Some Questions & Answers

What companies do you work with?
I work with ambitious teams that have an unreasonable focus to take their technologies to the world and make strong returns in the process. Typically the team may be 10 or more people having already been profitably selling to customers for several years or more with revenues measured in the millions. They tend to have one or more Independent Directors and it is frequently via these Directors that I am introduced to the team. There are times when I’ll see reasons to get involved earlier. Please see my testimonials.

How are you different?
Experience and focus. I’m truly specialised and don’t try to offer everything. My experience is actually directly relevant to what I do and allows me to optimise your opportunities and reduce your risks. In addition my network allows me to help in other unique ways. Unusually, I have the ability to see the big picture yet still do the detail. I’m committed and have a stake in making innovation work for New Zealand. I have a ‘can do’ attitude and fit in with any team. That’s the reputation I’ve worked hard to build.

Will it cost me money to talk to you?
Not at all. Drop by for a coffee and a chat. If it makes sense to work together then we can discuss how to put small strategic efforts toward proving the opportunity. That way you don’t have to commit much (if anything) until you have more certainty. Either way it’ s always useful to meet as I’m good at connecting people and enjoy this.

Do I really need your help?
If you have time and resources available to get the job done, along with the experience and contacts then by all means do go it alone. The companies I tend to work with are excellent at what they do, and their opportunities are time critical. They simply can’t justify their people stepping back from their roles and risking a loss of momentum. They realise that there is a cost associated with that approach. If it’s outside the core activities of the team it may not be a priority to get finished, especially when some crisis takes precedence.

Can I contact some of the people you’ve worked with?
If you already know them, please feel free. Otherwise let me know and I’ll introduce you to people who are happy to make the time to chat. All of my work is `word of mouth’ through the grapevine via people I’ve helped.

How many clients do you juggle at a time?
Not many. Those who have worked with me know that the energy required would make it impossible to sustain more than a handful of clients at any one time. That is why I have to be selective and sometimes I just can’t take new clients on. I chiefly work alone and engage directly as that is what I enjoy. My network often delivers benefits and solutions to my clients and if I can’t help I’ll always find someone who can and involve them if needed.

How much of our effort is required?
Like anything else in life `you get out what you put in’. Give me reasonable access to your people and I’ll achieve results without becoming a net drain on their time and energy. I am extremely conscious of the need to hit the ground running and not slow your team down.

What are the risks to our business?
I’ll happily sign non disclosures but this is seldom necessary. I’ll be quick to disclose any potential conflicts so we can discuss the appropriateness of working together. Integrity and confidentiality are at the heart of how I operate as others will attest.

What do you charge and how do you get paid?
Fair market rate and by agreement, depending on the level to which you want me to share in the risk of any outcome or if you’d rather pay me outright for my work. What is important is that you can access my specialist experience at market rate.

What is your rate of success and satisfaction?
Everyone that I’ve worked with has been happy with the results and I’ve yet to have a poor outcome. If you’re unhappy then I don’t want your money.

Do you work with others?
Sometimes. Innovation is a team sport so it often makes sense to pull in other specialised and experienced people particularly in the R&D strategy work. However, I won’t sell you in on my experience and then give the work to someone more junior to complete.