Instructor
Deon Senturk
Co-Founder, Aligna Group Pte Ltd
Deon Senturk is a leadership educator and executive coach with over 25 years of global experience helping leaders navigate the human side of leadership—from influencing stakeholders and leading teams to coaching, giving feedback and having difficult conversations. Since 2017, she has been an Affiliated Faculty Member at SMU Academy, where she brings together leadership frameworks, coaching and practical application to address real workplace challenges.
Deon believes AI can sharpen how we think, prepare and communicate—but it cannot replace the human work of leadership. Leaders still have to step into the conversation: to listen deeply, remain curious, challenge with care, and engage courageously when the stakes are high. In an AI-enabled workplace, these distinctly human capabilities are not only essential—they are what differentiate great leadership.
This belief shapes how she teaches. Her classes are highly practical and experiential. Participants work on real leadership challenges, practise conversations and presentations, experiment with different approaches, and receive coaching and feedback—all while learning how to use AI as a thinking, rehearsal and feedback partner rather than simply a tool for generating answers.
Deon holds an MBA with High Honors from Boston University and graduated Valedictorian from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is a Certified Coach Practitioner and Certified Strength Development Coach.