Financial Advice New Zealand Conference 2024

Change is constant and accelerating around us as technology amplifies the potential of people, expectations of our stakeholders increase, and the world continues to evolve post the pandemic. 

Steve was CEO of ASX-listed tech company Xero, served as a non-executive director of Telstra, Fletcher Building, Medibank Private and David Jones and as a non-executive director and advisor to a range of Australian organisations, which span from start-ups through to large established companies, held Chief Executive Officer positions at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, ninemsn, Vice President and Managing Director of Apple Computer Asia Pacific, and Managing Director of Apple Computer Australia.

In addition, Steve was the founder and President of the Society for Knowledge Economics (SKE), a not-for-profit think-tank that operated from 2005 to 2014. SKE aimed to encourage and promote new and better leadership and management practices, which would enable innovation, productivity and sustainability.

Information and communications technology has amplified the potential of people (and the organisations they work for) as the internet, low-cost computing devices and communications networks connect people with others of common interest and new sources of knowledge and information. People, their knowledge, relationships and the extent to which management encourages and enables them to create and innovate increasingly determine how value is created for their organisation. This is a big change to embrace because traditionally, we hired people to do what they were told, and now we want them to create, collaborate and innovate.

Steve Vamos will share his roadmap of how to think and act in the face of change to ensure the best chance of success in the fast moving and uncertain times ahead.

In a world driven by digital interactions, the art of genuine human connection remains paramount, especially in professional relationships. Join renowned NZ actress, Miranda Harcourt, in this illuminating workshop where you’ll discover the secrets to making meaningful connections with your clients through effective communication.

Gain practical and actionable tips that will transform your ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. From active listening techniques to the power of empathetic communication, you’ll leave this session with the tools to create lasting relationships that will drive business success.

Building trust is the cornerstone of any successful client relationship. But how exactly do you establish and nurture trust with your clients? In this enlightening session, Miranda will dissect the art of trust-building, providing you with practical insights and strategies to fortify your client relationships.

This workshop is not just about theory; it’s about actionable steps you can implement immediately. Learn the importance of transparency, reliability, and effective communication in fostering trust. Discover how to navigate challenges and rebuild trust when it’s been strained. Leave with a toolkit of trust-building techniques that will empower you to create and maintain trust-filled relationships with your clients.

Gilbert Enoka, ONZM, is a master of the mind who has helped New Zealand’s top performers achieve excellence across sports and business.

He has travelled the world, sharing his knowledge on leadership, performing under pressure, mental management, strategic planning, effective business management and building thriving cultures for over 20 years, working with top CEO’s and business and sport elite.

Gilbert is the legendary mental skills coach and manager of the All Blacks and previously worked with elite teams such as the Black Caps, Silver Ferns, Crusaders and most recently with WRC Champion Haydon Paddon.

Gilbert shares insight into the psychology behind individual and team success in world-level sport and how this can be applied to any walk of life. He encourages individuals to take ownership of their own direction and to improve their ability to control the many variables that inhibit optimal performance.

Be part of the conversation as Samantha Barrass is interviewed about the future of financial advice, exploring key issues and the quest for better customer outcomes.

Samantha has extensive international regulatory experience, most recently as Chief Executive of UK’s Business Banking Resolution Service, a dispute resolution scheme for banks and business customers. Prior to that she was Chief Executive of the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, which oversees the prudential and conduct regulation of Gibraltar’s financial services sector.

She has held a number of other senior roles at finance regulators and industry associations, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the London Investment Banking Association.

Samantha grew up in Christchurch, and studied Economics at the University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington, before beginning her career as an economist at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

With the motor industry undergoing a monumental shift, hear how Toytota has navigated the twists and turns of innovation and sustainability on a transformative journey towards a brighter, greener and more sustainable future. 

Neeraj Lala is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Toyota New Zealand, Aotearoa’s largest automotive brand. Neeraj is leading Toyota’s transition from a traditional automaker to a mobility company focused on future technologies.

A highly regarded leader with over two decades of experience in the automotive industry, he is a champion of new technologies, sustainable business, and believes in the power of corporate and government collaboration to drive systems change. Neeraj is conscious of the need for a just transition and alongside Toyota’s global vision for Mobility for All, he wants to ensure no Kiwi gets left behind during this unprecedented time of transformation in the transport sector.

Unlock your potential as a persuasive communicator and master the art of influencing using the powerful 7 C’s framework; Chemistry, Credibility, Curiosity, Compelling case, Clarity, Conviction, and Closure.

Kerry established Influence Consulting and runs the company as managing director. He has also developed relationships with major clients across the Asia Pacific region for many years.

His clients consider him to be a trusted and strategic advisor who is able to make meaningful contributions to their organisational goals. His experience, creativity and business acumen means he is able to tailor solutions that best suit his clients’ needs. Kerry holds degrees in law and commerce and practiced as a corporate lawyer for many years prior to establishing Influence Consulting.

Paul Spain focuses on making complex tech simple and beneficial for everyone. He is host of NZ Tech Podcast (an iTunes NZ #1 Podcast), regular TV commentator on technology and business-related topics and host of the NZ Business Podcast. Paul demonstrates a futurist mindset, and helps everyday small to medium organisations to leverage technologies like Artificial Intelligence through his talks and his technology services firm Gorilla Technology.

