SUE KOHN-TAYLOR

Sue is a North Shore-based personal development and wellbeing coach who has vast experience in business. Sue says her mission is “to inspire and educate people globally on personal development and how it assists them to live a purposeful and powerful personal and work life” and her vision is “for all people to spend time on personal development throughout their life, so they can be the most powerful version of themselves”.

NORTHSIDE: How long have you lived on the north side of the bridge?
SUE KOHN-TAYLOR: Well I’m a true example of a passionate North Shorite! Born in Devonport and lived the majority of my life in Takapuna, Milford and Albany. I did try a stint in Parnell and Ponsonby in my 20’s but it just didn’t feel right and I yearned for the North Shore and came back. Takapuna is my special place and where I currently live.

NS: What do you love most about the lifestyle in general?
SKT: Oh how much space do I have! What’s not to love? My highlights are the myriad of stunning walks and outdoor activities, great schools, the variety of restaurants, bars and cafes with Street Organics being my current favourite, fabulous yoga studios, the friendliness of the people and business community, access to specialist shops as well as malls – really, it’s all here and in a relaxed atmosphere.

NS: How did you get involved with the NH Club?
SKT: Through my in-laws who were members and then my friendship with founders Ross and Joan Finlayson back in the 1990s. I assisted in organising the Club’s biggest fundraiser ever back then, which was after the 1995 America’s Cup win. It was an incredible event and I was blown away by the passion and the drive of the Club members to raise funds to acknowledge and reward youth talent on the North Shore. I’ve been involved in one way or another ever since.

NS: What to you enjoy most about your involvement?
SKT: My business is all about unlocking individuals' potential so being part of a cause that celebrates and rewards excellence of youth is an area I particularly enjoy. It’s very inspiring to see how extraordinary people can be at such a young age. I also thoroughly enjoy the variety of events the Club runs and the friendships I’ve made with many members. All in all a great combination!

NS: What are your ambitions for the club during your time as a trustee?
SKT: I’d like to help keep the Club’s annual events upbeat and fresh as well as optimising the opportunities for the Club to raise funds for the scholarship grants. Together with the other trustees, I’d like to ensure the original vision and passion of the Founders is maintained and stays embedded in the Club’s vision.

NS: What AIMES Award would you have been closest to picking up if you were 20 again?
SKT: Hmmm I think if I exaggerated and fantasised about my abilities then perhaps the sport category for hockey or if there were other random categories perhaps an award for perseverance, cooking or socialising! The drive, ambition and vision of the AIMES winners is phenomenal – I didn’t click into that until I was much older!

Contact: sue@kohn-taylor.co.nz

KEVIN McLEAN

Kevin is a Partner at BNZ Private Banking, based on the North Shore. He is an experienced private banking professional whose career spans senior executive roles with multi-national organsiations to advising high net worth investors on investment strategies. His specialties include investment portfolio design and construction for New Zealand and international investors including fixed income, international equity and alternative investments.

NORTHSIDE: How long have you lived on the north side of the bridge?
KEVIN McLEAN: I was born on the North Shore, and have lived on the north side of the Auckland Harbour bridge all my life.

NS: What do you love most about the lifestyle in general?
KM: We have a wonderful beachside community spirit, which must be similar to living in a small town somewhere in provincial New Zealand where people really care for others in their region, with all the benefits of living close to a vibrant city that has grown up to be a culturally diversified “world” city over the past few years.

NS: How did you get involved with the NH Club?
KM: I was originally invited to an AIMES awards dinner and as a result of that experience and seeing so many talented young local people achieving their dreams and aspirations, I wanted to find out how I could make a contribution.

NS: What do you enjoy most about your involvement?
KM: Seeing the achievements of some of our local young people (in a small way sharing part of their success) and also from the wonderful relationships built up with the members of the Club.

NS: What are your ambitions for the Club during your time as a trustee?
KM: I intend to make a contribution through my involvement with membership and finance to ensure the Club continues to be relevant and engaging to members and sponsors, so we are able to continue supporting talented young people from our region for many years to come.

NS: What AIMES Award would you have been closest to picking up if you were 20 again?
KM: I would not have been a candidate for an AIMES Award. I was more of a generalist and played many different sports rather than specialising in one activity. My real passion in my youth was sailing – a hotly contested award!

Contact: Kevin_McLean@bnz.co.nz