Lightsmith, Christchurch (2026)

02/10/2024

One of the great things about sport and the world of consultancy that I work in is that you get to meet wonderful people...Timo Jankowski is one of those people...Timo is Technical Director of the Fiji Football Association (Fiji FA). I got to meet him when he was part of the group doing their FIFA Oceania Pro License in 2023 - set up by Sean Douglas and lead by my old sparring partner Craig Philpott, and which I had the privilege of facilitating a few sessions over the course of the year...Timo is a learner - curious and inquisitive and has made many adaptations over his 3 years in Fiji - and his leadership has had an impact internationally with the U17 and U20 programmes. So while on a bit of R and R in Fiji it was great to catch up over lunch - and yes we talked coaching, leadership and performance! May have even been a few frameworks and models written on a napkin...

09/09/2024

The last 3 months has been an eclectic mix of work. Coupled with Olympic and Paralympic sleep deprivation it has made me be very conscious of maintaining My own performance. The current performance work I have been doing with Seipp construction is ending and it has been rewarding and a great learning experience, and the feedback I get through the survey monkey process I have set up will be invaluable - the 'gift of feedback'!
Speaking of feedback, had a great workshop with 'young', aspirational leaders at Sorted Logistics. The feedback was humbling. Well done to John Davis, Kris Webster and Rewi Te Whatu for setting this programme up.
This was followed later in the week by a short session with the finance team from Ravensdown on their recharge and celebration day. They were curious about the components of high-performance environments in sport and how this might apply to their team and work. Thanks for the opportunity Kevin Cooney.
A short session with Calder Stewart Site Managers exploring Hunting Territory, Mutuality and how they lead a complex construction site provided some good insights – thanks Ben Grant.
The individual work 1 – 1 I am doing reinforces the importance of an objective, non- judgmental ‘Thinking Colleague’ in the personal growth of people. Who is your thinking buddy?
In the sporting space HPSNZ Core Knowledge has restarted and we had an excellent cohort in Wellington doing Performance Impact 1, with Craig Philpott. I’m also doing some coach observation and feedback for coaches in the CRFU rep programme – an initiative by Riki Tahere and Mike Sheat.
And so, to Olympic sleep deprivation. My viewing was through the lens of the 4 coaches I had been working with in a support role through HPSNZ programmes, and looking at performance regardless of outcome, knowing the background work they have put in with the athletes. An observation is we, as a proud and expectant nation are getting better at acknowledging more than just medals – PB’s, SB’s, national records, making finals, top 10 etc....but still default to the medal table for judging success or failure, when for some athlete’s just getting to the start line is a ‘win’!
I love the experience of winning – but I have both lost and won an U19 Rugby Word Championship final and knew to 'treat those two imposters just the same'. This leads me to the story of Henry Bibby – coached by the great John Wooden at UCLA, NBA Hall of Fame - who became a coach himself. After the NCAA team he was coaching lost in double extra time he was asked at the press conference how it felt to lose that way- his response – ‘we had wins out there today you didn’t even see…’
There were performances in Paris that had wins that others didn’t see…so what are the wins you have – at a personal and organisational level that no one else sees and do you celebrate them – ‘the wins nobody sees’.

14/06/2024

Kia ora tatou, hard to be believe that it has been 3 months since the last Lightsmith full update…and as I reflect it has been another diverse time full of experiences, sharing, learning and some neat outcomes.
A Learning Lunch with Scott Wilson and Digital Influence, facilitating a coaches breakfast where we distilled the learning from the recent Coach for Life documentary on Don Tricker, on going work with leaders at Seipp Construction, Ballantynes, concluding 12 months of work at Molloy Agriculture Ltd, presenting to the Crusader IHPU Coaches, and HPSNZ Core Knowledge workshops in Christchurch, Invercargill and Auckland has kept me on my toys in my performance delivery mode. Rounded off with some on the grass work with a couple of coaches has made for a fulfilling few months.

