Understanding and keeping pace with the impact of AI.
Leaders need to balance the hype and promise of AI with the reality of delivering tangible business and customer benefits.
The technology evolves almost daily, so we’re constantly discussing where first-mover advantage really matters and where to place our bets.
What opportunities do you see in 2026?
We are a growth business, and growth remains our core focus. One of our standout achievements over the past year has been securing large enterprise and government customers.
We’ve invested heavily in building the 2degrees brand and elevating our corporate profile, supported by our newly combined scale. As a result, we now have a clear right to compete — we’re credible, capable, and offer far more than a traditional incumbent telco.
We’re also working with AST SpaceMobile, one of the standout innovators in the satellite space. Their technology will deliver text, voice, and data connectivity via satellite, and we’re incredibly excited about what that will mean for our customers.
How are you using AI to change your business?
Yes – but just as importantly, we’re focused on staying curious and open to what’s possible as the technology evolves.
Practically, AI is already embedded across several areas of the business: in our contact centres to drive efficiency and reduce call volumes; in our network operations to improve incident management; and within our marketing teams, from creative development through to highly data-driven engagement with existing customers.
It’s all moving so fast — ask me again in a few months and I’ll likely have a different answer.
What will the key election issue be in 2026 and why?
Confidence. This is confidence in leadership, confidence in the economy and most importantly, that decisions will be made that drive the country forward. It has been a tough few years for many people and they will want to understand what the election will mean for them.
How do think the New Zealand economy will perform in 2026?
We survey business leaders annually through our Shaping Business Study, and in 2025 they were starting to see green shoots — although the recovery is taking longer than expected.
From our perspective, momentum is heading in the right direction and I remain optimistic about the year ahead. The focus now needs to be on maintaining confidence, continuing to push forward, and stimulating the economy.
What’s the worst mistake you have made in business and what did you learn from it?
With the benefit of experience, most of my mistakes have occurred when I haven’t followed my initial instinct.
This often results in delays, a flow-on of poor decisions and sub-optimal outcome. While this is not a singular mistake, it is often a common root cause that I would encourage people to always think about when making decisions. Speed is often better than perfection.
What would you rate as your greatest success?
Hands down it’s the merger of 2degrees and Vocus. Three years ago we brought together two brilliant companies, each with its own strengths, and the outcome is a new business that hasn’t lost that challenger spirit.
Where and how are you holidaying this summer?
I’m heading off to the Gold Coast with the family for New Year. This will be after a great Christmas back home with my parents. Can’t wait!
What would you recommend as a good book to read over summer?
Accountable Leaders by Dr Vince Molinaro is a must-read for anyone who manages people. I recently gave copies to all our senior leaders.
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