Growth curves have a predictable lifeline. This is the case for any person, team, or business. A common paradox in life and business is that the optimal time to interrupt a growth curve is before it reaches its peak. This is difficult because we find it counterintuitive to change something when it seems to be working perfectly fine.
Learning and change agility go hand in hand. Successful people and organisations know how to learn. And they learn how to change. Their growth depends on both.
Sigmoid specialises in tools and frameworks that build learning, change and resilience as core capabilities for growth. Through our coaching and leadership programs, we reinforce the strong correlation between a learning mindset and sustainable growth.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Harold Hillman is the Managing Director of Sigmoid Curve Consulting Group, a company he launched in December 2006. Sigmoid specialises in tools and frameworks that help executive teams lead their organisations through major change with a collective sense of ownership and commitment to strong results. Since change really is the only constant in business, developing the capability to lead it, rather than be led by it, is the true hallmark of successful and enduring organisations.
Over the past two decades, as both a senior executive and external coach, Hillman has coached a number of prominent chief executives and their teams in the US, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Hillman's client organisations include Kraft Foods, Fonterra, Genesis Energy, Sealord, Refining NZ, Bank of New Zealand, National Australia Bank, TVNZ, Auckland Council, Foodstuffs, RD1, Air New Zealand, New Plymouth District Council, Southern Cross Healthcare, University of Melbourne, Duke University (USA), and FMG.
Hillman’s career highlights include:
• Assistant Professor and Director, Leadership Programs at the US Air Force Academy, Colorado
• Dean and General Manager, Amoco Marketing University, Amoco Corporation, Chicago
• Vice President, Executive Development, Prudential Financial, New York
• Corporate Vice President & Chief Learning Officer, Prudential Financial, New York
• Global HR Director [interim] and Director, Talent & OD, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Auckland
Hillman earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh (USA). With a strong belief that the best leaders are also the most skilled learners, Hillman coaches business leaders and executive teams to explore what is really required to drive deeper levels of engagement.
Hillman is frequently invited to deliver keynote speeches and presentations at conferences in the arena of leadership, talent and human capital. His first book, The Impostor Syndrome, was named Whitcoulls Business Book of the Year 2013. Hillman’s second book, Fitting In, Standing Out, was published in August 2015. The Six Elements of Effective Listening was Hillman’s third book, published in 2016 as an e-book through Smashwords.
DIRECTOR, GROWTH AND CAPABILITY
Alex Waddell is Sigmoid’s Director of Growth and Capability, responsible for creating and implementing a sustainable, competitive, and ‘point of difference’ growth strategy for the company. His role also includes developing and delivering client training and development programmes.
Since joining Sigmoid in 2006, Alex has served in numerous operational roles. For over 9 years, he developed and implemented core foundational systems and processes throughout the finance, operations, marketing, and information technology functions.
Prior to Sigmoid, Alex assisted with human resource project roles within IAG NZ and Vodafone NZ. Before entering the human resource and management fields, Alex was a kayak instructor.
Alex’s education has spanned many disciplines. He earned two Diplomas; one in Graphic and Design and one in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. He holds two Bachelor Degrees; one in Sport and Recreation and one in Business. He was also awarded two First Class Master Degrees in Human Resources from Auckland University of Technology (AUT).
When not working, Alex loves getting out into New Zealand’s great outdoors; he particularly enjoys hiking, surfing, and kayaking.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Stephanie joined Sigmoid Curve in May 2014. Her previous roles have included EA to Craig Norgate, the inaugural CEO at Fonterra, and then supported Andrew Ferrier in his transition to Fonterra as Chief Executive. After leaving Fonterra, Stephanie also worked closely with Craig Norgate at Rural Portfolio Investments, PGG Wrightson and NZ Farming Systems Uruguay.
Stephanie and her husband have two young children and she enjoys balancing her role as a mother with her role as an Executive Assistant.