Born in Hong Kong to a German mother and Chinese father, Martina Kwan was destined for a life that was different. She spent her childhood in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, but credits living in war torn Beirut, Lebanon between the ages of 8-10, as an experience that defined much of her fearlessness today. Her unique path in life has shaped her into a woman of drive and determination.
After earning two Master of Science degrees, she worked in the male dominated finance and accounting fields in New York City with KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Wall Street’s Lehman Brothers. Eventually, she landed Senior Management roles with Ian Schrager properties, the Hudson Hotel and the Paramount Hotel. Ultimately, Martina's strong entrepreneurial spirit led her to leave the corporate world to open her own business, the award-winning furniture company, Neoteric Luxury Outdoor Collections. She had previously won Telly and Emmy awards with the first company she founded, So! Animation.
Daring to be different is what drives Martina today...literally! Three years ago, at the age of 50, Martina knew it was time to take a car racing hobby she occasionally enjoyed to the next level. Proving that it’s never too late, she decided she to become a race car driver.
Since her debut as the world’s only Female Chinese/European race car driver just three years ago, Martina has become a 3-time champion in a male-dominated racing category in her Porsche 911. She set track records in each of her Porsche car classes, and has won first place for the majority of each of the past 3 years she has driven. In addition, she is now an FIA licensed race car driver of the Saleen S1 in Saleen Cup Series as part of the Blancpain GT World Challenge Series. She podiumed twice in the 2019 Saleen Cup Series’ 7 races. She is currently in discussions with Saleen to drive a second season with them in the S1, and aspires to continue blazing trails in her Porsche 911 race car in her male-dominated GT4 Class.
A mother of two teenage girls, one of her goals is to people, especially women, as well as girls and boys to have the courage to dare to be different, remember who they are, and to fear nothing as they transition into a new life of happiness and fulfillment. And…to convey that it’s never too late to accomplish anything, at any age. She is a transformational coach inspiring individuals to reach their human potential.
She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA and is available to speak Globally. She is fluent in English and German and holds both US and British Citizenships.
