Neil Gaught

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Opportunity Knocks: From Purpose Promise to Purpose Practice Why 2026 Will Reward Organisations That Turn Purpose Into Practice

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Opportunity Knocks: 
From Purpose Promise to Purpose Practice Aotearoa New Zealand has always punched above its weight when it is united by something more than short-term advantage. Our best chapters, whether in social progress, enterprise, innovation or communi...

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2026 is not just another year.

It marks a moment when the old world is clearly behind us and a new one is taking shape faster than many leaders expected. In that context, purpose can no longer remain a slogan or a nice-to-have.

Why purpose-driven business isn’t risky business Business as usual is the risk while purpose is the passport to progress in the 21st century

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Humanising Business: Why trust, relationships and purpose are today's strategic advantage Too many leaders are clinging onto ‘business as usual’ drift wood. They shouldn’t.

Going to post my past articles. Humanising Business: Why trust, relationships and purpose are today's strategic advantage. www.linkedin.com/pulse/humani...

Why purpose-driven business isn’t risky business If there is one thing business leaders can agree on today, it is that risk is everywhere. Geopolitical shocks, climate disruption, artificial intelligence, shifting social norms — the pace and complex...

I just posted my new article: Why purpose-driven business isn’t risky business www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-pu...

Looking forward to this. #climatechange #leadership #purposedriven

👇 Please watch this and then share it. | Neil Gaught FRSA 👇 Please watch this and then share it. This isn’t branding. It’s not spin. It’s a values-led worldview that puts wellbeing — of people, land and legacy — at the heart of what it means to prosper. Th...

👇 Please watch this and then share it.

This isn’t branding. It’s not spin. It’s a values-led worldview that puts wellbeing — of people, land and legacy — at the heart of what it means to prosper.

#Kaitiakitanga #Leadership #Purpose #MāoriEconomy #BetterBusiness

www.linkedin.com/posts/neil-g...

It should not be happening in Aotearoa and it’s a problem we all need to fix — not just leave it to NGO world @lifewisenz #BSOAKL2025

We are not world class when it comes to equity. @damon Selsa VC Auckland University of Technology @lifewise.nz #BSOAKL2025

Biden’s climate law boosted red states. Their lawmakers are now gutting it. The former president bet that the economic benefits of his policies would protect them over time. Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress have upended that wager.

About 75% of the clean energy manufacturing investments announced since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act have been in Republican districts. But those projects could be at risk under the latest version of President Trump’s tax bill

Twenty-Four Hours of Authoritarianism Donald Trump had a very busy Tuesday.

Yesterday, “Trump took or was revealed to have taken six shocking new assaults on liberal democracy," @jonathanbchait.bsky.social argues:

A new dawn for NZ business? Now’s the time to lead with purpose It’s encouraging to see that optimism is returning to the New Zealand business community. According to 2degrees' latest Shaping Business Study — featured in New Zealand Management last week — business...

NZ businesses have a rare window to reset. In my latest piece I argue that purpose—not just profit—is the lever that will separate tomorrow’s winners from the pack.

Catch the article & share your take: www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-da...

#LeadWithPurpose #NZBiz #NZBusiness#BusinessForGood

Stop Whining. | Neil Gaught FRSA Stop Whining. Start Winning. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s recent BBC News interview with Laura Kuenssberg was more than entertaining — it was a masterclass in climate clarity. His message? Stop Whining. ...

Just dropped a new piece: Stop Whining. Start Winning.
Inspired by Arnie, Sachs, and some overdue honesty about climate leadership.
Businesses have the tools — now we need the will.
Give it a read + boost if it hits home.

www.linkedin.com/posts/neil-g...

📗 This is the first in a new monthly series of short book reviews I’ll be posting—each one spotlighting stories, ideas and examples that challenge how we think about business, purpose, and… | Neil Gau... 📗 This is the first in a new monthly series of short book reviews I’ll be posting—each one spotlighting stories, ideas and examples that challenge how we think about business, purpose, and leadership....

Kicking off a new monthly review series with Less by Patrick Grant.
It's a sharp critique of fast fashion—and a showcase of what real purpose in business looks like.
Community Clothing isn’t just a brand. It’s a working example of what a values-led business can do. www.linkedin.com/posts/neil-g...

