Josh Comrie - Managing Director

Josh is a recruitment professional with over 14 years of recruitment experience across the New Zealand, UK and European markets. After graduating in the early 90s with an Accountancy and Marketing degree, Josh moved quickly into sales and subsequently sales management. During his OE trip in the UK, working as an Accountant, Josh found his way into a recruitment role. Over the next few years he progressed through various roles within one brand in the UK and 2 in NZ (the latter being via acquisition). In 2004 Josh established the Potentia brand and has been building the business and delivering to roles ever since.

"I'm passionate about building great business, both my own and those of the organisations we partner with. I relish the opportunity to discuss ideas and challenges with business people and am frequently able to introduce ideas previously unconsidered. I feel lucky to be surrounded by such a passionate and skilled group of people who genuinely enjoy eachothers company - and the impact they can have for others. I'm an Aucklander born and bred, but enjoy the rare opportunity to jump on a plane and explore new destinations. As a social critter, my weekends are made up with friends and family and I get a real kick out of 'adventure sports' - mountainbiking, snowboarding and motorsports being my mainstay."

Nathan Taukiri - General Manager

Nathan studied Computer Science at Auckland University before forging a successful career in solutions sales, across both the telecommunications and software industries. While at varsity he fostered a secondary career in the hospitality industry, quickly rising to management positions, and also designed and implemented a number of improved back office processes and systems at some of Auckland's finest restaurants. His mix of strong technical, interpersonal and natural leadership skills led him into a general management position with a software vendor, where he helped grow the fledgling business into a highly successful multi-million dollar company. He is currently General Manager of Potentia's Auckland and Wellington operations and is responsible for the success of a team of 8 consultants. Nathan also continues to consult and deliver recruitment services directly to a handful of clients.

"The variety of roles that I have held throughout my career have helped contribute to a technical yet personal approach to the way I recruit. I understand technology (especially software development), project management and delivery on the skills side but, given my experience in service industries, I also know people. This means I foster lasting relationships not just with my clients, but also my candidates. I know it's a life changing time when someone looks for a new job, so I give them that respect, ensuring that their cultural and values needs are lined up with the role, aside from just what they're capable of."

Lydia van Dyk - Senior Consultant

Having completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Auckland, Lydia found herself in a management position within the customer service industry. Becoming involved in a multi-site software implementation and working daily with one particularly ‘difficult’ application developed Lydia’s interest in the technology industry. After joining Potentia in early 2005, Lydia has had the opportunity to work within the technical arena whilst making the most of her skills honed in the management / administration field.

"The process of changing jobs often accompanies other significant life changes. Having the opportunity to work with people through a potentially rewarding period is very gratifying. From a client perspective, being involved in the growth of a business and the building of a team and its culture is one of the most exciting parts of my role. I believe in forging long-term relationships with both my clients and candidates based on transparent dialogues and honest feedback."

Julian Lambert - Principal Consultant

Following the completion of his Bachelor of Science and his foray into the world of Hospitality management, Julian’s work with computers drove him into a more business oriented education at AUT where he completed a Graduate Diploma of Business specialising in IT. Fresh out of University, Julian took on a role as an Account Manager with an up and coming Sales and Service IT Company. After developing this business and their markets, Julian reformed their business processes and workflows and developed an enduring interest in this area. His career then took him further into IT and Telecommunications roles before travelling on to Japan. There, he cut his teeth recruiting in the competitive head-hunting market of Tokyo before returning home to New Zealand. With his engaging and open approach to his candidates and clients and a persistently positive work ethic, Julian aims to achieve the very best for the long term good of his clients and candidates.

"I combine analysis, character judgement and cultural awareness when I approach any recruitment situation. In combining these elements for both clients and candidates, I achieve a complimentary matching of the two to build a model of ongoing success."

Simon McOscar - Consultant

After completing a specialist B.Ed in Physical Education and teaching at the secondary school where he was a student, Simon decided the time was right to embark on his O.E in his early 20’s. After several months of temp work (including a stint as ‘Al Bundy’), Simon entered recruitment in 2003 as a Consultant in Scotland’s premier Nursing recruitment agency. After returning to New Zealand he moved into the IT recruitment industry and after 2 years delivering across Auckland and Wellington, he decided to jump the fence and took an internal IT recruitment role. A life change meant a move back to Wellington in mid 2008. Having used the services of Potentia in his internal recruitment role, he had no hesitation in accepting the offer and joining the Potentia team to head up the Wellington branch.

