Keynote Speakers
Thank you to BCITO for their generous sponsorship of our MC and keynote speakers.
Richard Gerver
Richard Gerver is a globally recognized thought leader in leadership, change, and human development, whose expertise has transformed businesses and organizations worldwide. His journey began as an award-winning headteacher in the UK, where he revitalized a failing school within two years, earning international acclaim. Dubbed "The Walt Disney of the Classroom" by the UK National Press, Richard’s innovative approach to leadership and transformation resonates far beyond education.
Since transitioning from education in 2008, Richard has become one of the most sought-after voices on navigating complexity and change in the business world. His work focuses on equipping organizations and leaders to adapt, innovate, and thrive in rapidly shifting landscapes. Through his books and speaking engagements, Richard has provided practical, visionary strategies to iconic organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Visa, and Sport England.
Richard’s insights are shaped by his deep understanding of human behaviour and organizational dynamics, making him a trusted advisor to global businesses and policymakers. His ability to connect with audiences, coupled with his unique perspective, has led to keynote engagements in over 15 countries and collaborations with influential figures like Barack Obama, The Dalai Lama, and Steve Wozniak.
From helping leaders build resilient teams to inspiring innovation and cultural transformation, Richard’s approach is grounded in real-world application and human-cantered leadership. His work continues to empower businesses to unlock potential, embrace change, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-evolving world.
Change: It’s Personal
Change is certainly not a new phenomenon, but it is an accelerating one. On the whole, we were educated and prepared to live lives where certainty would be our reward, personally and professionally. We were told that if we got our heads down and focused on doing the best we could, as efficiently as possible our reward would be stability. The rapid evolutions in technology, global economy, the environment, social and societal fabric have led to a world where doing enough, only seems to leave us lagging further and further behind, exhausted by the efforts we are expending just to try and keep pace.
The brutal truth is that the world, our sectors and our lives are never going to slow down, or go back to ‘normal’, so we need to find ways to evolve- not just in the workplace but at home too. We must develop new ways of thinking and behaving if we are to find ways to feel in control of the future and enjoy the opportunities it will present. To do that, we must understand why we feel the way we do and what we can do, personally and professionally, to build new and proactive mindsets that will find us ahead of the curve, rather than breathlessly trying to cling on to the back of it.
In his keynote speech, Richard will explore these themes as he helps us to find ways to overcome the challenges we face.
Richard Gerver is a globally recognized thought leader in leadership, change, and human development, whose expertise has transformed businesses and organizations worldwide. His journey began as an award-winning headteacher in the UK, where he revitalized a failing school within two years, earning international acclaim. Dubbed "The Walt Disney of the Classroom" by the UK National Press, Richard’s innovative approach to leadership and transformation resonates far beyond education.
Since transitioning from education in 2008, Richard has become one of the most sought-after voices on navigating complexity and change in the business world. His work focuses on equipping organizations and leaders to adapt, innovate, and thrive in rapidly shifting landscapes. Through his books and speaking engagements, Richard has provided practical, visionary strategies to iconic organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Deloitte, Visa, and Sport England.
Richard’s insights are shaped by his deep understanding of human behaviour and organizational dynamics, making him a trusted advisor to global businesses and policymakers. His ability to connect with audiences, coupled with his unique perspective, has led to keynote engagements in over 15 countries and collaborations with influential figures like Barack Obama, The Dalai Lama, and Steve Wozniak.
From helping leaders build resilient teams to inspiring innovation and cultural transformation, Richard’s approach is grounded in real-world application and human-cantered leadership. His work continues to empower businesses to unlock potential, embrace change, and achieve sustainable success in an ever-evolving world.
Change: It’s Personal
Change is certainly not a new phenomenon, but it is an accelerating one. On the whole, we were educated and prepared to live lives where certainty would be our reward, personally and professionally. We were told that if we got our heads down and focused on doing the best we could, as efficiently as possible our reward would be stability. The rapid evolutions in technology, global economy, the environment, social and societal fabric have led to a world where doing enough, only seems to leave us lagging further and further behind, exhausted by the efforts we are expending just to try and keep pace.
