Being there is everything
Submitted by Simon Harvey on October 22, 2012 - 2:29pm.
The kiwi may be a flightless and endangered species of bird – so thank goodness for the silver wings of Air New Zealand.
Sitting on the plane from Vancouver back to Auckland has finally allowed some time to reflect on my whistle-stop and highly enjoyable trip to the Land Of The Red Maple Leaf. The busy TNS Canada team in Ottawa extended a very warm welcome to their kiwi visitor, for which I am so grateful. Despite the numerous Skype calls and telephone meetings over recent times, one quickly realises the intimate benefit of meeting in person. It was a real pleasure to meet the TNS Canada team, and to be received so warmly.
The conversations over 3 days were many, and fruitful. From talking about the New Zealand network of associates model, and our use of Otago Polytechnic’s graduate qualifications based on the FSSD; to learning about Sarah Brooks’ exciting work with Pratt & Whitney Aerospace, and John Purkis’ work with local communities. I learnt a lot and feel inspired to progress our work with businesses to draw on TNS Canada’s focus on transition strategies and innovation. I’m sure we’ll be able to learn from the exciting projects that the Canadian team are delivering so successfully.
I was particularly cheered by Sarah Brooks’ comments that business clients were approaching TNS Canada rather than the traditional business and management consultancies because the constraints of the strategic sustainability framework were able to re-inspire and focus companies that had “forgotten how to innovate”. I see that as presenting a strong business case to engage more kiwi companies.
After such a positive experience meeting the Canadian team, it’s frustrating that no-one from TNSNZ is able to attend the Eindhoven event in person. But we’ll certainly be making efforts to have a presence in one form or another. It seems to me that the TNS global network is on the verge of re-emerging. It’s time to bring ourselves together, learn from one another, and share what is working well. I have no doubt that Eindhoven is going to be a great opportunity to build some lasting relationships and bring the TNS network close together.
These are exciting times. I’m encouraged by the possibilities of closer collaboration and sharing knowledge.
Thank you Chad Park and TNS Canada for such a warm welcome. I wish you and your team every success and shall look forward to hearing your new stories of success.
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