"I’m a true believer in finding the right environment and culture fit first, followed very closely by matching people’s technical skills. The recruitment industry is certainly a dynamic environment with lots of variables, which means there never seems to be a dull moment. I love the fact that I get to meet and deal with so many different people on a daily basis and get a real buzz from finding my clients and candidates the perfect match for their requirements!"

Toni Lusk - Consultant

Having worked in the IT sector for many years, I have seen recruitment from every aspect and feel strongly about what makes a good or bad recruiter. A good recruiter can change somebody’s life for the better (be it the candidate or the client) – I still to this day feel a great sense of fulfillment when this happens.

"I am often asked why I moved out of development – and I always answer that it was the best move I ever made; it allows me to keep up to date with all the latest technologies while working closely with people and businesses, which is always fascinating."

Aksana Rusakova - Consultant

Aksana is an experienced Consultant with over 4 years of recruitment experience across the New Zealand and European markets. After graduating with a Masters Degree in Linguistics and Business Management and teaching English in a private school, Aksana took a job in Public Relations and Marketing. Soon thereafter she found her way into recruitment; a short stint in the Education sector was followed by a move into her area of Passion - ICT.

Over the next few years Aksana established herself as an experienced consultant. Having gained a market foothold with an international brand, a period of maternity has provided her with the opportunity to take a step into a focused ICT brand - Potentia. Aksana recruits across the Technology Spectrum and has a particular interest in roles that sit around the SDLC – so much so that she’s married to a Senior Solutions Architect!

"Recruitment is an all embracing role that requires an exceptional subject knowledge, natural ability to build good rapport with people, a genuine skill to listen and of course a great willingness to help. And this is exactly why I enjoy it so much. You meet so many different people every day. You listen out and consult. You show understanding and support and provide professional advice. And all this makes it a truly most rewarding job ever - assisting people and companies in what is a truly life-changing experience. I strongly believe in building honest, trust-worthy relationships with both clients and candidates and delivering the highest level of professionalism which is why I succeed in what I do."

Tony Pervan - Consultant

Following on from several years in Sales and Account Management roles across the Consumer Electronics, Travel and Advertising Industries, Tony has forged a successful career in recruitment over the past decade, specialising solely in ICT recruitment for the last 6 years. He has developed a reputation for building strong client relationships and developing solid understanding of client business systems, processes, culture and brand. He takes the onus upon himself to ‘get it right’ with clients and candidates alike and has a proven track record of successful placements across the entire IT spectrum, both permanent and contract.

“I pride myself on providing high quality service to both clients and candidates and believe that success is built on a platform of integrity, honesty, ethics, mutual respect and communication. My philosophy revolves around adding value across the whole recruitment lifecycle and making the entire process as easy and enjoyable as possible for both parties. Recruitment in the IT industry is my passion and I enjoy making a difference to people’s lives and helping them achieve their career ambitions whilst assisting my clients achieve their business objectives through securing optimal talent.”

Peter de Valda - Personal Effectiveness Coach

"In your new role, it is in everyone’s best interests – especially YOURS - for you to ‘hit the ground running’, so that you may maximise your contributions to your team’s endeavours. The more effective you are, the more rewarding your working life will tend to be; in EVERY regard - and for ALL concerned.  I firmly believe that there is ALWAYS room to improve your individual capabilities – for collective benefit.  Firmly based on proven structures that support your development and freedom of choice, my coaching focus is to deliver a flexible process that will enable you [and your team] to enhance your capacity to successfully clarify - and achieve - what matters most.  My most enduring satisfaction in my coaching role[s] is helping people to help themselves to succeed – significantly beyond their initial expectations.  YOU decide what, when, how [and whether] to follow-through; it’s YOUR choice. There are no ‘magic wands’; rather: positive, appropriate ACTION is the key!"

Gayle Johnston-Mullany - Personal Effectiveness Coach

"During the last 8 years I have coached clients from New Zealand’s largest Employer Assisted Program, helping them develop skills to reach their full potential. Some areas of specific focus for me are: Becoming aware of self defeating behaviours stemming from DNA or early life experiences and how to overcome these. To understand the dynamics within the work place so that they can feel confident, challenged and respected by team members. How to get the most from their unique talents."

"I have worked in the area of Human relations for over 20 years. During this period I have been a Counsellor, Clinical Manager and Supervisor, Employment therapist and trainer. I studied Social Work at Canterbury University and graduated in 1987. My approach has been to Explore, Educate and Empower people to reach their full potential, so that they can celebrate the person that they are."