Cover Sean Lee-Davies is a serial entrepreneur who’s also known for his work in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Kiu Ka Yee)
Sean Lee-Davies is a serial entrepreneur who’s also known for his work in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Kiu Ka Yee)
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Sean Lee-Davies is an entrepreneur, conservationist and award-winning media personality who is on a mission to foster purpose-driven innovation and holistic wellbeing
Sean Lee-Davies splits his time between Hong Kong, Singapore and the US. He founded the Awethentic Group in 2010, offering unique experiences through four subsidiaries: Awethentic Studio, a marketing agency; Awethentic Gallery, the brand’s art division; Awethentic Labs, which specialises in immersive experiences, including through AR and VR; and Awethentic Journeys, which crafts travel experiences.
Through his other company, Conscious Leaders Group, which he founded in 2020, Lee-Davies acquired Green Is The New Black, a media and events company dedicated to transformation and sustainable lifestyles, in 2023. That year, he also acquired The Conscious Festival—a series of events that explore the convergence of wellness, leadership and technology. The festival is taking place in Singapore this month and in Hong Kong in the autumn. Here, Lee-Davies, who is also known for his work in wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy, tells Tatler what gets him out of bed in the morning.
Read more: My First: 10 of Hong Kong’s rising stars on the most pivotal moments in their careers
Above Sean Lee-Davies shares what drives him (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Kiu Ka Yee)
Sean Lee-Davies shares what drives him (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Kiu Ka Yee)
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Who is Sean Lee-Davies at his core?
I am a passionate storyteller, artivist [art and activist] and impact entrepreneur. I am propelled by an innate desire to catalyse positive change in the world through my creative endeavours, entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy efforts. My mission is to rekindle humanity’s reverence for the natural world and weave narratives that inspire action and awareness.
How does your business make a difference?
My entrepreneurial ventures are anchored in purpose-driven initiatives aimed at fostering sustainability, consciousness and transformative experiences. Green Is The New Black is a catalyst for sustainable living; it orchestrates events, campaigns and collaborations to empower individuals and businesses to embrace eco-conscious practices. Through The Conscious Festival, I curate experiences that foster dialogue and catalyse collective evolution. Additionally, Awethentic Journeys crafts transformative travel experiences, offering individuals the opportunity to embark on journeys of self- discovery and connection with the world around them.
Above Sean Lee-Davies’s leadership philosophy is rooted in purpose-driven innovation and holistic wellbeing in the workforce (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Kiu Ka Yee)
Sean Lee-Davies’s leadership philosophy is rooted in purpose-driven innovation and holistic wellbeing in the workforce (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong / Kiu Ka Yee)
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What do you put your success down to?
My success is the culmination of relentless dedication, unwavering perseverance and the synergy of a talented team. I attribute my achievements to maintaining fidelity to my values and purpose, even in the face of adversity. Adaptability and resilience are paramount traits in navigating the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship in the modern era.
What is your leadership philosophy?
It’s rooted in fostering purpose-driven innovation and holistic well-being within the workforce. I envision a future where businesses prioritise social responsibility and employee engagement as integral components of sustainable growth. By cultivating a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and empowerment, we can harness the potential of individuals to drive meaningful impact and innovation.
What guides your decision-making process?
Central to my decision-making process is the belief in elevating business through humanity and vice versa. I advocate for a paradigm shift, where profit is not pursued at the expense of ethical considerations and societal well-being. Embracing sustainability, ethical practices and social responsibility is not merely a moral imperative, but a strategic imperative for businesses to thrive.
What have you learnt on your journey?
I’ve gleaned invaluable wisdom from my career of interviewing and photographing some of the most successful people in the world, from Roger Federer and Leonardo DiCaprio to Deepak Chopra. One piece of advice that resonates with me is the reminder that amid life’s complexities, maintaining perspective and embracing levity are essential for navigating challenges and fostering personal growth.
What makes you happiest about the work that you do?
The greatest source of happiness in my work stems from the tangible impact it has on fostering positive change and empowering others. Witnessing the ripple effects of awareness, inspiration and sustainable action brings me profound fulfilment and reaffirms my commitment to purpose-driven endeavours.
What projects can we look forward to in 2024?
I am thrilled to announce The Conscious Festival in Singapore this month, as well as plans to reintroduce the festival in Hong Kong, likely in October. These projects underscore my ongoing commitment to cultivating transformative experiences and catalysing collective evolution on a global scale.
What does legacy mean to you?
Legacy, to me, epitomises the enduring imprint we leave on the world and the ongoing ripple effects of our actions. It encompasses a commitment to stewardship, preservation and the cultivation of a sustainable and harmonious relationship with our planet. My vision of legacy revolves around nurturing ecosystems and fostering a profound reverence for the interconnectedness of all life forms. Through concerted efforts to protect and preserve our natural heritage, we pave the way for future generations to inherit a world teeming with possibility, beauty and vitality.
Credits
Photography: Kiu Ka Yee/Tatler Hong Kong
As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print, and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs, curating star-studded events and building the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
