Zac set some ambitious goals for Barkers: sales and brand growth, to dress the All Blacks (and other prominent sports teams like the All Whites, Kiwi League team, NZ Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams), and to be recognised as one of New Zealand’s Best Workplaces. To that end, Zac put into motion a series of workplace changes to motivate and energise staff, improve performance and reinforce pride in the Barkers brand. In 2008 Barkers first participated in the JRA Best Workplaces Survey, and against strong competition immediately ranked as the third best medium-large workplace. In 2009, Barkers followed up this achievement by winning the medium-large workplace category on the back of strong improvements in employee engagement levels – strong enough in fact for Barkers to be the most improved organisation in the medium-large workplace category. With an innate ability to connect with a range of people on a personal level, Zac’s leadership through this transformation has been key to its growing success.
Business Changing
Profit and Growth Specialist
"Zac has given myself and the business a real sense of clarity, and a better sense of day-to-day achievement for myself and the team. Zac’s ability to ask questions that are relative and beneficial have helped me grow the business and my self-awareness and create a more enjoyable workplace. Give Zac an inch and he’ll take you a mile!”
Mathew Phelan, New World Churton Park
"Zac has also become a key enabler and contributor to us working towards the development of both our employee engagement and customer experience roadmaps. Kotahi is a new and fast-paced environment and it has been great to have Zac as a trusted advisor to both myself and the CEO. He has a no-nonsense and solid experience-based approach to his consulting style. I have enjoyed working with Zac and look forward to continuing on our engagement journey with the support of Business Changing”
Jay Padden, HR General Manager, Kotahi
"Great two-day workshop that gives you a chance to reflect on your business, and focus on key points that need to be addressed to maximize your effectiveness and outcomes. The workshop was both entertaining and informative and really helped us to think about how we might navigate Covid / post-Covid, and plan out our next few years to guide the direction of the business. Food and hospitality was also great. Highly recommended!"
Nelson Raynor, Isle of Eden
"Transformational… Revolutionary… Awesome… Take your pick! Our business looks nothing like it did just three months ago – our brand is visible in the market, there’s a buzz about what we are doing, doors are opening and our heads are in the game. Business Changing changes business for the better… I’m very very thankful we met – my only regret is that we didn’t seek you out sooner!"
Nick Brown, Huffman Sauces
"Zac’s business workshop totally exceeded my expectations. The two days are well planned out to ensure your thought process takes you through the various stages needed to question why you are in business, where your business currently is at and where you want your business to be. Provoking questions, explanations, stories, presentations from successful entrepreneurs and of course Zac’s personal attention ensure you walk away with a clear and dynamic business plan. The venue was perfect, the lunch and refreshments sublime."
Rachel Kann, IQ Property Management
"The business planning workshop run by Zac is a great opportunity to challenge existing thinking in your business and take results to the next level. The workshop was well thought out and provided a structured environment to channel ideas and ambitions. Zac has the perfect presenting style allowing for plenty of interaction amongst your team and networking with other business from a variety of backgrounds. Highly recommended"
Gray Borell, Novii
"Zac is incredibly insightful, inspiring and has been absolutely vital in contributing to the growth of my business. He's made me think beyond my goals and really given me the push my business has strived for."
Bex Riley, Tosca Salome