meet the team

Evelyn Moolenburgh
Managing Director
Evelyn thrives on shared experiences. From walking her dog to kayaking with friends or hiking the Camino track with strangers, Evelyn’s adventurous spirit is always looking for opportunities to connect with others. Her futuristic approach to learning saw Evelyn undertaking the ultimate adventure of founding Learning Ventures in 2011.
Evelyn continues to scale new peaks by challenging conventional thinking in the Learning & Development industry by solving real problems for real people, with real, implementable solutions.

Samim Loftus
Principal Consultant
Through his work as a safari guide in East Africa, Samim developed the habit of noticing small signs that would lead to great discoveries. This habit continues to fuel his love for guiding change and learning. With a background in neuroscience, management and learning design, Samim is happiest when collaborating with organisations to establish learning experiences that will help existing and emerging leaders to thrive and succeed.

James McLeod
Senior Consultant
James is passionate about food and learning. He believes that both should be simple, uncomplicated, and accessible for all to experience. James utilises a unique knowledgebase of leadership development, culture change, strategic marketing and customer engagement skills to deliver tangible solutions to clients. He feels that understanding, improving oneself, and accomplishing goals are the intrinsically positive forces that build high performing leaders.

Debbie Moore
Principal Associate
A pop music afficianado, Debbie has an eclectic taste in popular music, loving anything from chart topping hits to country music ballads and she always knows the latest trends. Debbie can be found at the gigs and concerts, of all her favourite artists.
Debbie brings this same energy and passion to her facilitation, creating bright and bubbly learning environments, where people are not afraid to get down and boogie! Leadership Development Consultant Sydney.

Karen Belista
Project Manager
Having joined the dynamic Learning Ventures team in 2023, Karen brings her adventurous spirit and a hunger for new challenges. Her diverse experience across various industries has equipped her with skills to deliver quality, creativity, and exceptional care and support. Karen enjoys collaborating closely with colleagues and clients, ensuring the delivery of outstanding and impactful learning experiences. Her passion for travel and learning continuously drives her to explore new places and cultures, seeking inspiration and knowledge to enhance her professional contributions.

Charlotte Richie
Consultant
Charlotte finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, from connecting with nature to spending quality time with friends. Whether experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen or exploring far-flung destinations, she is always seeking experiences that inspire connection and personal growth. With a strong background in L&D, she is driven by a passion for designing and delivering programs that not only elevate individuals but also contribute to a better society. Having lived in places like the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, the snowy mountains of France, the creative vibe of the Netherlands, and the diverse United Kingdom—from London’s concrete jungle to the serene Lake District, even living in a tent in Devon—She now calls Sydney home. She embraces diverse perspectives, drawing from various practices to create meaningful and impactful learning solutions.

David Heap
Principal Associate
David loves the sand, sea and surf and excels at using his organisational psychology skills to assist executives across the tumultuous and unexpected waters of leadership. From grommets to long-boarders, David adapts his approach to the needs of his coachees, making sure he keeps his clients riding the crest of the wave and delivering them safely to shore. Leadership Development Consultant Sydney.

Fritz Pondantes
Marketing Associate
With Fritz’s curiosity and driven outlook, she is always challenging herself to learn a new skill or taking on risks. She’ll either be immersed in one of her 400+ books from her impressive collection, traveling to new and old places or going to thrift stores and thrift-flipping clothes, a sewing skill she acquired during the pandemic.
Fritz has been in the virtual assistant industry for almost 6 years and is highly skilled in social media management. She has a knack for creativity and a passion for strategy. Fritz is always enthusiastic when it comes to honing her abilities. Progression personally and professionally excites her.