Speakers

Jeremy Corbett - Master of Ceremonies

Jeremy Corbett is a towering figure in New Zealand's entertainment landscape, standing tall at 188cm with a penchant for wit and glasses to match. Despite being dubbed one of the "godfathers" of NZ stand-up comedy in a jestful jab by a younger comedian, Jeremy embraces his multifaceted identity as a comedian, radio and TV presenter, and computer programmer. Born under the sign of Leo in Westport and raised in Palmerston North, Jeremy now calls Auckland home, where he resides with his wife, Megan, their two delightful daughters, Charlie and Billie, and a lovable Golden Retriever named Cookie.

Jeremy is best known for his hosting duties on the hit comedy panel show, 7DAYS, airing Thursdays at 7:30 pm on THREE. His tenure as co-host of THE PROJECT, a primetime news and entertainment show on THREE, showcased his versatility, although his departure was sealed by budgetary constraints – a testament to his market value.

Beyond the screen, Jeremy is a sought-after corporate MC, infusing events with his trademark humor and charm. His journey to success has been marked by perseverance and a knack for staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry.

Jeremy's career trajectory is a testament to his diverse skill set and relentless work ethic. He began his academic pursuits at Massey University, Palmerston North, earning a BA in English and Computing while honing his comedic talents on Radio Massey and various sketch shows. In 1986, he co-founded ENERGY FM in New Plymouth before transitioning to a role as a Computer Analyst in Perth from 1987 to 1991.

Returning to New Zealand, Jeremy delved into radio, making waves as an announcer and producer on stations like 2XS Palmerston North and Radio Hauraki Auckland. His foray into television included memorable appearances on shows like The Paradise Picture Show and Deal or No Deal NZ, solidifying his status as a household name.

Since 2009, Jeremy has been a fixture on the small screen as the host of 7DAYS, captivating audiences with his quick wit and comedic prowess. His stint as co-host on The Project from 2018 to 2023 further solidified his position as a beloved figure in New Zealand media.

Jeremy Corbett's journey from humble beginnings to national acclaim is a testament to his enduring talent and unwavering commitment to entertainment excellence. With his distinctive blend of humor and warmth, Jeremy continues to leave an indelible mark on New Zealand's cultural landscape.

Jeremy Corbett - Master of Ceremonies

Brad Olsen

Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. Brad is passionate about using economics to make better informed decisions and can communicate complex and detailed trends in a simple, relatable, and useful manner. With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community, and social sectors, Brad often brings together a variety of views, data, and emerging trends to inform advice and analysis to key decision makers across New Zealand.

Brad is a community leader and is one of New Zealand’s youngest Justices of the Peace. His work in the community has been recognised a number of times: he was named New Zealand’s Queen’s Young Leader in 2016, one of Asia New Zealand Foundation’s 25 to Watch in 2019, and Young Wellingtonian of the Year 2020.

As a young person, Brad brings a different perspective to key opportunities and challenges that New Zealand faces and is keen to unlock more potential across businesses and communities. Emerging trends continue to accelerate the pace of change across the world and in New Zealand, and Brad focuses on understanding these trends as they evolve and highlighting way to enhance outcomes for local communities.

Originally from Whangarei, Brad completed his undergraduate studies at Victoria University of Wellington, finishing with a BCom and BA (majoring in Economics, Public Policy, International Relations and Political Science).

Since joining Infometrics in July 2015 as a part time data analyst while studying at Victoria University of Wellington, Brad has risen to be one of New Zealand’s most prominent, and youngest, economic commentators. He’s been termed by The Spinoff as a boy wonder and economist extraordinaire for his detailed, comprehensive, but understandable views on the economy. Brad has appeared in various media both nationally and globally, including with TVNZ, Newshub, Radio NZ, Stuff, Newsroom, NZME, The Guardian, and many others.

He regularly presents to boards, senior leadership, stakeholders, and key decision makers across New Zealand about key economic trends. Brad is a skilled communicator and works to inform key decision makers and the wider public about emerging and changing trends and getting useful and understandable insights to a wide range of groups.

