Jonathan Black, Director

BA(Hons), MSc, Registered Psychologist
Ngati Mutunga (Wharekauri)

Born in Christchurch and raised and educated in Wellington, Jonathan's career has taken him around New Zealand and on overseas speaking engagements.  The founding director, Jonathan has experience consulting to both public service and private industry since 1996 and spent over 8 years as a psychologist with the New Zealand Police.  He is often sought after for his specialist skills in negotiation, conflict management and workplace resilience, and is a sought after executive coach and management trainer.  As a qualified organisational psychologist he brings valuable experience to clients as a behavioural scientist, respected expert speaker, and published author of Knee Deep in the Swamp: Understanding and managing conflict at work (2009).  He brings experience in management and leadership that adds valuable practical knowledge and understanding of real and common human resource and workplace problems.  He has managed staff in the past, lead project teams, and served as a senior HR advisor in a large corporate.  Starting his first business when he was 16 years old Jonathan has entreprenurial experience as owner of four businesses to date.  His expertise has been sought in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Hong Kong, in addition to advice delivered throughout New Zealand. Jonathan's professional portfolio includes considerable experience in conflict management, risk assessment, interpersonal communication, job stress, expert evidence, occupational health systems, training, public speaking, leadership and research.  In his spare time he is a sprints and hurdles coach for Phoenix Athletics Club, is a passionate [masters grade] footballer, and is a keen writer of both novels and business books and articles.  He lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.