When we maintain good overall health—purposeful living, physical fitness and emotional wellbeing—the impact of our decisions on all aspects of life, including work endeavours, relationships and finances, becomes much clearer.
My business journey began with childhood memories of both the sights and smells of the central gear store of my grandfather's business near the busy wharves, whilst holding my Dad’s hand.
After completing a BCom from Auckland University and then traveling, I began my working life in marketing for the late Sir Colin Giltrap's Mercedes-Benz arm. Later, I spent five years at my family’s company as a fourth-generation member, before travelling again, only to return and find that my father had sold the company…fair enough though I guess! Coming back, I founded the CO-PILOT® brand in 2002, aimed at enhancing brand & marketing strategies for better sales results.
In 2006, I co-founded GrownUps® with Shane Bradley, creating a successful online lifestyle brand, social club and brain-training hub for the growing 50+ demographic. The platform attracted over 200,000 monthly visitors, 160,000 members, published 10,000 articles and was voted the Best Lifestyle site in NZ. Following very tough but successful deals and shareholdings over time with Sentinel (20%) and then Yellow (60% JV), having bought both of these back, in 2016 we sold 100% to Cigna (now Chubb), then a Fortune 500 company.
Returning to CO-PILOT® in late 2018, my work shifted towards the intersection of business and business/life, especially during Covid. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside 150 individuals in finding their calm and contentment, crucial for daily success and dealing with the ‘stuff’ that we must manage, every day.
Whether independent ongoing advisory & strategy work, governance or larger business projects, if we're a good fit and share common values, I'd love to help you make progress.
Like Roger Federer, I believe that asking for help is a sign of strength. He recently said, "Tennis, like life, is a team sport. Yes, you can stand alone on your side of the net, but your success depends on your team, your coaches, your team mates, even your rivals."
My joy in life is helping others achieve where you'd like to go (Possibilities), while achieving tangible results along the way (Performance) and relationships (People). Notwithstanding fostering continuous improvement (Progress).