In my work I stress the importance of reflection and constant ongoing learning. In that regard one client challenged me to tip my workshop approach on its head, and present through the lens of one of models I use, that model having resonated with the people in the business – it was one of those unexpected moments that turn out to be a wonderful gift. It has put me on a push in reading (Clear Thinking – Shane Parrish; How Big Things Get Done – Flyberg and Gardener) and in writing and recreating workshop content…thank you Peter Seipp, Drew Griffen and Abbigail Surridge CMHRNZ for the inspiration.
Along with group work I do I have a number of individual clients – all in very different contexts – some business, some local body and some in sport. These interactions really keep me attuned to my individual coaching practice and being faithful to the GROW process and going where the learner needs to go. Out of this come some very satisfying outcomes and I will share 2 brief stories.
I have been fortunate over the years to have had support from some wonderful people – so I believe there is a responsibility for us to pay that forward – and through a cricket coach I worked with while at NZC, Sriram Krishnamurthy – I have been working with his friend Kedar Vrs in India, online for 2 years…Kedar is a learner and looking to do things different in a very structured Indian coaching system – so I am delighted for him in his appointment as bowling coach for the Tamal Nadu State Cricket – this is the highest level of cricket in Indian below the Indian national side…lesson for me is that change can happen within systems when individuals are prepared to be different.
The other achievement that brought me joy was the appointment of Stu Hunter as Manager NZ U20 Rugby for the 2024 U20 World Cup. Stu has been an outstanding manager for many teams both in Canterbury, Crusaders Development and with Tasman NPC. We have been working together over the last 30 months on honing all his experience, skills and knowledge so that Stu is able to have real clarity on how he best adds value to any environment he is in. But this was not a 2 year project – it has been 15 years in the making since the first age group Canterbury team Stu managed…the lesson for me is perseverance, life long learning, being patient and optimistic that your time will come and being ready when it is…Krumboltz and Happenstance in action…well done Stu.
Finally, I spent a delightful hour with Riki Tahere, at Canterbury Rugby (who does a great job as podcast host) recording a podcast for the Coaching Corner…have a listen – I did, and amongst the ramblings there are a few points of interest! But for me listening to yourself is another great form of feedback - noting areas done well and areas for improvement – always reflecting, learning and then applying that forward into my performance space… https://open.spotify.com/episode/6l9HvgpHDN9BlNt9m1EZSE

Ko te kai a te
Rangatira he kōrero
The food of chiefs is dialogue

07/03/2024

Kia ora tatou, first update for 2024
The year started in January with my 4th year in leading a workshop over 2 days with young leaders at the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA). Again, when I get to work with young people of this quality, I came away invigorated and optimistic about our future as a country.
Work with young people continued as the Lincoln University Scholarship students returned to campus and I was involved in their pre academic programme across all 3 years.
I had an energising morning with the Scott Wilson and the crew from Digital Influence as they refocused for 2024. Scott lives and breaths performance and this filters into the whole team.
The IT theme continues in my ongoing work with RubyPlay ruby, working with groups and individuals as they navigate the twin challenges of growth and performance.
I have continued my work with Peter Seipp and the Leadership Team at Seipp Construction Ltd. Through the excellent work of Abbigail Surridge CMHRNZ the next phase is evolving, to get alignment throughout the business, which will ensure Seipp are ahead of the wave in growing their people and delivering next level performance.
February also saw me start some work with the leadership team at Ballantynes. Working with an iconic retail business is new territory for me – so I’m again in learning mode. The challenges and opportunities to lead and grow people are no different than other organisations I have worked with. It is just the context, where subtle adjustment is needed. The team is a great group of people inspiringly lead by CEO Maria O’Halloran.
The work I do in HP Sport has been ongoing. I am working alongside 2 coaches in Olympic programmes, as a critical friend/thinking buddy to both challenge and support their thinking. I supported colleague Craig Philpott in the delivery of the first HPSNZ Coach Core Knowledge for the year up in Auckland. Work in Te Hapaitanga and Kia Manawanui provides real diversity and the coaches in these programmes highlight the hidden gems we have within the performance coaching community in NZ.
Finally, I was having a beer with friend David Hewett the other evening, and he got me reflecting (good coaching Dave!) on what had been achieved since July 1st 2020, when post covid disestablishment provided me with the opportunity and inspiration to become Lightsmith Performance Consultants. He got me to acknowledge a sense of satisfaction, achievement, and pride - we are poor at doing this for ourselves at times and sometimes need prompting! However, I also shared with him that underpinning this was gratitude towards the significant number of people who have supported me personally and in business – you know who you are - so thank you all and onward we go…RJS

