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 Bryant-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."

Julian Lambert - Principal Consultant (Auckland)

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."

Lydia van Dyk - Senior Consultant (Auckland)

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."

Toni Lusk - Senior Consultant (Auckland)

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."

Tony Pervan - Senior Consultant (Auckland)

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.”

Aksana Rusakova - Consultant (Auckland)

Aksana is an experienced Consultant with over 5 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 and has been doing this since. Having gained a market foothold with an international brand, Aksana took a move into the focused ICT brand - Potentia - at the end of 2009. Aksana recruits across various technology roles 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. I strongly believe in building honest, trust-worthy relationships with both clients and candidates and delivering with the highest level of professionalism."
 

Ian Scott - Global Associate

After completing a Bachelor degree in Business from Manchester University in 1997, Ian landed his first role in the recruitment industry and worked his way from Consultant to Sales Manager in one of the largest branches for Manpower in London. Having cut his teeth in the UK, Ian moved to NZ in 2003 and is now enjoying his second term with Potentia, after spending almost 2 years helping Auckland businesses to benefit from skilled immigrant talent, as Programme Manager for a not-for-profit organisation, OMEGA. Ian is focused on establishing and maximising Potentia’s global candidate sourcing channels with a view to enticing ex-pat kiwis, and introducing overseas talent, to the New Zealand job market.

"Skilled professionals are a truly global commodity, particularly in the technology sector, and the fight for talent is heating up. My job is to ensure New Zealand gets more than its fair share of the world’s best. New Zealand produces hugely gifted, capable people, but the fact is there are not enough of us if we are to grow as a nation, become more productive and increase innovation. Our first challenge is to retain local talent, or persuade them to return home; the second is to attract the cream from off-shore. Having worked with candidates from all corners of the world, I have a great appreciation for the skills that immigrants bring to New Zealand, and I want to help our clients to maximise those skills and international experience".

Phil Dobson – Principal Consultant (Wellington)

After completing a law degree at Sheffield University in the UK, Phil spent four years working in IT and Sales and Marketing before moving into IT/Telecommunications recruitment in 2000. A couple years later, after working with contractor candidates across Europe, Asia and the Americas, Phil emigrated to New Zealand and completed successful stints with two of the region’s largest recruitment firms. Since his arrival, Phil has worked with most of New Zealand’s leading technology firms from entry level to CIO and joins Potentia to lead the growth of their Wellington office.

“Strong and open relationships are, and have always been, the foundation of the recruitment business. By being passionate and committed to finding genuine win-win solutions for both our clients and candidates I have the opportunity to create a significant and positive impact on their businesses and lives. Ultimately, my success can only really be measured by theirs and this is what drives me professionally. ”

Phil Crothers – Consultant (Wellington)

Phil began his Wellington career in 2007 in the fast paced FMCG sales industry after several years in roles across the FMCG and sporting industries in Dunedin. These roles developed what have become well honed relationship-building and delivery skills. Taking an opportunity presented to him, he moved into recruitment in 2008 and has never looked back. Over the past 3 years recruiting within the IT and Telecommunications industry, Phil has moulded solid relationships built around transparency and a passion to deliver quality results to clients and candidates alike.

“I believe in a simple philosophy – “under promise, over deliver” – which allows me to forge strong relationships whilst producing quality results into the market. I pride myself on not only building these relationships but also on having a solid knowledge of the needs and wants of my clients and candidates, and gain a great feeling of satisfaction placing the right candidate in the right role.”
 

Lisa Whittaker - Talent Manager

After graduating with a pharmacology degree from the University of Liverpool in the UK Lisa spent the early part of her career in sales roles within the FMCG space. Following this Lisa ventured to South Korea to teach English before moving to New Zealand and beginning her career in recruitment. Lisa gained her experience within an international recruitment firm recruiting both contract and permanent business support roles. She joins Potentia as Talent Manager in the Research and Resourcing (R2) team identifying and utilizing new channels to source great people, and working alongside the Consulting team to find these candidates well suited roles.

“I joined the team not only because my values are aligned with Potentia’s, but also because Potentia has been recognised as leaders of the IT recruitment sector. I love recruitment because I enjoy building strong relationships and delivering service beyond what people expect.”

Vanessa Payne - Talent Manager

Whilst studying for her Bachelor of Science (majoring in Psychology and Anthropology) Vanessa began her administrative career at a well-respected real estate company before joining Potentia as a member of the support team upon graduation. After gaining valuable knowledge of the recruitment industry Vanessa now moves into the role of Talent Manager in the Research and Resourcing (R2) team identifying and utilizing new channels to source candidates, and working alongside the Consulting team to place these candidates into new roles.

“After learning about Potentia and the IT recruitment industry in a support role, I am excited to move into the Talent Manager position and take on a more candidate focussed role. I understand the importance of matching the right candidate to the right role within the right organisation and enjoy seeing the results when someone I’ve worked with feels fulfilled in their new position. I aim to offer the candidates I work with an understanding of their wants and needs and finding them the best opportunity that matches these.”

Kym Chubb - Team Coordinator

After graduating university with a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences), Kym spent the early years of her career in administrative and management roles within the customer services and sales industries. Having mastered a retail POS software application as a user, she moved into a multi-site software support role where her knowledge of application software and general IT skills came to the fore. This combination of skills and experience made Kym a great person to join Potentia, where she ensures the team runs as smoothly as possible.

“Having worked in companies where we managed our own recruitment, and being part of that often time-consuming and difficult process, I have a great appreciation for the role an agency plays in the recruitment process. The work involved in matching candidates to the right role within the right organization (and vice versa) is paramount. My role, as I see it, is to maintain an efficient and professional office environment and to support the Consultants as much as possible to enable them to do their job the best they possibly can!”
 

Vanessa Thomson - Office Manager

Vanessa brings an extensive background in administrative management and sales and marketing roles along with experience in the recruitment industry. She graduated from the University of Auckland in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Vanessa has worked for one of NZ’s leading Executive search and pre-employment screening agencies before accepting a role in the UK as a recruitment consultant providing crew for cruise ships and super yachts internationally. Upon returning home to NZ, Vanessa contracted to a well respected education provider and gained further sales and marketing and management experience in this role. This opened her eyes to the world of contracting which has proved to be invaluable in her role at Potentia.

“My role is about ensuring we continue to build robust client and candidate relationships. I enjoy seeing a candidate succeed through the recruitment process from interview to placement, and achieving their goal of a ‘dream’ role. I strive for perfection in everything I do and feel that my contribution is aligned with the values of Potentia”.
 

Amy Cooper - Reception/Administrator

After studying business at University Amy began her professional career with a database management and marketing services company where she gained valuable front-of-house and administrative experience. During this time she also developed an interest in Information Systems. The combination of these skills and experience made Amy the ideal person to join Potentia as Receptionist/Administrator where she is the first point of contact for all visitors and an integral part of the support team that makes the office run so smoothly!

"I understand the importance of welcoming people through our doors and answering the phones in a cheerful and helpful manner to ensure everyone feels comfortable and satisfied with their Potentia experience. I love interacting with people so being the first person they meet is enjoyable for me. My main focus is to manage the reception area and provide high quality administrative support to all of our team ensuring the smooth running of the business."

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."