John McConnell

About

John is much more than a skilled advisor and coach.

Business has been a cornerstone of John’s 35 year career which includes multiple family-owned businesses (McConnell Group) in the construction (Hawkins Group), infrastructure (Steelpipe) and property development (McConnell Property) sectors; investment banking in New Zealand (Jarden Group) and on Wall Street (Merrill Lynch) and engineering (NZ Synthetic Fuels, McConnell Dowell). He understands business.

In John’s experience business like life, rarely goes according to plan.
“It’s hard work and running them can be a lonely task. There are huge pressures to perform while making judgement calls without all the information. Seeing the ‘wood for the trees’ is an important skill, as is attracting and retaining the best people”.

John has also held independent governance and directorship roles (Cornwall Park, Unitec Institute of Technology, Wairaka Land Co).
“My governance experience has highlighted the importance of clear decision making and guidance while supporting the CEO and leadership team through challenge and debate.”

John particularly understands family businesses and the different drivers that influence them.
“They have characteristics over and above those of other enterprises. Difficult but necessary conversations include succession, the performance and integration of family members in the business while managing their aspirations and needs – all in the context of what is best for the business and family overall”.

John established Just Grow to create sustainable wealth, more freedom and improved wellbeing for New Zealand’s businesses and their people.
Just Grow builds professional, enduring relationships based on effective, open communication.
“Business is all about people, it’s all about relationships. It is a real privilege to work deeply with leadership teams, to transform their business.”

MBA (Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College, USA)
BE Chem (Melbourne)
Member of the Institute of Directors, New Zealand