Hello! I’m Julia Koo, a passionate and multifaceted creative professional with a lifelong dedication to learning and exploration. My journey has been defined by a continuous drive to embrace new challenges and uncover the limitless possibilities life has to offer.

My career has spanned diverse roles and industries, showcasing my adaptability and broad skill set. As the Region CEO at an American healthcare AI startup, I successfully established partnerships with premier institutions and spearheaded groundbreaking projects. Co-founding an online food delivery platform in Toronto and serving as the CFO of a montessori school, further honed my strategic and financial acumen, transforming financial processes and driving significant growth.

I hold an MBA from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, where I was honored with scholarships for my leadership and academic excellence. My academic journey also includes a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics with a specialization in Computer Science from UCLA.

Beyond my professional achievements, I am deeply committed to giving back to the community. I have served on the board of an art and education NGO, and contributed to authoritative texts in governance, risk, and compliance. I am also actively involved with the Gardiner Museum and TIFF, where I continue to engage with the arts community and support the vibrant cultural scene.

Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, I thrive in multicultural environments and enjoy connecting with people from all walks of life. My adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity drive me to explore new horizons, whether in my professional endeavours or personal pursuits.

The transformative period of the COVID years inspired me to embark on a new creative journey as a ceramic artist. This change allowed me to channel my strategic thinking and creativity into a tactile and expressive art form. The discipline, attention to detail, and innovative mindset that defined my corporate career have seamlessly transitioned into my artistic practice.

As a ceramic artist, I am currently exploring various directions and techniques, traveling around the world to learn from masters in different countries. While I haven’t found my signature style yet, I am relishing the freedom to experiment and try new things. This journey of discovery and growth is something I enjoy tremendously.

My art pieces reflect my ongoing exploration and the profound impact of the teachings of Ma’at, which emphasize truth, balance, order, and harmony. Through ceramics, I am becoming more in tune with my true self, expressing my inner thoughts and emotions in each creation.

In every aspect of my life, I strive to blend creativity with strategic thinking, always eager to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. My journey from the boardroom to the studio is a testament to the endless possibilities that come with embracing change and following one’s passion.

In my free time, I enjoy skiing, skating, archery, traveling, and riding an electrical unicycle (EUC). I also dream of being in space one day and greatly appreciate all the space tourism advancements being done by pioneers like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. I took my first step towards this dream in May 2024 by experiencing zero gravity with zeroG.