What does effective leadership look like today—in a world shaped by climate disruption, complexity and AI?
In Part Two of my series, I explore five traits that define the most trusted and future-ready leaders.
Have a read: neilgaught.com

#Leadership #Purpose #Sustainability #LondonClimateActionWeek

Climate change scientists accuse government of 'ignoring scientific… | Neil Gaught FRSA When Fonterra are showing more climate leadership than the government, it’s not just embarrassing — it’s economically reckless. Reputational damage on the world stage has real financial consequences...

When @fonterranz.bsky.social is outpacing the govt on climate, you know we’ve got a leadership problem. Brand NZ is on the line — and the next gen will pay the price.
My take via LinkedIn:
🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/neil-g...
#ClimateLeadership #NZPolitics #BrandNZ #BusinessPurpose #ChristopherLuxon

Part One: The changing climate of leadership: Why courage, clarity and purpose matter more than ever “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” — Peter Drucker Doing the right things has never felt more urgent — or more complex.

What kind of leadership does the world need now?
Business leaders can’t afford to sit on the sidelines — why courage, clarity and purpose are now essential traits, not optional extras.

www.linkedin.com/pulse/part-o...

#Leadership #ClimateAction #Purpose #Sustainability #LondonClimateActionWeek

When is “She’ll be right” not alright? In New Zealand’s business circles, I’ve noticed something that’s simultaneously both refreshing and, at times, a little risky: A culture of radical informality. Some people show up to business events ...

New article posted: Informality can be a powerful asset in leadership — but it can also risk diluting the purpose of the organisations we lead. Here’s why the signals we send matter more than ever. www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-s...
#Leadership #BusinessPurpose #Authenticity #CorporateCulture

OMV, Todd assets look ripe for Govt gas discovery support

Oil and gas producers OMV and Todd Energy emerge as the most likely beneficiaries of the Budget 2025 announcement that the Government would invest up to 15% in a new oil and gas field.

AI misuse is now the #1 reputational risk to brands.
Deepfakes, misinformation & rushed adoption are pushing trust to the brink.
Read the new Q1 2025 Reputation Risk Index 👇
shorturl.at/A5a5W
#AI #Reputation #Leadership #Purpose

Thrilled for my friend Ravinol Chambers—his documentary A Girl Can Touch The Sky has been nominated for an honour at Cannes. A powerful story spotlighting girls' education and gender equality in India.

www.agirlcantouchthesky.com

#AGirlCanTouchTheSky #Cannes2025 #GenderEquality #DocumentaryFilm

PM @Christopher Luxon says NZ must “develop talent and promote competitive business settings.” He’s right — but how we do that matters. Purpose is the strategic edge that connects growth to resilience, innovation, and inclusion. #NZBudget #Purpose #Leadership #BusinessForGood

Interesting to be attending BusinessNZ's Pre-Budget Lunch on the day that HSBC’s chief economist, Paul Bloxham is predicting a bright outlook for NZ in 2025! Lower interest rates, higher dairy prices and China's consumer shift could boost our economy. 💼✨ #NZEconomy

The best books on purpose and the future of business Neil Gaught shares the 5 best books on purpose and the future of business. Have you read Conscious Capitalism?

My 1st book CORE: How a Single Organizing Idea Can Change Business for Good is now featured on @shepherdbooks.bsky.social — along with a list of books I recommend. A great platform for curious readers.
📚 Explore here: shepherd.com/best-books/p...

Great to be at #Ignite25 with 450+ NZ SMEs yesterday. Inspiring stories, big energy (especially from MC @davidowns.bsky.social!), and a reminder that optimism still matters. NZ has what it takes — sometimes fresh eyes help us see it. #NZBusiness #Purpose #Resilience

Looking forward to what the day will bring at The Icehouse ‘25 ignite conference. #nzbusiness #purpose #entrepreneur

Despite political & economic uncertainty, US concern about climate change holds strong. Half still see it as a very serious issue. For brands: stay aligned or risk losing trust.
📊 Report 👉 lnkd.in/e36-KnX6
#Climate #Sustainability #Trust

I’m proud to join the great Cyndi Lauper in the fight for women’s rights & healthcare. Go to www.bonfire.com/girlswantrights2025 to get a shirt and learn more about the #GirlsJustWantToHaveFundamentalRights Fund. @tidescommunity.bsky.social

🥳 NG&A is now officially open for business in Auckland 🇳🇿

We help forward-thinking organisations embed purpose where it matters — in strategy, operations & governance.

Why now? Purpose still matters — more than ever.
👉 lnkd.in/eZ6yAVfx

#Purpose #Leadership #NewZealand