 This workshop will introduce you to the transformative role of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-pilot) in a manner that will allow you to immediately start benefiting. Included topics include:

• What is generative AI and ChatGPT
• Why should you use AI and other innovative technologies
• Examples of generative AI technology in use today
• Going hands on with AI today
• Tips for using generative AI and ChatGPT effectively
• The issues with AI and how to avoid them
• Future trends in generative AI and ChatGPT

 Elements of this session will be interactive, so it is recommended your laptop, tablet or your phone is charged and ready to go in order to get the most out of it.

Learn to thrive in an environment where cybersecurity is a fundamental requirement. Boost your cyber confidence and learn how to set the tech, reboot your humans and provide the proof. 

As the founder of The Cyber Collective, Fraser Jack is on a mission to ensure every client can trust their financial professionals to protect their confidential information safely. He would love you to join him on this mission.  Having run a financial planning practice, working in and around the profession for over 20+ years, including many years working with technology, Fraser understands the reasonable steps professionals must take to protect client data.

Fraser brings practical insights and analogies to help Financial Professionals understand confusing, confronting and unfamiliar cyber security jargon. The Cyber Collective helps financial professionals who are unsure what to do about cyber security, through a cyber transformation framework, including ongoing team training, so they can feel confident about protecting their client’s private details.

Michael has been with the FMA for eight years – he is currently Director; Deposit Taking, Insurance & Advice. In this role he oversees all licensed deposit takers, insurers and advisers nationwide.

Michael was integral in leading the FMA implementation of FSLAA, he was co-lead on the Life Insurer Conduct and Culture Thematic in 2019, and has authored other thematic studies including the Fire and General study and CCRI study in 2021.

Crystal is a Principal Adviser in the Financial Advice team and has a background in advice and regulatory compliance. Her role includes planning and oversight of FAP monitoring reviews and providing subject matter expertise.

Steve is the company founder and director of Forte Asset Solutions Pty Ltd (Forte). Forte’s core activity is selling financial services businesses.  

Steve has enjoyed a successful 30 plus year career in financial services.  He began his career in New Zealand, then England working first in banking and then in stock broking.  In 1987, He became Australia’s youngest certified investment planner (ACIP).  His roles included client advice and subsequently senior management.

He has facilitated more than 200 Financial Planning business sales in Australia.  

Tackle the issues that have been holding you back, reinvigorate your passion for success and equip yourself with the tools to propel your business into the future.

Debra Chantry-Taylor is an EOS Implementer, an Accredited Family Business Advisor and an Entrepreneurial Business and Leadership Coach. With an illustrious career spanning over 25 years in management and leadership,  her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. While Debra has witnessed the glorious heights of success and achieved remarkable milestones, she also knows what it feels like to navigate the stormy seas of entrepreneurship enduring the sleepless nights plagued by financial concerns and staff worries. Using this life experience, Debra now guides others towards leading their best lives, empowering business owners to align their visions, overcome obstacles and elevate their businesses to new heights.

Having honed her unique British energy, infusing every room she enters with an irresistible spark, get ready to be captivated, empowered and inspired as Debra ignites your journey towards transformation and success.

While our definitions of success may differ, discover the universal principles and strategies that can significantly enhance your chances of achieving your aspirations, with practical actionable steps to stay on course.

Born and raised in Oamaru, Nigel first attended Otago University, where he completed an MSc in Marine Science. He then moved to Auckland where he trained as a Clinical Psychologist and graduated with a Master of philosophy with 1st class honours in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology.

Nigel has worked for the last two decades in a number of agencies including Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation, Sex Offender Treatment Programmes, Family Therapy agencies, Child Youth and Family, Probation Services, and extensively in private practice.

He continues to work as a clinical psychologist in private practice consulting with organizations and agencies from throughout the country and has lectured on a number of senior courses at the New Zealand Police College.

Jane was the Chief Operating Officer (COO), NZ for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 which is the largest women’s sporting event and the third largest sporting event in the world. 

In Jane’s 27-year career she has led major events across New Zealand and Australia including, among others, the World Netball Championships, IRONMAN triathlon and UCI BMX World Championships, NZ Golf Open, V8 Supercars and marathons. She has held leadership positions with International Manager Group (IMG) and on the global Executive team of IRONMAN inc as Chief Operating Officer (OOO) Ironman Asia Pacific.   

Jane founded The Patter Ltd which produced major events across New Zealand and emerged as a leader in its field resulting in the Company’s acquisition.  Living abroad, Jane worked in the UK as a Major Events Consultant for UK Sport, supporting the implementation of their policy and strategy for major and mega events. 

In 2024 Patterson was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year’s Honours, recognised for her achievements in service to sport.  

Jane is a proud and patriotic New Zealander with a lifelong love of sport and a deep respect for its history and traditions. 

Rawdon is an award-winning broadcaster with a TV journalism career that spans 20 years.

His career started with the BBC but he’s best known for presenting Television New Zealand’s Breakfast Show, where he interviewed hundreds of guests, from senior politicians and business leaders to Oscar winners and Olympic champions.

Rawdon has also presented political show agenda and the NZ version of Dragon’s Den, but his career highlight was anchoring the TVNZ’s coverage of both Christchurch earthquakes.