For nearly 25 years, my work has been grounded in the co-pilot® approach - working alongside owners and leaders when decisions are complex and the stakes are high.
This approach matters because most business challenges aren’t technical - they’re judgement calls made under pressure, uncertainty and competing interests.
My role is to help slow decisions down enough to get them right - and then support confident action.
I don’t replace management, boards or professional advisors.
I work alongside them.
How this shows up in practice:
I help you slow the decision down enough to get it right - and then move forward with confidence.
Advice, not decision-making.
Support, not dependency.
Clarity, not noise.
“Richard’s experience brought so much structure to our projects and truly elevated our business proposition. We have got so much value out of working alongside Richard and are very lucky to have had them in our corner.” Owners, serial entrepreneurs.
Since establishing co-pilot® in 2002, I’ve been fortunate to work with clients across sectors including:
Automotive & Marine - The Giltrap Group, Orams Marine
Design & Construction - Trinity Interior Design, Built, PCR Concrete
Professional Services - The Advisory Group, Gallaghers Insurance
Health & Wellness - Southern Cross Healthcare, Palm Clinic, Zoom Pharmacy
Food & Beverage - Moa Brewing, Mondays Wholefoods, Wild Appetite
Technology & Innovation - Fenix UAS, Stellar Consulting, Spark JV
Travel & Luxury - AMPED Ski Adventures, Luxury Trail Company, HelloWorld
…and many more across retail, media, social enterprise and NZ Inc.
“Working with Richard has had a hugely positive, transformative effect on my business and wellbeing. Their insightful advice provides the cut-through required when you are often too busy to look yourself. Richard’s experience in all aspects of business has been invaluable. ” Owner (Currently in a DD process).
Automobile & Marine:
The Giltrap Group, Enterprise Motor Group, Orams Marine, ProClean
Building, Construction, Interiors: Built, Trinity Interior Design, PCR Concrete, Glass Systems, ClearShield Glass, Clearsite Demolition
Career & Education:
LearnAbout NZ/Tots2Teens, Career Development Company, Sunshine Books International, Coactive Education/Tell Your Stories
Energy: Lightforce Solar/Smarter Energy
Food & Bev: Moa Brewing Company, Scott Seafood, Mondays Wholefoods, Wild Appetite, Cheese on Toast, Naked Organics (sold to Lisa's)
Health, Medical, Wellness, Beauty & Pharmaceutical: Southern Cross Healthcare, Auckland Physio, Palm Clinic, EastMed Pharmacy, The Hand Therapy Group, ZOOM Pharmacy, Evolu skincare
Health & Safety: Checkmate NZ, CovidCleanInspect
Marketing & Promotion: SignFX Signage, FRANK Stationery, Zest
Media, Art & Entertainment: Not The Ordinary, Studio Carolina Izzo, Vanguard 86 Digital Marketing, PForm.NZ, BGT, Hungerball, Many Talents Media, Global media company, Media Specialists, Singapore Media [start-up], Classic Melbourne, Republic Films
Merchandising, eCommerce & Retail : New Zealand Mint, Rapid Dry Towels, Leading Solutions, Lounge Around, McLean & Co, The Fairy Light Shop, Retail Holdings Mission BayThe Promenade
Non-Profit + Social Enterprise: FRANK Stationery, Career Development Company, Recycling start-up, Urban Entrepreneur, Hospices of Auckland, North Shore Hospice, Eastern Bays Hospice, RSA, Marist School, Rotary Clubs of Auckland (100 years)
NZ Inc: Kea New Zealand, theFacts.NZ, KPI.NZ
Professional Services, Legal, Accounting, Financial & Insurance : The Advisory Group, Gallaghers Insurance, Legacy Group, Robyn Young HR/Recruitment, MyMoney, Horrocks Hampton Law, The Icehouse, Miller Recruitment, Wedding She Wrote, iServe, Positive Growth, Think Research
Property Experts (Commercial): Boutique Body Corporates, Strategic Spaces
PropertyMaintenance/Service: Chemwash, Handy Rentals, ICE Security, Textile Cleaning Services
Technology: Fenix UAS Drone Training & Ops, Stellar Consulting, RCG (Spark/One/2Degrees JV)
Trades, Suppliers & Logistics: Alpha Drains, DC Power, Sterling Clutch & Brake
Travel & Tourism: HelloWorld, YOU Travel, AMPED Ski Adventures, Luxury Trail Company, Auckland Car Rental, HopOnHopOff
50+ Demographic & Community: GrownUps, GrownUps/Cigna
What is the investment?
$995 + GST per month for independent advisory & sounding board. This covers scheduled sessions, prep, follow-up, and ongoing availability for ad hoc needs. Project or intensive support is priced separately.
How long is the commitment?
Minimum six months. We review at that point and extend if there’s value.
What guarantees do you offer?
No silver bullets. The guarantee is that you’ll think differently about your business and life — with clarity, action, and a trusted co-pilot® by your side.
How many clients do you work with?
A maximum of 20 1:1 advisory clients at any time, plus team or board projects.
Where do you work?
I primarily work with leaders across New Zealand, though I’ve supported clients in Australia and beyond. Location isn’t a barrier.
How do I pay?
Straightforward invoicing, 7-day terms. Subscriptions available if that’s easier.