18/12/2023

The end of the year has seen a bit of a flurry of work for Lightsmith.
The beginning of November saw the Braintree Wellness Trust Charity Golf Tournament take place at Clearwater – where I volunteer in support of a great organisation and concept – and expertly organised by the indefatigable Brendon Prendergast. A fantastic day with over $180,000 raised.
I have continued my work in my various HPSNZ roles working with various coaches as they headed towards Junior World Champs, completed professional development overseas, and connected key coaches with learning and skill acquisition academics in looking to add value to their programmes leading into the Paris Olympics.
In that vein it was a real joy to co-present with colleague and friend Graeme Robson at the annual Australasian Skill Acquisition Network conference at UC. We did a bit of a retrospective on the people and events that have seen ‘Skill Acq’ grow in NZ over the last 20 years…and a new Olympic sport of ‘beer coaster flipping and coaching’ was introduced to put coaches in a place of coaching something novel!
I continue to enjoy the work I do at an individual level with a number of clients, both in HP Sport and Business – and value the opportunity to really put my performance coaching capability to work in helping these people get better at what they do.
Work has been ongoing with RubyPlay over the last 2 months as we explore what being a high performing leadership team looks like and understanding hunting territory, maximizing mutuality, positional dynamics and the ‘campfire’.
I also started a new piece of work with the SLT at Seipp Construction and look forward to working with Abbigail Surridge and Peter Seipp as we further craft and refine this.
As they say on the movie set ‘that is a wrap’ for 2023…thank you to all the people and organisations that I get to interact with. I am so grateful to be able to do what I do.
Merry Christmas and enjoy a restful and recharging holiday season.
Nga mihi nui,
RJS

02/11/2023

The last couple of months have been a very eclectic mix for Lightsmith Performance Consulting
An enjoyable session with the Foreman and Site Managers from Seipp Construction Ltd, in the awesome landscape of High Peak Station started off proceedings – thanks for the opportunity Peter Seipp. It was a pleasure to also work in with Tony Groves and Darren Folau QSM from HALO Training and I noted how closely our approaches aligned.
I have also been completing a review process for a large sporting organisation and at the same time a performance feedback process for Molloy Agriculture. This was a great opportunity to compare and contrast the nature of sporting and business environments, and I obtained some insightful learning.
This was followed up with a HPSNZ Core Knowledge workshop in Hastings – another group of performance coaches open and curious to learn.
I was delighted to be asked by Lyn Gunson to support her with the coaches in the HPSNZ Kia Manawanui residential in Wanaka. In a back to the future moment, it was wonderful to be standing back at the top of a half pipe on Cardrona with Tom Wilmott, some 16 years after we first worked together!
From Wanaka to Wellington for some further work with colleague Craig Philpott in the Oceania Football Pro License Coach Workshop. Again, another open group of coaches who explored how minds change and playing with the GROW approach to enhance their coaching.
A day spent with NZ Surfing Head Coach Matt Scorringe, who is part of the Kia Manawanui Satellite group was a real delight. Matt had the NZ Junior Surf squad in camp at Raglan, and to see the cultural and performance environment he was developing with them as they prepare for World Juniors in El Salvador, reinforced the value of the work we do as trusted advisors, in helping coaches grow their skills.
October concluded with the final two Core Knowledge workshops for the year – in Christchurch and Cambridge – again two great groups of inquisitive coaches, who were also prepared to challenge and dig deep into the concepts shared. Cambridge was another back to the future moment – catching up with old friend, teammate and professional colleague – Professor Rich Masters – the doyen of Implicit Leaning – and introducing him to one of our HP Coaches working toward Paris.
As well as all the groupwork, I have been working 1 on1 with a number of people keen on growing their capability. A reflection at the end of all this work is that while covid meant we had to do a lot of work online, the real learning occurs when we have personal interaction and engage in social construction – coaching and people development really is a contact sport!

