Auckland Business Coaches & Board Facilitators

Involved in many of NZ’s largest takeovers, Gordon is well versed in due diligence, valuation, project finance, management and, importantly, the need for good corporate governance.

He says: “All businesses need to recognise and embed the importance of setting milestones and using bench-marking to meet goals, differentiate the best, drive improved understanding and continuous improvement. The Alternative Board provides a structure for business owners to focus this important work”. During his banking career Gordon worked with domestic and large multi-national businesses, gaining stakeholder management expertise and an understanding of value chains across a diverse range of industries including methanol, gold mining, electricity generation and distribution, food and beverage, retail and financial services. Gordon has a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland and is a member of both the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA) and Institute of Directors in New Zealand (IoD).

When he is not working, Gordon can be found coaching and administering rugby at North Shore Rugby Football Club.

With his extensive coaching and facilitation background he helps owners work through the life cycle of their business - change in ownership, succession, restructures, acquisitions, sales systems, work behaviours, innovation and people culture. Russell has trained sales forces from some of New Zealand’s iconic companies and has been building skills and competencies in the business world for the last twenty years through his successful training and coaching company. 

Russell specialises in sales, leadership, coaching and time management and work behaviours and has worked with business owners and management teams across New Zealand and Australia in fields as diverse as technology, education, logistics, manufacturing, finance, construction, and scientific research.  He says: “Running a business is hard – we have to ask tough questions and think differently to achieve success.  I’ve lived and worked in Auckland North for 30 years and being able to act as a catalyst for change to help businesses is a great privilege.  My sole motivation is helping businesses succeed. The Alternative Board is the right place for business owners in Auckland North to source the advice, support and inspiration they need to move forward”.

Starting out as a Police Officer in South Auckland, Chris’ passion for people led him to a variety of community and front-line based roles.  He was instrumental in the establishment of a CYFs approved programme requiring a multi-agency approach to cater for male recidivist youth offenders.

Following his time as a Police Officer, Chris transitioned to the commercial world and became the CEO of Rainbow’s End Theme Park, where he continued to initiate and support many community initiatives.

During his 10-year tenure as CEO he successfully implemented new operational processes and procedures, introduced enhancements to the health and safety management system, rebranded the park, initiated significant capital investment programmes and was instrumental in developing a strong and effective customer focused, inclusive work culture.

During this 10 years of Chris’ leadership Rainbow’s End experienced significant growth and received a number of prestigious local and international awards.

Combining his community focus, significant wide-ranging business leadership experience and qualification as a professional level coach through ANZCAL (Australia and New Zealand Coaching Alliance), Chris is very much committed to supporting business owners in South Auckland.

Marked improvement in turnover, efficiency, delivery and profit resulted. Chris’ experience, advice and ability to view our business from an outside perspective were of great value to us. Topping it all off – he’s one of the ‘good buggers’ in this world – and he makes good coffee!