At present, he is focused on New Zealand’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and what emerging trends from the pandemic mean for local economies. He also takes a keen interest in global economic trends and the current shift in supply chains. Since his emergence in the economics scene, Brad has also been a leading commentator on housing and infrastructure issues across New Zealand.

Brad’s role at Infometrics covers all parts of the business. In the regional and sector space, he is responsible for interacting with clients and providing key regional and industry-level economic insights. He is also a part of the forecasting team, analysing the latest trends and looking at how the economy is shifting. He has completed a range of bespoke consulting projects, including public policy costings in the education and healthcare space. Brad’s role includes regularly making presentations across the country (or now by Zoom) to examine current and emerging trends.

In 2019, Brad co-authored the Regional Wellbeing: A broader view of community outcomes around New Zealand Infometrics report, and designed the Regional Wellbeing Framework, allowing local leaders and their communities to better understand how their area functions and design innovative actions to improve the wellbeing of the wider community.

Outside of work, Brad’s an active and engaged member of the Wellington community and is one of New Zealand’s youngest Justices of the Peace (JP), performing both ministerial and judicial duties - as well as being a marriage and civil union celebrant.

He is a member of the Institute of Directors and is the Deputy Chair of the Wellington Branch Committee. He is also a Board Member of Business Central and is a member of the Global Shapers Community - Wellington Hub, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, and the Wellington District Licensing Committee. He occasionally volunteers with Take10 and was formerly a member of the Wellington City Youth Council. In 2016, he was announced as New Zealand’s Queen’s Young Leader and has met with the Queen on three occasions.

Brad Olsen

Malcolm Scrymgeour

Mal shares his time between running a half billion-dollar corporate retail business and selected consulting work. 

His day job is general manager operations for Farmlands where he leads a $550m retail business with 82 retail outlets and is responsible for 650 people.

He also runs the category team, pricing team and a merchandise team. During the first two years of running the business, Net Profit increased by 36% and continues to grow today. He is a hands on, practicing retailer with proven success who also just happens to be an outstanding communicator and motivator.

Previous experience:  With almost two decades of blue chip business experience in marketing, merchandise and operations roles in company's such as Cadbury (NZ), Cocoa-Cola (UK), Shell (NZ and Australia), Mayne Group (Australia) and Farmlands (New Zealand) Mal is not only strategist and innovator but someone who enjoys sharing his knowledge.

He has forged a formidable reputation as a retail management consultant in addition to being a senior retail business executive. Over the last decade Mal has been immersed in a number of retail channels including pharmacy, liquor, convenience stores/oil channel, hardware and rural supplies amongst others. He is famous for his consultancy work, deep knowledge of store operations, category management expertise and his presentations which are presented with a unique combination of bluntness, consumer insight and a good splash of comedy.   

Mal is the founder of Zumo Retail Ltd - a boutique retail consultancy with consultants based in New Zealand and Australia. Zumo Retail has an impressive client list including many well-known brands such as: Shell (USA), Conoco Phillips (Malaysia), Meridian Energy (NZ), James Hardie Industries (Australia), Newscorp (Australia), Farmlands (NZ), EBOS (Australia and NZ) and Thirsty Camel (Australia) amongst many others.

Mal shares his time between running a major corporate retailer, selected consulting work and running a web based pricing tool, known as Zumo2 which has been developed specifically to enhance margin for retailers.

He is not only a busy man, but a passionate retailer and consultant who enjoys providing pragmatic advice with humour and panache.

Malcolm Scrymgeour

Dr Michelle Dickinson (MNZM)

Dr Michelle Dickinson (MNZM) is a Nanotechnologist and Materials Engineer. She has spent the last two decades contributing to cutting-edge technologies, researching solutions for medical and technology applications for clients who range from small start-ups to large corporates.

Having set up and run New Zealand's only nanomechanical testing laboratory that specialises in making and breaking tiny things (nano and micro), Michelle spends her time helping companies with board advisory around science and technology commercialisation including technical consulting for investors and VC's looking for ROI advice for high-tech start-ups. Her experience spans academia, government labs and large-scale R&D departments. She says the key to success is not necessarily how great the technology is, but how well the science is communicated and how diverse the engineering team is.

