Who We Are
We are a passionate collective of learning practitioners with considerable cross-industry experience in the learning sciences, performance management/leadership, organisational culture development – and embedded literacy.
We have learnt that people don’t change because you tell them something, give them information or send them on a training programme – and so we approach learning initiatives as a experiential process as opposed to a one-off event.
The Creative Team
Andrew Smith
Andrew is a learning designer who brings workshops and training to life through experiential learning and reflective practice
Saskia Smith
Saskia is a creative who works across several mediums - from music to oil painting, graphic design, filming and editing digital productions.
As an artist, Saskia believes that in life, limitations are mostly self-imposed, and that imagination starts a journey that traverses the arts, science and mystery.
Anneke Giblin
Anneke Giblin plays a vital role as our innovative workshop coordinator and creative specialist.
As a key member of our design team, Anneke excels in a variety of roles, contributing her talents in graphic design for training materials that capture and engage our audience. She also brings her creative flair to script writing and generates innovative animation ideas for our digital tools, enhancing the learning experience.
With many years of experience in modelling, Anneke is confident in presenting on camera, effectively communicating our message and bringing our projects to life
Anneliese Lindsay
Anneliese is part of the About Life creative team, working behind the scenes across various components that bring the About Life vision together.
Her career began in hairdressing, where a love for creativity and working with people sparked a natural progression into leadership and management.
From training staff to managing day-to-day operations, Anneliese discovered a passion for helping businesses run smoothly. While living in Australia, she furthered her studies in business management and went on to manage several hairdressing and retail outlets.
After returning home to her roots, she established her own business and now supports others by streamlining administrative functions and implementing effective processes that help businesses operate more efficiently.
Jarrod Bartle
Dave Kwant
I’m a filmmaker and cinematographer based in Richmond, New Zealand, telling stories that connect people with place.
we create cinematic brand films, commercials, campaigns, and documentary-style storytelling using production know-how built over 25 years.
Facilitation & coaching Team
Andrew Smith
Andrew has the ability to help people play a bigger game.
His wealth of life experience coupled with insightful story telling disarms his learners in a way that enables them to 're-evaluate' the way forward for themselves and their teams.
Linsday Ledger
A culture and transformation consultant with over 20 years’ experience helping organisations navigate meaningful change — aligning strategy, systems and people to deliver outcomes that actually stick.
Lindsay brings a calm, practical approach to transformation, combining deep expertise in governance, change leadership and digital enablement with a strong belief that sustainable change starts with trust and clarity. He has led large-scale transformations across New Zealand, Australia and the United States, working with leaders and teams to simplify complexity, strengthen decision-making, and build capability for the future.
At About Life, Lindsay supports organisations to evolve their ways of working while staying true to who they are — designing pathways that respect culture, enhance connection, and enable growth in a changing world.
Jacqui Lyders
Jacqui is an experienced learning and development consultant with over 25 years’ experience supporting learners and organisations across a wide range of industries. Jacqui specialises in learner guidance, coaching, and assessment, helping individuals and businesses build capability and confidence through practical, meaningful learning.
With a strong understanding of workplace realities, Jacqui takes a people-centred approach to learning and development, ensuring learning is relevant, achievable, and aligned to real business needs.
Learning is both her profession and passion, driven by a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to shine and reach their full potential.
Allison Mooney
As a People Interpreter, award winning Author of 'Pressing the right buttons', 3 times Speaker of the Year and many other prestigious speaking awards, Allie Mooney is a recipient of the Global Speakers’ Federation Fellow designation.
Accolades aside - Allie's gift is her insight and passion for people and learning, evidenced in her capacity to speak across ethnicity, industries and cultures.
Whether you have the privilege of experiencing a live presentation, glean gems from her book, or attend a 'Pressing the right buttons' workshop, Allies insights continue to enrich relationships in workplaces and homes across NZ and the World.
David "Duffy" Duff
A born and bred Mainlander, Duffy brings his wide-ranging business experience to his facilitation. Originally from a farming background before a career in sales with Pfizer, Duffy now focuses upon passing on his insights and practical tools to people through his facilitation work with About Life. Duffy enjoys enabling people to become empowered.
“A lot of people already have the answers inside them. I help them discover the skills they already have”.
Duffy is an excellent communicator who knows how to connect with his audience and share his passion for getting results. He is experienced in facilitating people from all backgrounds and enjoys watching them grow as they apply their new-found skills, tools and learning.
Trevor King
With a background as a Professional Musician, Performer and Author, Trevor knows what it's like to break new ground and create innovative opportunities and experiences
“The art of facilitation and coaching provides a way to be a positive part of people’s concepts and values evolution…it’s the opportunity to question, highlight, propose and affirm the way ahead.”
Trevor brings a unique combination of insights into what motivates people – and how to release their potential.
Alistair Thompson
I have been coaching, training, developing, and facilitating individuals and groups since 1990.Throughout this time, I have specialised in supporting people to identify and achieve their professional and personal goals, working alongside them to navigate challenges that may impede progress. I take considerable pride in the growth, capability, and success of those I work with.
A consistent focus across my career has been the safety and wellbeing of our people. Upholding hauora, strengthening whanaungatanga, and building safe and effective systems of work are central to my practice and form the foundation of my professional relationships. This commitment informs my approach to creating environments where individuals and teams feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
My interpersonal strengths—particularly my respectful, supportive, and solutions-focused approach—have enabled me to build strong relationships and trusted networks across a diverse range of organisations. I am committed to engaging in ways that uphold mana, foster trust, and contribute positively to the collective.
