Can you describe your business in one or two sentences?
The Leadership Academy: A development pathway equipping leaders with practical skills to lead with confidence and impact.
What drove you to start your business/get involved in this industry?
After many years in the corporate world, I found myself on the verge of burnout—constantly pushing, but feeling increasingly unsure I ever saw the kind of leadership I believed in. I knew I wanted to create something of my own, something that aligned with my values and could genuinely support others navigating similar pressures. I saw a real gap in the market for practical, human-centred leadership development, and I knew my skillset could help fill it. That’s what drove me to start the Leadership Academy—something that not only supports leaders, but transforms the way they lead and show up in their work and lives.
What do you love about running your business?
Two things:
- I love the lightbulb moments—when a leader connects the dots, steps into their confidence, and starts leading in a way that’s truly authentic to them. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create a space where people feel empowered to grow, challenge themselves, and make a real impact in their teams and businesses.
- Having fun and getting to be myself! When I do what I love and turn up authentically my clients get better results – how amazing is that!
What have been some of your biggest challenges?
My biggest business growth challenge is figuring out what is ‘essential’ and not doing anything more than that. When I focus on the essential gold dust occurs. When I am split growth is a lot slower.
My biggest challenge working with leaders is helping them unlearn old habits and mindsets that no longer serve them. Leadership growth often requires a shift in identity, not just skills, and that can be uncomfortable. Creating a space that feels both safe and stretching takes intention—but when it clicks, the transformation is incredibly rewarding.
What is your biggest ambition?
My greatest ambition is only to do the things I love, are passionate about and get paid an amazing amount of money to do it. Along the way I want to redefine what leadership looks and feels like—shifting it from something people do to something they embody. I want to see more leaders who are deeply self-aware, values-driven, and bold enough to lead with both strength and empathy, creating cultures where people and performance thrive together.
What does success look like to you?
For me, success is seeing leaders grow into roles they once doubted they could handle—and doing it with confidence, clarity, and integrity. It’s not just about promotions or performance; it’s about watching people back themselves, lift others, and lead in a way that creates real, positive change.
If you had to walk away from the company tomorrow, what would you be most proud of?
If I had to step away tomorrow, I’d be proudest that I have helped over 350 leaders become much better versions of themselves, and in turn the ripple effect that creates with others. Helping people realise they were capable of more than they thought is amazing. Knowing the Academy helped spark that kind of change, not just in individuals but across whole teams and businesses, would feel like a legacy worth leaving.
Who inspires you and why?
Brene Brown – She is incredibly smart, yet speaks the truth in her own way, never apologising for the candid way she explains very complex and sometimes uncomfortable research.
What growth have you experienced being in New Zealand Businesswomen?
Being part of the NZ Businesswomen network has been a powerful reminder that leadership doesn’t have to be lonely and when you have a question we have network to help. Best AI app for calendars – no problem! Best way to track marketing traction – no problem! Best place for a business meeting – no problem! It’s also given me a space to connect with other driven, values-led women who challenge, inspire, and support each other—and that sense of shared ambition and authenticity has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What’s your favourite pastime when you are not working?
Icing Cupcakes – its fun, rewarding and tasty!
