Guy Clouth, Hireace

“We first connected with Zac de Silva after being named runners-up for The Westpac Business Growth Award in 2015, which he was a judge for. We could see his genuine passion for helping businesses succeed and loved his down-to-earth nature. It was obvious that he had the expertise and experience to help us take Hireace to the next level.

One of the reasons we initially sought out a business coach was because we wanted to have someone who could provide honest and unbiased advice rather than someone who just tells you what they think you want to hear. Zac does this really well. He’s a great sounding board for us, always available to offer a reality check and helping us see things from a fresh perspective.

I’d say his approach is more that of a coach than a lecturer. He encourages us to find our own solutions and realizations because ultimately you learn more that way rather than being told what to do. This empowering approach has allowed me to become a more self-aware and effective leader.

Zac has taught me the importance of working on the business rather than in it and to take time out before you burn out. He’s coaxed me to take a few hats off, encouraging me to employ others, delegate and trust the team. This has enabled me to step away and take more time for strategic decision-making and personal wellbeing.

One particular aspect Zac got us to work on is our reporting processes. These have significantly improved with his guidance, ensuring we’re now capturing the right metrics and sharing meaningful insights with our staff. As a result, we’re measuring the right things and driving the right behaviours and focus.

With Zac by our side we have experienced significant growth and transformation. Our team has more than tripled in size, from 30 employees to 115 today. His emphasis on strategy and planning has been instrumental in expanding our operations across New Zealand (and saw us win the Strategy & Planning category at the Westpac Business Awards, as well as coming runner up in Excellence in Innovation). We’ve opened new branches, acquired new businesses and increased our service offering. Having him to run ideas by gives us the confidence to explore new opportunities or to be innovative.

One of the things I appreciate most about working with Zac is the accountability. When you own your own business you’re not accountable to anyone. But when you work with Zac, he sends you a summary after every meeting and makes you accountable to do what you said you’d do. I think being held accountable goes hand in hand with progress.

Working with Zac has been an investment that has paid off many times over. His humble yet effective coaching style, coupled with his genuine care for our business and success, has made the journey enjoyable and rewarding. We are proud of what we have achieved with Hireace, and we know that Zac will continue to be an integral part of our journey as we continue to grow.”