us be your guide to light the way.
Vision
To see small-scale businesses and organizations operate in a sustainable and effective manner.
Mission
To bring corporate-level expertise to small-scale businesses and organizations so that they are guided to plan strategically, operate efficiently, and
communicate effectively.
Team
The Astera Asia team and network consists of individuals with expertise honed from the corporate sector but now adapted for the small-scale organizational space. Our experience is diverse across industries, geographies, and cultures, while also being specialized in our respective areas.
Hannah Lau
Founder and Lead Consultant
A strategist, marketer, and entrepreneur. Hannah is drawn to challenges and possibility. As a perennial pioneer, she makes the most of both with tenacity, creativity, and a fierce dedication to excellence. She helps clients envision what ‘could be’ and then how to actually get there. She is passionate about helping organizations build, fix, and change.
Evelyn Fu
Consultant, Human Resources
A strategic people and culture specialist with 15 years of experience in the small-scale organizational space. Evelyn combines HR expertise with entrepreneurial acumen, ensuring that HR is proactive, future-focused, and sustainable. She believes that people are the secret to a thriving organization when they are in roles that are best suited for them. Her passion is to bring out the best in people through these meaningful pairings.