I began my working life as an occupational therapist and it’s only now that I fully appreciate how well this equipped me for my role at BDC. Building relationships, identifying problems and coming up with inventive solutions are great skills to have in any industry.

I am a certified practitioner of the HBDI whole brain thinking tool, hold a Commerce degree and have held management roles in the health and not-for-profit sectors. I’ve also lectured at Otago Polytechnic.

I’m the very proud mum of two beautiful, intelligent, strong young women but also enjoy the fridge being full again now that they have left home.  Living in Nelson means that I get to enjoy riding my mountain bike on the local forest trails followed by a dip in the sea on hot summer days. Pure luxury.

Since graduating from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2005, I’ve held marketing and communications positions in the fashion, seafood, media, dairy and retail industries in both New Zealand and London.

I previously worked in London’s West End, managing all out-going communications to over 300 businesses, and played an integral role in preparing retailers for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Although these roles have been challenging, I think my biggest triumph is achieving work/life balance with a young family.

I love travel for its challenges and insight. I also enjoy reading health and wellbeing blogs, and pilates. My guilty pleasure is chocolate and watching a certain reality TV show – which shall remain nameless.

After graduating as an Occupational Therapist in 1995, I held leadership roles in Psychiatry and Traumatic Brain Injury in both New Zealand and Scotland. I maintained administrative roles during my early years of parenting.

I now work part-time as a caregiver as well as keeping busy being a mum to three children. I am on their school’s committee and volunteer as a parent help.

I have a keen interest in environmental sustainability and believe we can all make a difference to reduce our impact in the way we live. In my former years, I enjoyed the experience of living in a yurt without electricity. I am passionate about bringing environmental sustainability practices into workplaces.

As a family, we enjoy biking, tramping, climbing and spending time in the outdoors.  When I get the opportunity, I love to go for walks with friends and be creative through weaving, sewing and playing music.

My expertise is in advising companies on their business strategy and capital finance and how to achieve this sustainably.

My background is 25 years of working in capital markets and investing in global equities in London. I managed investment portfolios for Rio Tinto, British Red Cross, Unilever, Queens College Cambridge, World Wildlife Fund, Raiffeisen Bank, UBS Global and more. I have a BSc in Chemistry and I am a qualified accountant and auditor.

Returning to New Zealand 4 years ago, I now work with businesses and start-ups helping them to think and work strategically. I have a special interest in the area of digital strategy and e-learning for business. I am really energised by helping people turn their business ideas into sustainable companies.

In my spare time, I enjoy getting out into the outdoors – particularly climbing, tramping and sailing.

I am an experienced trainer, with over 20 years of expertise working within the financial, property and recruitment sectors.  I’ve had the privilege of working within small family run businesses, through to global organisations within NZ, UK and Malaysia.

My passion is to help people achieve their personal goals through learning. In my sessions, participants will get an opportunity to learn practical, thought-provoking and meaningful practices which can be integrated into their day to day lives.

My breadth of knowledge ranges from 1:2:1 coaching to classroom and webinar training, on professional development, management and leadership skills.

My hobbies are travelling, sailing, reading, exercising, spending time with my family and friends and enjoying a good coffee.  I volunteer my time to read to the aged, which is very rewarding.

After beginning my career in journalism in the UK, I worked as Senior Press Officer for the Mayor of London and was Head of London Communication and Head of Press and PR during London’s bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. I achieved two Public Relations Consultants Awards for ‘best campaign’ and ‘best team’ during this time. Before moving to New Zealand in 2013, I worked with UK’s Royal Mail for over six years.

As a communications strategist, I have particular specialities in change communications, integrating campaigns, working with the media and relating with stakeholders. I have a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of London and have worked as a sub-editor for publications including the Sydney Morning Herald.

Since settling in Nelson, I have found time to volunteer which I really enjoy. I also love riding horses and discovering new places.

I have a background in graphic design and website management. I believe that good design can solve problems, make things clearer, and enhance user experience. My speciality is designing user-centred intranets and information architecture. I have extensive experience creating graphic representations of complex data for infographics and reports. If you have a visual communication or an information management challenge, let me help.

When I am not designing, I enjoy scaling rock faces and plummeting down one of Nelson’s amazing mountain bike tracks. I also enjoy catching the occasional wave.

I have spent over thirty years in teaching and research in New Zealand and Norwegian universities. I have a keen interest in computer technologies that make complex tasks easier and work more productive and enjoyable.

I thrive on developing and delivering effective teaching. In 2003, I received a National Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award in the category ‘excellence in innovation’. This demonstrated my commitment to learners’ needs and to creative problem solving to enhance learning. I always bring these aptitudes and enthusiasm to computer skills training.

For fun, I like to be on a mountain somewhere. Most of my adult leisure time has been spent enjoying kayaking, canoeing, tramping, caving and rock climbing in New Zealand and overseas. Now I enjoy exploring the top of the South Island on foot and bike.

For more than 20 years I have worked in human resources, management and coaching roles in the public and private sectors in New Zealand and the UK. Before becoming HR Consultant and Career Strategist for my own business, I was HR Manager for NZ Fire Service, Prudential Assurance and Exterior Construction. I also have a Masters degree in Human Resources. I am passionate about developing and facilitating training.

I love to ski, read and travel. One day, I’d really like to visit the Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary. I unwind by hanging out with friends, but it is my children that I have the most laughs with.