Keynote Speakers
We are delighted to introduce you to our 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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Thank you to BCITO for their generous sponsorship of our MC and keynote speakers.
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