Cecilia Robinson ONZM: Leading With Purpose, Innovation and Heart

At Celebrity Speakers, we are privileged to work with some of New Zealand’s most influential business leaders - and Cecilia Robinson ONZM remains one of the country’s most inspiring voices. A serial entrepreneur, health system reformer, award‑winning businesswoman, columnist, and passionate advocate for women and families, Cecilia continues to shape the future of Aotearoa through purpose‑driven leadership.

Her impact was formally recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours, where Cecilia was appointed Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to business and health transformation - a testament to her national influence and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of New Zealanders.

Recently, Cecilia joined James Laughlin on the Lead on Purpose podcast, offering a conversation rich with insight, courage and clarity. From entrepreneurship to parenting in a digital world, the themes she shared reflect a leader who is both visionary and deeply grounded.

A Career Built on Purpose

Cecilia first made her mark as the founder and original creator of My Food Bag, one of New Zealand’s most successful consumer start‑ups. Today, she is Co‑Founder and Co‑CEO of Tend Health, along side her husband James Robinson, now one of the country’s largest primary healthcare providers.

Tend is driven by a simple but bold mission:

"To help New Zealanders be the healthiest people in the world."

Tend is modernising Aotearoa’s primary care system - improving access, lifting health outcomes, and shaping a more connected, patient‑centred future for Kiwi families.

Cecilia also co‑chairs Before 16, a nationwide movement advocating for a minimum age for social media. As digital harm continues to rise among young people, she is leading important national conversations about safety, wellbeing, and the role of families and policy in protecting children online.

Three Rules for Building Meaningful Businesses

During the podcast, Cecilia shared the decision-making criteria that guides every venture she pursues - a framework that has shaped her career and helped her build two of New Zealand’s most recognised brands.

1. Work with people you trust and admire

“I need to work alongside people I trust, learn from, admire and respect.”
For Cecilia, business success begins with the right people. Trust, integrity and mutual respect are the foundation of every decision.

2. Choose work with real meaning and purpose

“I’m not going to be selling toilet paper… it doesn’t set my world on fire.”
Impact drives Cecilia’s ambition. She chooses industries that matter - where innovation creates genuine difference in people’s lives.

3. Build solutions for the country she loves

“It’s for the country that I love — New Zealand. We can make a lot of good here as our foundation.”
Cecilia is proudly New Zealand‑first. Her work is deeply connected to improving the wellbeing, potential and long‑term outcomes of Aotearoa, not international success.

Looking ahead, her vision is crystal clear:
“If in 20 or 30 years we see real acceleration and change in our healthcare outcomes, that would be one of the greatest joys of my life.”

A Leader Shaping the Future of Aotearoa

Cecilia’s story is one of resilience, purpose and bold leadership. She has been recognised with many top honours, including:

• Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
• New Zealand Innovator of the Year 2024
• Supreme Winner – Women of Influence Awards
• NEXT Businesswoman of the Year
• HER Businesswoman of the Year
• EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Yet alongside her business achievements, she is equally dedicated in her roles as a mum - and as a champion for women in business, working parents, and a healthier New Zealand.

A Powerful Voice for International Women’s Day & Year‑Round

Cecilia brings authenticity, sharp thinking and warmth to every stage she steps onto. She speaks on:

• Leadership and courage
• Purpose‑driven entrepreneurship
• Health and innovation
• Digital wellbeing and the Before 16 movement
• Empowering women and families
• Creating meaningful change in Aotearoa

She is an exceptional choice for International Women’s Day, but equally impactful for events and conferences throughout the year.

Book Cecilia Robinson ONZM for your next event

An inspiring storyteller, a formidable thinker, and a leader reshaping the future of New Zealand.