This month I had the privilege of standing on the steps of Parliament, not as a politician, but as an ordinary New Zealander determined to create extraordinary change.

Over the past 18 months my advocacy for equitable access to life-saving cancer medicines has taken me from hospital wards to television studios, radio interviews, meetings with Ministers, Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum, and ultimately before the Health Select Committee where I presented my oral submission.

Walking into Parliament wasn’t about me.

It was about every family forced to mortgage their future to access treatment.

It was about every patient who doesn’t have a voice.

It was about challenging a system that can, and should, do better.

I met with MPs from across Parliament, sharing not only my own experience but presenting evidence, international comparisons and practical solutions. My message was simple: good policy should never leave good people behind.

So why do I begin a business newsletter talking about Parliament?

Because this is exactly how I work with every client.

Whether I’m helping a business recover from financial distress, build a governance framework, negotiate with government agencies, resolve conflict between shareholders, or develop a strategy for growth, the principles never change.

I listen.

I ask the hard questions.

I analyse the evidence.

I challenge assumptions.

I build relationships.

And I don’t walk away when the path becomes difficult.

Business owners don’t need another consultant or business advisor who simply writes reports or prescriptions.

They need someone who will stand beside them, navigate complexity, advocate for their interests and help create outcomes that others thought were out of reach.

At The Engine, we don’t simply solve today’s problems.

We help build organisations that are stronger, more resilient and better prepared for tomorrow.

Because whether you’re standing in Parliament or sitting across the boardroom table, leadership is ultimately about the same thing:

Having the courage to step forward when it matters most.

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.

Subscribe to  The Engine Business Coach.

Save thousands of dollars by avoiding simple but often-overlooked business mistakes with our monthly advisory newsletter.