People are life for me.
They create our experiences, memories, reflections, and meaning. We simply can’t do life alone.
Yes, there are good people and not-so-good ones. But the real magic is finding your people — those you trust, who are real, who share your values, who care, who are willing to be vulnerable.
I’m drawn to people who are interesting, curious, and not afraid to have real conversations. Those are the humans I love to spend time with — because they add to life, rather than take away.
Connection has always been at the heart of who I am. It’s why I invest in communities that bring people together, where laughter, honesty and support matter more than status or ego.
The Communities I’m part of or have Built & Love(d)
The Polo Club (Daily)
What started as three guys in polo shirts became a daily WhatsApp group — five years of honesty, vulnerability, critique, encouragement, retreats and plenty of laughs. It’s kept us sane through Covid and beyond.
The Breakfast Club (Monthly)
An invitation 10+ years ago led me to a then 35-year-old institution. Today I help organise it. Each month, entrepreneurs, politicians, scientists and leaders share their stories. It’s a rapidly growing, curated group — a place for learning, camaraderie and wisdom across generations.
The Schnitzel Club (Every few months)
One Spanish mate at tennis 8 years ago, led to 60 guys on a WhatsApp group. Every few months, a large number turn up at a local German restaurant for schnitzel, beer and connection. Not everyone knows each other — but new friendships are forged every time.
ZiGR Dinners (Semi-regular)
With two close mates (one a globally awarded business coach), we meet regularly to talk business and life. No judgement, just listening, nudging and encouragement.
Tuesday Blokes' Breakfast (weekly as you can make it)
A mate who recently retired has got together a group of about 8 guys, most semi-retired (not me!), where we joke around a table at the local cafe...all very light-hearted, not so 'deep and meaningful' this one, but much needed!
Dinner Club (bi-monthly)
Old mates, each having to cook a meal for the group. Great laughs. There is nothing quite like old mates. You just get each other!
Friday Golf Club (Occasional in winter, fortnightly in summer)
A return to golf at 50. Sunshine, mates, some average shots — and great company.
Tennis Club (Fortnightly)
I grew up with tennis. Now I play interclub and social games weekly again after a long time from the game that I love the most. Sport is a force that brings joy and fresh connections at any age.
GrownUps® (2006–2016)
Connection has always been part of my DNA. Co-founding GrownUps®, NZ’s leading lifestyle platform for the 50+ demographic, was proof of that at scale.
At its peak, GrownUps attracted:
It wasn’t just a business — it became a community. A place where people found belonging, learned, laughed and supported each other. We eventually sold GrownUps to Cigna (now Chubb), a Fortune 500 company. But the spirit of it lives on and it remains one of my proudest examples of what connection can achieve.
Why it matters now → The same philosophy of building communities of trust, learning, and growth underpins my work today. Whether I’m advising an owner, mentoring a future partner or creating a space for peers to share openly — it’s still about connection first.
Brain Drain / Lost Generation Campaign (2000 & beyond)
When so many peers left NZ, I placed a full-page ad in national papers asking our leaders what would happen if we didn’t return. It sparked debate, earned national coverage and remains a proud moment. With today’s brain drain, maybe it’s time again...
Why Connection Matters (to me anyway)
Good people around you can never be overrated. They help us get through the tough times and celebrate the wins. They make life richer, funnier and more meaningful.
Don’t wait for others to ask you. Be brave. Create your own communities and support networks. Stand for what you believe in.
Because life is not a dress rehearsal.