John grew up in New Zealand; and after furthering his education in South Africa and the USA, he went to work at IBM in business systems, sales and marketing, eventually becoming a senior executive in a very competitive and changing world. He later consulted with major international clients through to small community non-profits helping them to become more profitable, more effective and do more good. He actively encourages leaders to take a more customer perspective and to develop and implement more inspired and sustainable strategies through learning from different types of experiences.

Taking a university teaching and business sabbatical and furthering his passion, John sang Opera on many of the major world stages. He is the author of a number of books and published articles as well as being an award-winning poet.
During his Non-Profit Career, John has served on a number of Trustee boards; was appointed to the USA Federal Communications Grants Review Board; appointed to a State Arts Council and served two terms on a Regional Economic Development Council.

From Wellington, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia; from Karlsruhe, Germany to Raleigh, North Carolina, John has travelled extensively to instruct and inspire; to educate and entertain; to teach and train.  Having worked on four continents, John’s experience and knowledge takes on a global perspective. At a NZ Government function, Hon. Hugh Templeton introduced John as not just a respected Kiwi but a 'Citizen of the World'!

As CEO of LeaderWorks NZ and a Change Consultant and Strategic Life & Lifestyle Coach, John has been an invited speaker in New Zealand and Australia as well as the USA and is in demand as an advisor/coach, national speaker and workshop leader. Being an active member of The Global Foodbanking Network, John has mentored and assisted three new charities in the NZ Food sector as well as the new Food Bank in Bangalore, India. he is an Advisory Member of The Prime Minister's Chief Scientific Advisory Council; Member of Christchurch Mayor's Welfare Council; and actively involved in Advocacy at National, Regional & Local levels.

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