Embracing Ambition and Excellence with Simon Walker

In this episode, hosts Rob and David sit down with Simon Walker, former CEO of Proposition Group. Simon shares his insights following his recent exit from the company after nine successful years. The discussion starts with Simon’s reflections on his journey and the intriguing concept of ID 2070. He elaborates on creating a long-term economic vision for New Zealand, inspired by Ireland’s transformative progress over 50 years. Simon delves into the productivity challenges in New Zealand, emphasising the importance of value creation and the need for a robust economic identity. Simon also discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from founding Proposition Group to leading it solo after his business partner’s departure. He shares valuable lessons on opportunity cost, the importance of cash flow management, and the transition from a Chief Everything Officer to building and trusting a competent team. The conversation touches on leadership maturity, the necessity of storytelling in business, and the critical role of ambition and excellence in driving success. Simon advocates for a cultural shift towards embracing ambition and highlights the potential of New Zealand’s SME sector to significantly contribute to the economy with the right mindset and support. Wrapping up, Simon offers his vision for the future, focusing on inspiring business owners, fostering international collaborations, and emphasising the development of soft skills. His parting message is a call to action for New Zealand’s business community to strive for excellence and ambition in their pursuits. Takeaways:

• The concept of ID 2070 and its implications for New Zealand's economic future.
• Lessons in leadership and business growth from Simon's experience at Proposition Group.
• The importance of value creation in productivity.
• Encouraging ambition and excellence in New Zealand's SME sector.
• The role of storytelling in inspiring and guiding business success.

Tune in to hear Simon's insights and discover how you can apply these lessons to your business journey.
Connect with Rob and David on LinkedIn ⁠⁠Rob Bull⁠⁠⁠⁠David Altena⁠⁠
Learn more about ⁠⁠Plexus Consulting⁠⁠ and the mission Rob is on to make NZ the best place in the world to do business Download David's NBR-featured report "Boosting Productivity in New Zealand SMEs" by joining the mailing list on the ⁠⁠Altena Solutions⁠⁠ website and start your journey to a more productive business today