My story
Outrageous fortune
I live a life with a simple approach. Control what you can, work through as best you can what you can't, don't sweat the small stuff and roll with it. Life is not meant to be a linear path, in fact, where the road goes is really anyone's guess.
I have survived cancer, been a Survivor NZ Castaway, chased storms in USA, completed an Ironman and is now a proud husband and father of three boys. A Fellow Chartered Accountant, and the Chief Executive of a Community Foundation with various governance roles, my path to where I am today is far from expected.
I tell my story of outrageous fortune in a way that is raw, down to earth, exactly how it is - a way that we can all relate to. I strongly believe with perseverance, resilience, a positive mindset, and a willingness to go out of your comfort zone, anything is possible. We are all capable of much more than we think. Leadership is instilled in us all.
Why Raw Potential?
Through life changing and challenging experiences I came up with the idea of Raw Potential.
Raw being something in its original form. It can be shaped, molded and made into whatever you wish. The human body and mind is raw in make-up, and can always be changed.
Potential is what we all have in bucket loads. Everyone has potential, and most of us never really reach it or even unearth it.
We all have Raw Potential waiting to be unleashed.
Co-Founder & Advocate
An advocate for Cancer Society of NZ, I brought my vision & passion for life through founding the Cancer Society of NZ digital support app - Ripple. Ripple was a network to empower & connect people affected by cancer, wherever they may be in New Zealand. Ripple forced a change in the Cancer Society digital strategy and future, hopefully creating a better destination for all and anyone impacted by cancer. The Ripple story is a powerful one built off first-hand experience & the power of community.
More than just a CA
A Young Regional Advocate for Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand, I was a Presidents Prize Nominee & included in the Dec/Jan 2020 addition of Acuity showcasing 'Future Leaders'. I proudly sit on CA ANZ Council and NZ Council being a focal advocate for CAs as leaders across many industries worldwide. Awarded a Fellowship in 2022, I am determined to lead positive impact across Aotearoa New Zealand.
2021 Kiwibank Local Hero medallist & Semi-finalist
The Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award - Te Pou Toko o te Tau recognises everyday people doing extraordinary things in their local hapori - communities over the past year. This award acknowledges the enormous contribution, sacrifice and commitment of Kiwi who have selflessly worked to make their local hapori a better place. I was recognised for my contribution to New Zealand and Taranaki through my work with the Cancer Society of NZ, wider community work and launching of Ripple NZ wide.
Why Choose Raw potenial
If you want to hear a true kiwi story of resilience, inspiration, leadership, positive mindset and hope, then go no further. I tell my story in a way that relates to all New Zealanders. Regardless of age or your stage in life, you never know when your life may change in a flash. I bring a resilience toolkit to audiences in a way that is relatable and down to earth. We can all go further, and do more.
In the words of Sir Edmond Hillary;
"You don't have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things - to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals."
Josh Hickford