Michelle's success comes from her hard work and lots of lucky opportunities, allowing her to break the poverty cycle she grew up in through education. This experience led her to Co-Found Nanogirl Labs, a socially conscious business designed to create beautiful and engaging content to help everyone build confidence around STEM.

Nanogirl Labs is both an in-person and a digital platform that highlights positive, diverse role models with fun and engaging storylines and kinaesthetic based learning helping everyone to see that they can be a creator not just a consumer.  Nanogirl Labs's goal is to help people have a meaningful relationship with technology no matter their educational background or socioeconomic status. Their projects include the bestselling book The Kitchen Science Cookbook and TV
show, a digital STEM platform and STEM education in schools in the pacific islands.

As a keynote speaker, Michelle loves to speak on the future of education and work, innovation & technology, change management, STEM and entrepreneurship.

Michelle became a household name during New Zealand's COVID-19 response, often called upon by the media and government to present the complex happenings in layman's terms. During this time, she was praised for her work in the education sector to explain the disease and its implications to children - her videos and content became a highly sought after resource by parents and teachers.

Dr Michelle is now helping businesses who are concerned about their staff's wellbeing, providing presentations to support people around the vaccine - breaking down misinformation, providing clear communication and myth busting!

Her warm and empathetic style allows her to present key information to any audience. Your team will leave Dr Michelle's presentation equipped with clear answers to all their vaccine and COVID questions.

Michelle has been recognised for her many services to New Zealand for her work in STEM including; becoming a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours, awarded the Sir Peter Blake Leadership award in 2015, was the winner of the Women of Influence award for science and innovation in 2016, winner of the Prime Minister's Science Media Communication Prize and the New Zealand Association of Scientists Science Communicators Award in 2014.

Dr Michelle Dickinson (MNZM)

Rob Waddell

Rob Waddell is one of New Zealand's highest-profile and most respected sportspeople. Rob has a string of top New Zealand sporting honours to his name including being a two-time World Rowing Champion and Olympic gold medal winner. 

Rob has a longstanding involvement at all levels in the New Zealand sports sector. In 2021, Rob stepped down from his role as Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, a role which he held for eight years, and contributed an incredible amount of in-depth understanding of high-performance sport to the role. 

He was the first recipient to win the Sportsperson of the Year Supreme Halberg Award for three consecutive years, a feat only shared by one other person.

He has had a wide contribution at a governance level across the not-for-profit sector, including governance roles with the Halberg Disability Trust, Te Awa River Trust, and the Home of Cycling charitable trust where he was instrumental in bringing the Home of Cycling to Cambridge, helping to secure $32 million of funding for the Avantidrome.

In 1995 Rob burst onto the New Zealand rowing scene as the youngest person ever to win the single sculls title at the New Zealand Championships he did this as a novice sculler. The following two years, Rob won the World championships in Germany and Canada breaking records on the water. His rowing career was topped off by winning Olympic Gold at Sydney 2000.

Rob has been a key part of three Americas cup sailing teams, culminating in the nail-biting performance that Emirates Team New Zealand produced in the final of the 2013 Americas Cup.

It's these stellar performances and his personal attributes that led to his selection as the Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic team where he led them into the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, followed by the Olympics in Rio in 2016.

As Chef de Mission, Rob leads the New Zealand Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams. This leadership role sees Rob responsible for setting standards of excellence, overseeing the planning and preparation of the games management teams and ensuring the athletes and their NSOs have what they need to achieve within the complex Olympic and Commonwealth Games environments. 

Rob is a multi-talented New Zealander, sportsman, family-man and entrepreneur. In a less public arena, Rob has a number of other interests including a business degree with Honours and he is Co-owner/Manager for his own thoroughbred agistment business in Cambridge.

Rob has also given generously of his time to non-for-profits including the Halberg Disability Trust, Te Awa River Trust, and the Home of Cycling charitable trust.

He attributes his motivation and work ethic, as much to his country upbringing in Piopio where his playground included the steep hills of the family sheep and cattle farm, his selection for the local Roller Mills Rugby team and later a homemade gym in his father's woolshed.

He is an excellent role model who has clearly demonstrated the benefits of applying his management and planning skills and what can be achieved through preparation, training and determination.

Rob Waddell