The brutal truth is that the world, our sectors and our lives are never going to slow down, or go back to ‘normal’, so we need to find ways to evolve- not just in the workplace but at home too. We must develop new ways of thinking and behaving if we are to find ways to feel in control of the future and enjoy the opportunities it will present. To do that, we must understand why we feel the way we do and what we can do, personally and professionally, to build new and proactive mindsets that will find us ahead of the curve, rather than breathlessly trying to cling on to the back of it.
In his keynote speech, Richard will explore these themes as he helps us to find ways to overcome the challenges we face.
Alia Bojilova
Dr. Alia Bojilova, a former SAS psychologist, is a celebrated expert in leadership, resilience, and human potential. Known for her insightful, energetic, and inspiring approach, Alia has guided thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations through some of the world’s most challenging environments. Her diverse experience spans government, Olympians, the commercial sector, healthcare, education, creative industries, and not-for-profits. A globally sought keynote speaker, Alia is also the author of The Resilience Toolkit, which outlines her proven four-step process for unlocking true potential.
Alia’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements, including receiving the United Nations Commendation and the Inaugural Meritorious Service Medal for her pivotal role in negotiating critical incidents in the Middle East. She now serves as a partner in two venture firms operating in New Zealand and North America, where she continues to foster innovation and growth.
Driven by a mission to serve something greater than herself, Alia joined the New Zealand Army, where she deployed to Syria as part of an international peacekeeping force. In a harrowing experience, she was taken hostage but managed to connect with her captors, demonstrating empathy and resilience under extreme circumstances. This experience shaped her belief that resilience is not about bouncing back but bouncing forward—emerging stronger and better after setbacks.
Alia emphasizes the power of micro-moments to create transformative change. Her ability to reignite teams weighed down by bureaucracy and help them reconnect with purpose has inspired countless organizations to reimagine their potential. Alia’s work continues to empower individuals and teams to discover how much better they can be, leaving an indelible impact on all who engage with her.
Now Thrive: The ABCD to Resilience
We get to experiment with the non-negotiables to galvanise ambition, re-focus, broaden capabilities and harness greater resilience for ourselves and our teams. We will engage with best-fit resilience tools, deepen connections and capacity for exploration, and reflect (confidentially) on our own needs and potentials for the future. We will learn how we can bounce forward better, so we are better equipped, energised and committed to thriving ahead.
Dr. Alia Bojilova, a former SAS psychologist, is a celebrated expert in leadership, resilience, and human potential. Known for her insightful, energetic, and inspiring approach, Alia has guided thousands of leaders, teams, and organizations through some of the world’s most challenging environments. Her diverse experience spans government, Olympians, the commercial sector, healthcare, education, creative industries, and not-for-profits. A globally sought keynote speaker, Alia is also the author of The Resilience Toolkit, which outlines her proven four-step process for unlocking true potential.
Alia’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements, including receiving the United Nations Commendation and the Inaugural Meritorious Service Medal for her pivotal role in negotiating critical incidents in the Middle East. She now serves as a partner in two venture firms operating in New Zealand and North America, where she continues to foster innovation and growth.
Driven by a mission to serve something greater than herself, Alia joined the New Zealand Army, where she deployed to Syria as part of an international peacekeeping force. In a harrowing experience, she was taken hostage but managed to connect with her captors, demonstrating empathy and resilience under extreme circumstances. This experience shaped her belief that resilience is not about bouncing back but bouncing forward—emerging stronger and better after setbacks.
Alia emphasizes the power of micro-moments to create transformative change. Her ability to reignite teams weighed down by bureaucracy and help them reconnect with purpose has inspired countless organizations to reimagine their potential. Alia’s work continues to empower individuals and teams to discover how much better they can be, leaving an indelible impact on all who engage with her.
