Jon T.

Background

About Jon T.

My career has been a series of “sink-or-swim” adventures, often in uncharted waters - I love embracing challenge and I'm still swimming strong. Whether diving into greenfield projects or navigating tricky strategic landscapes, I've embraced my inner paradox: a left-brained, hyper-organised strategist paired with a right-brained, boundlessly creative visionary, enhanced by something in-between. Equal parts mapmaker and navigator, in leadership I've become a trusted guide for others, blending a deep understanding of business and organisational management with a passion for turning complexity into clarity. I geek out over the multi-layers within Strategy and Culture; firmly believing one doesn't eat the other, they both sit down and eat together. Sorry @SimonSinek I don't Start with Why, I start with Who. Not an Art of War more an Art of Balance - I demystify the ancient and arcane arts much like Clare Booth Luce’s oft misquoted quote, “The height of sophistication is simplicity.” With over 20 years of experience spanning arts, community, corporate, tertiary, and government sectors, I am the professional equivalent of a Swiss Army knife - sharply equipped for any challenge. Proudly Māori Ngāti Porou / Whakatōhea with Celt ancestry, I'm deeply committed to shifting narratives for marginalised communities and bring a bicultural perspective to every leadership table I join. As Kaiwhakahaere Matua of Touch Compass, Aotearoa’s leading professional disability-led arts organisation, and in governance roles with NZ Events Association, Women in Sport Aotearoa, and Dance and Arts Therapy NZ, I don’t just talk about diversity and equity, I live it. Whether championing strategic leadership, accessibility or fostering collaborations, my superpower is bringing people together to create meaningful, lasting change. Purposeful, professional, strategic, relationship-driven difference-maker. Intuitive, innovative, passionate and adept in leadership, organisational strategy, cultural competency, real diversity, active equity, and a11y."Kāre he take kia noho kātoa ki te waka eke noa, mēnā kārekau he tangata e mōhio ki te hoe ki hea, ki te urungi rānei! It's pointless all being in the same boat, if no one knows how to paddle or where to steer"- JT