01
Military Leadership
Experience leading people, building teams and exercising responsibility in demanding environments.
About
About Ready Group
The people, experience and philosophy behind our work.
Our Background
Founded in Hong Kong
Ready Group was founded in Hong Kong in 2018. Its origins lie in decades of military, corporate leadership, international financial services and entrepreneurial experience — and in a simple observation: that hard-won experience is most valuable when it is shared.
Today, Ready Group works with individuals and organizations through advisory work, leadership and development, speaking and facilitated discussion, and the independent thinking published in Ready Group Perspectives.
Based in Hong Kong, Ready Group brings operating experience and trusted relationships across Greater China, Japan, the United States and selected international markets.
Founder
James (Jim) Costello
Founder, Ready Group Hong Kong
Jim Costello is the founder of Ready Group and has more than 30 years of leadership experience across the military, financial services and international business.
He began his career as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army, serving in Europe, the Middle East and the United States. He subsequently built a senior career in banking and insurance, holding leadership roles in the United States, Hong Kong and mainland China.
His roles included leading HSBC's life insurance business in Hong Kong and serving as Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Life Insurance China.
Jim founded Ready Group in Hong Kong in 2018. Having operated inside large global institutions and alongside entrepreneurial businesses, he understands both how major organizations make decisions and how growing companies earn attention, trust and commitment.
Today, Jim draws on these experiences through Ready Group's advisory work, speaking, mentoring and leadership development. His approach reflects a belief in practical learning, direct communication, constructive challenge and the value of sharing experience with others.
Selected Experience
Experience that informs our work
02
Corporate & Institutional Leadership
Senior leadership and operating experience across international financial services, business strategy, governance and organizational development.
03
Entrepreneurship & Advisory
Building businesses, working with founders and applying experience across organizations of different sizes and stages.
This experience spans previous executive, military and entrepreneurial roles as well as engagements undertaken directly by Ready Group. More detailed examples can be discussed directly where appropriate, subject to confidentiality.
Our Approach
How we work
Experience matters, but so do curiosity, listening, clear objectives, constructive challenge and a willingness to continue learning.
Our approach is practical, professional and selective. We value thoughtful preparation, meaningful engagement and delivering work to a consistently high standard.