Now Thrive: The ABCD to Resilience
We get to experiment with the non-negotiables to galvanise ambition, re-focus, broaden capabilities and harness greater resilience for ourselves and our teams. We will engage with best-fit resilience tools, deepen connections and capacity for exploration, and reflect (confidentially) on our own needs and potentials for the future. We will learn how we can bounce forward better, so we are better equipped, energised and committed to thriving ahead.
MC - Petra Bagust
Back by popular demand, we're excited to have Petra Bagust returning as our MC.
A well-known media personality in New Zealand, Petra has over three decades of experience in TV, radio, and podcasting. A natural communicator, her engaging, positive, and sometimes irreverent style has made her a household name. Petra’s connection to the construction industry runs deeper than most would expect.
Raised in a family with strong ties to building and craftsmanship, Petra’s father and grandfather both worked in construction, instilling in her a deep respect for the industry and its people. This personal connection has given her a unique perspective, blending her media expertise with an understanding of the practical, hands-on nature of the trade.
Petra has recently enjoyed great success with her podcast Grey Areas with Petra Bagust, which has won multiple awards, including Best Entertainment Podcast at the 2023 NZ Radio Awards and Silver at the 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards. Petra is thrilled to bring her experience and energy to MC this event and celebrate New Zealand’s Certified Builders in 2025.
A well-known media personality in New Zealand, Petra has over three decades of experience in TV, radio, and podcasting. A natural communicator, her engaging, positive, and sometimes irreverent style has made her a household name. Petra’s connection to the construction industry runs deeper than most would expect.
Raised in a family with strong ties to building and craftsmanship, Petra’s father and grandfather both worked in construction, instilling in her a deep respect for the industry and its people. This personal connection has given her a unique perspective, blending her media expertise with an understanding of the practical, hands-on nature of the trade.
Petra has recently enjoyed great success with her podcast Grey Areas with Petra Bagust, which has won multiple awards, including Best Entertainment Podcast at the 2023 NZ Radio Awards and Silver at the 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards. Petra is thrilled to bring her experience and energy to MC this event and celebrate New Zealand’s Certified Builders in 2025.
Q&A on the couch with Petra
David Hall and Suzannah Toulmin, MBIE
David Hall and Suzannah Toulmin, MBIE
David Hall is the General Manager of Building System Performance at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – New Zealand’s building regulator.
Building System Performance provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs.
David has a strong background working in local Government, including as CEO of Ōtorohanga and South Waikato District Councils. More recently, he has worked as the General Manager, Policy at the Infrastructure Commission, and as Technical Director at Mott MacDonald, a multi-national civil engineering consultancy.
Building System Performance provides policy and technical advice on New Zealand’s building system, rules and standards, and implements building legislation and regulations to meet New Zealand’s current and future needs.
David has a strong background working in local Government, including as CEO of Ōtorohanga and South Waikato District Councils. More recently, he has worked as the General Manager, Policy at the Infrastructure Commission, and as Technical Director at Mott MacDonald, a multi-national civil engineering consultancy.
Suzannah Toulmin is the Manager Building Consenting and Practitioners Policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The Consenting and Practitioners policy team provides policy advice on the building regulatory system to support the construction of safe, healthy, and durable buildings, with a focus on consenting, occupational regulation and consumer protection.
Current priorities include work to deliver a more streamlined building consent system, including work on remote inspections and granny flats, and mandating the approval of overseas building products and systems.
Suzannah has held a number of public sector policy roles and has experience working in the private energy and resources sector.
Current priorities include work to deliver a more streamlined building consent system, including work on remote inspections and granny flats, and mandating the approval of overseas building products and systems.
Suzannah has held a number of public sector policy roles and has experience working in the private energy and resources sector.
Sponsored by CGF
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E. [email protected] Privacy Policy | New Zealand Certified Builders (nzcb.nz) NZCB Conference 2025 6-7 June 2025 Claudelands, Hamilton |
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