I was raised for a story that wasn't mine.
A third-generation military officer who walked off the path to the top to help leaders write their own story. Engineer by training. Leadership strategist by choice.
How I got here.
- Age 4 to 8
Nanu
Raised by my grandfather, 21 years in the Indian division of the Royal Air Force, and my grandmother. A strict daily routine. "Nanu, that's how it'll be one day, when you join the military." He also taught me to think about everything without bias. That's where first principles started.
- Age 8 to 13
The metal trunk
Military prep school in India. A sharp haircut, a metal trunk, and holding back tears because boys don't cry.
- Age 14 to 17
Aotearoa
We arrived in New Zealand when I was 14. I worked two part-time jobs to help the family, and joined the Royal New Zealand Navy at 17. I'd made it.
- Navy years
The medal on the hotel floor
I trained as a naval architect at the Australian Maritime College. Perfect GPA, the university medal and the Connell Medal, first class honours, published. That night the medal lay on a hotel floor and I skipped the celebration dinner. Achievement isn't fulfilment.
- Deployment
Sinai, and Nepal instead of the Med
After the Office of the Chief of Defence Force, I deployed to the Sinai. For my mid-deployment break I chose a Habitat for Humanity house build in Nepal over a holiday in the Med, then ten days of silence. Back at camp, a fever broke the night before work. I was up at 5am knowing something had changed.
- The turn
Passing on Commander
As a Lieutenant Commander I was shoulder-tapped to head the Navy's Leadership Training School. I chose it over the path to Commander. With a team of 20 we rebuilt how the Navy developed leaders, bridging theory and reality.
- Research
What CEOs actually pay for
Two years studying leadership as a business capability. I interviewed 90 leaders and practitioners. Every organisation's 20% was different, and none of them knew theirs before they spent the 100%.
- 2019
The Bridge
I founded The Bridge, named for bridging theory and reality, and went full time in 2022.
- Now
4,000+ hours of coaching
Helping CEOs and their teams do the last human job well. Teaching on the University of Waikato MBA from 2027.
The combination, not any one piece.
- Built itNaval architect and Chartered Engineer. Trained to design from first principles.
- Lived it18 years leading under pressure in the New Zealand Defence Force, including deployments.
- Ran itHead of the Royal New Zealand Navy Leadership Training School. Rebuilt an institution's leadership development.
- Studied itTwo years, 90 leaders, on leadership as a business capability.
- Coached it4,000+ hours, from CEOs to new leaders.
The paperwork.
- ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC)International Coaching Federation
- IECL accredited Executive Leadership CoachInstitute of Executive Coaching and Leadership
- Master of Science, Change LeadershipUniversity of Portsmouth, UK
- Executive MBA, Organisational Leadership DevelopmentMassey University
- Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture), First Class HonoursAustralian Maritime College · university medal and Connell Medal
- Chartered Engineer (CEng)Engineering Council UK
- PublishedInternational Journal of Maritime Engineering
- Lieutenant Commander, Royal New Zealand Navy18 years, New Zealand Defence Force · Head of the Leadership Training School, 2017 to 2019
- Director of Partnerships (volunteer)ICF Australasia
- MBA teaching, EXMBA567University of Waikato, from 2027
From the programmes I designed.
Kenny’s bespoke approach has proved to be invaluable. He has always provided a different perspective for me to consider when developing business strategies and strategies for my own personal growth.Programme participantThe Bridge · Leadership Accelerator
This program completely shifted my mindset and helped me understand my leadership style. The one-on-one sessions were so personal and practical. They really helped me figure out how to handle challenges and play to my strengths.Programme participantThe Bridge · Leadership Accelerator
This wasn’t just another course. It was a genuine game changer. I gained clarity on my values, mindset, and decisions, which helped me step up, rearrange priorities, and truly take control of myself and my leadership.Programme participantThe Bridge · Leadership Accelerator
A great program for any leader who is ready and open to personal growth. The insights and clarity you will gain about who you are as a leader is so valuable and something you will benefit from well after the program.Programme participantThe Bridge · Leadership Accelerator
The program got me back on track with where I’m going in my career and set my goals for the next 10 years. It really challenged me and my thinking to help me step up from being operational to becoming more strategic as a leader.Programme participantThe Bridge · Executive Development Programme
A complete mind shift of my own abilities. The leadership coaching program gave me confidence and self-belief in achieving my goals and aspirations.Programme participantThe Bridge · Executive Development Programme
The Bridge Leaders.
I'm the founder and CEO of The Bridge. When a leadership team needs follow-through, its coaching team carries the work.
Visit The Bridge →
Let's talk.
30 minutes. Straight talk. Let's see if we fit. If I'm not the right person, I'll tell you, and point you to someone who is.