Profile

Theresa Gattung is a leading New Zealand business personality and accomplished international speaker. Named in Fortune magazine’s list of the 50 most powerful women in international business several times since 2002, she was also included in Forbes’ list of the world’s 50 most powerful women across any sphere in 2006.

Current work
As a leading New Zealand business personality and best-selling author, Theresa is regularly called on to speak at a range of events.

She draws on her experience as a professional director and as the former CEO and Managing Director of Spark (formerly Telecom), to provide inspiring and memorable addresses - on topics such as leadership, marketing and branding, business transformation, ambition and success.

Background
Theresa has a professional background spanning financial services, telecommunications and agriculture, and is truly passionate about business. She currently holds a number of governance positions, including Chair of AIA Australia, Telco Technology Services and the Wellington SPCA.

Theresa is a co-founder of My Food Bag which was launched in March 2013 - she takes an active role in the management, marketing and direction of the company, which is growing at a rapid pace.

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Expertise

Topics

Business

Sales
Mastering Leadership
CEO & Company Directors
Marketing

Innovation

Science & Technology

Motivational

Inspiring Stories

Politics & Advocacy

Leadership

Feedback

Thank you for your presentation to and discussion with participants in the Public Sector Advanced Leadership Programme last Thursday. All of us appreciated your energy, your grounded wisdom ... keep readingabout people and organisations and your insights into your own leadership journey, from those formative experiences at home through to the transition from CEO to Board member and Chair. I particularly appreciated your views on the challenges that public sector leaders face in securing durable commitment to decisions and in gaining public recognition of our successes. I could tell from the atmosphere you created in the room and the lively chatter at the end that your insights into authentic leadership, finding the right people to work for and with, and being clear about what you stand for and are seeking to achieve really struck a chord. Leadership Development Centre

Thank you so much for joining us as the keynote speaker at our Seventh Women in Multinationals Forums in Melbourne and Sydney. Your luncheon presentation was the highlight of two very successful meetings. It was highly entertaining and inspiring for the audience of high-potential women, most of whom face a familiar struggle in balancing family and other commitments as they seek to progress their careers within global companies. Your frank reflections on what you'd learned about yourself and corporate life since leaving the fast-paced world of publicly listed companies were particularly valuable - especially the importance of pacing oneself and of maintaining a sense of perspective, personal health and well-being.

CEO Forum Group

Theresa opened Leadership week for us at Hamilton City Council. She captured everyone's attention with her personal insights, quick wit and humour, and a glimpse into a world most of us only dream of. The feedback was very positive and many commented that they had taken away something to think about. Thank you for your thought-provoking insights into leadership.

Hamilton City Council

Numerous emails from various women around the country have expressed that they have enjoyed meeting you and hearing you speak. More importantly, some were so touched that they have changed the outcome on where they are now heading, purely from hearing you speak, all in a positive way. That I feel speaks volumes, so thank you for doing that, for inspiring those who really have heard what you wanted to put across

Her Business Wellington

Since your talk, I have been thinking how your many experiences have led you to the role of Chair of Wool Partners. If anyone can assist New Zealand's wool farmers to realize greater opportunity in global markets, it's you. Hope they realise their good fortune in having someone with your wealth of experience and laser-like focus on their side

University of Waikato

I have received the most feedback - all positive - I have ever had following your presentation. Many people said it inspired and motivated them, the youth forum group were particularly impressed. I also heard a few people say you were the best speaker they have ever heard and I know of a few who have already finished reading your book.

Papakura District Council