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    At IRM Strategies in Hong Kong

    The Admin Wing "called my bluff" but it was no bluff! With partner Rob Tornack I created Hong Kong based IRM Strategies to advise on intellectual capital development and knowledge management from our locations in Hong Kong and Bangkok.

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    Between destinations

    With two design projects running, one in Limassol, one in Canada, and a business coach role complementing advisory gigs, Amsterdam ranked high as a place to regroup.

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    At work on the Agios Tychonas Project

    A two-week gig to restore a fracture among the client, architect and contractor became an 18-month design project near Limmassol, Cyprus.

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    On the Oaklands RIse Woonerf

    Introducing our adaptation of the Dutch Woonerf (VŌN-airf) to the Burnside-Gorge Community Association. Three Victoria areas and two in Saanich have engaged with us to learn more.

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    With the guys at Ah Pad's Farm

    Canada, Brazil, Hong Kong, Shanghai come to Ho Pui Tsuen for a BBQ at Ah Pad's farm. Pui Kwan Chu (Ah Pad) is one of Hong Kong's preeminent organic farm entrepreneurs, a dear friend and great host!

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    Granddad Time

    While his mum feels our grandson does not like to make art, his creativity blossomed at our house. No surprise, "he is a little me!"

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    Back in the Studio

    The arts: music, fine arts, writing, are threads in the tapestry of my life. At last I am giving creative impulse its due and dedicating time. Visit my Creative Arts link (above) for more.

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From "information resource management" to "insight, rigour, meaning" 

Building upon a richly varied experience, I am moving forward and growing through new—and renewed--activities. It's my renaissance, giving back through head, hands and heart while expanding my creative endeavours.

Those familiar with my history have asked what I am up to. Links in the menu on this site and my LinkedIn profile provide some insight. Curious about my artwork? Click here. Studio hours and workshops by arrangement. 

A broad, international leadership, consulting and board service background inform current my activities. These are increasingly focused on transformative outcomes in community. With partner Rob Tornack, I am Co-Lead of the Oaklands Rise Woonerf (ORW) initiative, now in its seventh year. What's a Woonerf? Carol Sherwood offers this 10 minute video short to share a part of the story. 

As of 2004, I serve as Secretary, Greater Fernwood Art Stroll (FAS), growing the Oaklands cluster and positioning contact management for opportunities the FAS may build upon in the future.  I find balance in fine arts where preferred media include pastel, ink and acrylic in paintings, monotype and sculptural forms. A 2024 project is a contribution to the Habitat for Humanity Restore Victoria Door Auction where proceeds go to that very worthy cause. Click here for a time limited link is here.

Why IRMS, and what is IRM?

John James O'Brien

The shift from "information resource management" to "insight, rigour, meaning" feels right as a representation of values that have always guided my activities. They apply equally to my work intellectual capital /knowledge resource management as to art; writing; community building; interests as a housing provider; educator; coach and consultant. Yes, broad interests. On occasion, I pick up my dom'ra and revisit the eleven years spent with the Victoria Balalaika Orchestra. 

I closed our Hong Kong registered firm some years back, retaining the IRMS domain as one of several I run. While the Hong Kong and Bangkok offices are closed, I remain available as a sole proprietor operating under my own name flying the IRMS banner. Engagements that attract will be meaningful beyond outsourcing of staff roles/decisions, typically think pieces within a leader's discretionary budget. 

I am enjoying the return to earlier years in fine arts and the exploration of ideas through writing. A memoir is underway. 

Explore the links (under the “hamburger” menu at upper right) and reach out if you see opportunities to collaborate or would like to join in creative exploits.