13/09/2023

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Since returning from a tiki tour overseas catching up with good friends from 33 years ago it has been a full August and September for Lightsmith. Amongst the great things about a life in sport and the people business, are the networks and friendship made around the world.

Now firmly back in Aotearoa, I have had the pleasure of helping the Inspire Foundation, along with Johnny Wilson and Scott Wilson, with the induction session for the new group of grantees – never ceases to amaze the wonderful capability of our next generation. Likewise in the work I have done with the Year 2 Lincoln University Sports Schol students – some neat young people really interested in their performance mindsets.

Work in the HPSNZ space continues and a stimulating 3 days with coaches in Taupo, facilitating Core Knowledge with friend and colleague Glenn Fyall was just so enjoyable. I’m fortunate to also work in 3 other HPSNZ programmes – Te Hāpaitanga , Kia Manawanui and Te Tūāpapa – Coach Accelerator where I get to work with individuals and small groups – often in their own environments – my happy place as my work life circles back on itself!

The work in HP sport is balanced with the thought-provoking work I am grateful for in the business world. Lately I have spent time working with the SLT’s at Molloy Agriculture( great to have BlackCap’s Coach Gary Stead join us for the day to add value and for his own PD), Sorted Logistics and RubyPlay – all diverse and different, yet the components of being good leaders and growing high performing teams all the same. The bonus is I learn and gain wider perspective for my own practice, which is further enhanced from the insights in the work I do with several individual clients.

One reflection I do share with the businesspeople is that in high performance sport teams and individuals prepare all week, or over several weeks for a performance that might last from 60 minutes through to a number of days – but then take time to recovery, reflect and prepare again. In the working world they spend all week/month/year performing(working) and when do they get to practice, train, recover, reflect and improve the knowledge and skills to perform in their roles? Saying 'I’m too busy doing my job to get better at my job' might in fact limit or diminish performance? This is where performance coaching can add value. We happily send our kids off to get ‘coached’ in tennis, swimming, gymnastics, team sports etc…but when did we take time to get some coaching ourselves? As thought-provoking author and surgeon Atul Gwande clearly outlines in his wonderful Ted Talk – ‘Everybody needs a Coach’. Have a look and a listen.

Ngā mihi nui

https://www.ted.com/talks/atul_gawande_want_to_get_great_at_something_get_a_coach?language=en

28/05/2023

The last fortnight has seen some great learning opportunities for Lightsmith. Following 3 days with colleague Craig Philpott facilitating HPSNZ Core Knowledge Performance Impact to an engaged group of coaches in Auckland, we switched tack and spent some insightful time with World Rugby and 6 coaches from the Pacifika region. Thanks, Mike Chu for the opportunity and to Alesana Tuilagi, Afa Aiono, Seremaia Bai, Ifereimi Rawaqa, Nili Latu and Quddus Fielea for sharing your perspectives on coaching, rugby and life.
Following this had a very enjoyable workshop on a stunning Methven day with the SLT from Molloy Agriculture. Thanks to Henry Ross and Emily Molloy for the connection and to the team for your engagement and feedback.
I believe in the concept of ‘paying it forward’ so also had a couple of catch ups over coffee with people just looking to work out new direction in their learning and performance – always a thrill to see people achieve their own insights.
The week finished on a positive note with the podcast that I did with Scott Wilson at Digital Influence going to air – have a listen at this link https://lnkd.in/gWCXCbWR
Grateful for the people I get to engage with.

Lightsmith

02/10/2024

09/09/2024

14/06/2024

07/03/2024

18/12/2023

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28/05/2023

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