Generations is an advisory practice — not a consulting firm.
I work alongside owners, boards and leadership teams to strengthen decision clarity, governance and long-term value.
When required, I bring in specialist expertise - legal, financial or sector insight, however I remain the principal advisor.
I don’t step into management’s seat.
I don’t replace existing advisors.
Decisions remain with owners and boards.
My role is to bring independent thinking, structured discipline and steady judgement to complex situations.
“Working with Richard has had a hugely positive, transformative effect on my business and wellbeing. Their insightful advice provides the cut-through required when you are often too busy to look yourself. Richard’s experience in all aspects of business has been invaluable. ” Owner (Recently sold).
Most engagements start with a Strategy Day or structured governance diagnostic.
This provides:
• Clear articulation of ownership intent
• Visibility of succession realities
• Governance gaps identified
• Strategic priorities clarified
• A practical action pathway agreed
Not a thick report.
Not theory.
Clear direction.
Following that first step, involvement may continue through:
• Advisory Board participation
• Independent strategic advisory
• Succession pathway development
• Governance structure refinement
• Exit-readiness planning
The objective is clarity, alignment and reduced dependency on any one individual.
Succession is not an event.
Governance is not paperwork.
Exit-readiness is not about selling.
They are disciplines.
When structured thinking is applied consistently:
• Ownership becomes clearer
• Leadership roles are better defined
• Tension reduces
• Decisions are made faster
• The business becomes more transferable
• Owners sleep better
Generations works best with established businesses that are serious about investing in governance, succession and long-term value.
The work requires openness, accountability and willingness to act.
When the fit is right, momentum follows.
Values-based engagement
I work best where there’s respect, honesty and good intent - even when conversations are hard. My role isn’t to 'win' arguments; it’s to help families and boards make sound decisions that hold up over time.
“Richard’s experience brought so much structure to our projects and truly elevated our business proposition. We have got so much value out of working alongside Richard and are very lucky to have had them in our corner.” Owners, serial entrepreneurs.
Over the past 24 years, I’ve been fortunate to work with clients across sectors including:
Automotive & Marine - The Giltrap Group, Orams Marine
Design & Construction - Trinity Interior Design, Built, PCR Concrete
Professional Services - The Advisory Group, Gallaghers Insurance
Health & Wellness - Southern Cross Healthcare, Palm Clinic, Zoom Pharmacy
Food & Beverage - Moa Brewing, Mondays Wholefoods, Wild Appetite
Technology & Innovation - Fenix UAS, Stellar Consulting, Spark JV
Travel & Luxury - AMPED Ski Adventures, Luxury Trail Company, HelloWorld
…and many more across retail, media, social enterprise and NZ Inc.
Automobile & Marine:
The Giltrap Group, Enterprise Motor Group, Orams Marine
Building, Construction, Interiors: Built, Trinity Interior Design, PCR Concrete, Glass Systems, ClearShield Glass, Clearsite Demolition
Career & Education:
LearnAbout NZ/Tots2Teens, Career Development Company, Sunshine Books International, Coactive Education/Tell Your Stories
Energy: Lightforce Solar/Smarter Energy
Food & Bev: Moa Brewing Company, Scott Seafood, Mondays Wholefoods, Wild Appetite, Cheese on Toast, Naked Organics (sold to Lisa's)
Health, Medical, Wellness, Beauty & Pharmaceutical: Southern Cross Healthcare, Auckland Physio, Palm Clinic, EastMed Pharmacy, The Hand Therapy Group, ZOOM Pharmacy, Evolu skincare
Health & Safety: Checkmate NZ, CovidCleanInspect
Marketing & Promotion: SignFX Signage, FRANK Stationery, Zest
Media, Art & Entertainment: Not The Ordinary, Studio Carolina Izzo, Vanguard 86 Digital Marketing, PForm.NZ, BGT, Hungerball, Many Talents Media, Global media company, Media Specialists, Singapore Media [start-up], Classic Melbourne, Republic Films
Merchandising, eCommerce & Retail : New Zealand Mint, Rapid Dry Towels, Leading Solutions, Lounge Around, McLean & Co, The Fairy Light Shop, Retail Holdings Mission BayThe Promenade
Non-Profit + Social Enterprise: FRANK Stationery, Career Development Company, Recycling start-up, Urban Entrepreneur, Hospices of Auckland, North Shore Hospice, Eastern Bays Hospice, RSA, Marist School, Rotary Clubs of Auckland (100 years)
NZ Inc: Kea New Zealand, theFacts.NZ, KPI.NZ
Professional Services, Legal, Accounting, Financial & Insurance : The Advisory Group, Gallaghers Insurance, Legacy Group, Robyn Young HR/Recruitment, MyMoney, Horrocks Hampton Law, The Icehouse, Miller Recruitment, Wedding She Wrote, iServe, Positive Growth, Think Research
Property Experts (Commercial): Boutique Body Corporates, Strategic Spaces
PropertyMaintenance/Service: Chemwash, Handy Rentals, ICE Security, Textile Cleaning Services
Technology: Fenix UAS Drone Training & Ops, Stellar Consulting, RCG (Spark/One/2Degrees JV)
Trades, Suppliers & Logistics: Alpha Drains, DC Power, Sterling Clutch & Brake
Travel & Tourism: Kiwi Motorhomes, HelloWorld, YOU Travel, AMPED Ski Adventures, Luxury Trail Company, Auckland Car Rental, HopOnHopOff
50+ Demographic & Community: GrownUps, GrownUps/Cigna