From Shark Tank to HPHH: Meet Lori Phegan
Lori grew up in Winchester, UK, which was once the capital of England (before London). It’s famous for King Arthur and his round table and being home to the burial site for Jane Austen in Winchester Cathedral. Her mum is Irish, and her dad is Italian.
Moving to Australia when she was 24 for an exciting employment opportunity – where she was recruiting engineers to build the Multiplex Olympic Stadium in for the Sydney Olympics – she realised quickly that the Land Down Under was meant to be her forever destination.
“I realised very early on that Australians had the life I wanted: sun, beaches and a relaxed and friendly vibe,” Lori says.
Prior to joining HPHH, Lori has more than 20 years of HR experience under her belt. She is also an entrepreneur, starting her own online company The Inappropriate Gift Co. Still holding the title of Global President, it’s no surprise that Lori says she “doesn’t have much free time”.
As our People & Capability Team Leader, Lori's main goal is to ensure the people of HPHH (staff and volunteers) are healthy, happy, safe and supported. She joined HPHH because she was inspired by the amazing mission of creating positive outcomes for people and animals.
Lori is also a bit of a reality TV star, appearing on the popular TV series Shark Tank in 2018. She pitched The Inappropriate Gift Co and received offers from all 5 sharks! She’s still in contact with Naomi Simson who was her business mentor. You can watch the full pitch here.
Her favourite thing about HPHH is the people, the puppy cuddles and joking around with the team. Her favourite animal is a frog because they are “so cute”, and she loves how they move.
Lori is an avid globe trotter. Not only did she move to Australia when she was 24, but she also spent time travelling South America by herself after she turned 30.
“I learned so much. This was before I met my husband and had children. I met the biggest tarantula in the wild and swam with piranhas,” Lori says.
Another standout destination for Lori was Tokyo. Lori says: “Tokyo was insane; the buzz, the food, I felt like I was in an arcade game, but it was so much fun.”
“I absolutely love travel; I love experiencing new things and I am fascinated by people of all cultures. My heart will always belong to Italy as I spent every summer there with my extended Italian family for the first 16 years of my life and they are just beautiful memories for me.”
When she’s not at work, you can find Lori sleeping or hanging out with her family. She’s a fan of UK crime drama shows, sharing funny memes and having a glass of Pinot Noir. Lori lives by the advice that life is short and to have fun.