Stephen has a passion for developing organisational and individual effectiveness and as a Catalyst focuses on how individuals and organisations can navigate effectively the new, the unknown and the chaotic - the challenges of a changing environment.

Stephen developed his business acumen, coaching, leadership and team development skills through his project management activities, both commercial and professional. Commencing his career in software development, Stephen subsequently trained and certified as a project manager. He has trained clients and managed projects across a range of industry settings, both locally and internationally. Some of his clients included Nokia, IBM, Citibank and the US Marines.

Stephen was founding sponsor of PMI New Zealand and in 1998 became the first person elected from outside North America to the international board of PMI. Serving as Director for six years, he led the development of PMI’s globalisation strategy. In 2004, Stephen was made a Fellow of PMI New Zealand, and received from PMI (International) the 2004 PMI Distinguished Contribution award.

Stephen now focuses his work on training, coaching and supporting leaders in strategic and project management, team development and in leadership. His training and experience in facilitation and action methods enables him to work with individuals and groups, ignite their creativity, elicit solutions to problems, develop team cohesiveness, and resolve conflict.

Stephen loves life, and the challenges it presents. His interests include photography, walking, massage, 5 Rhythms Dance, travel, and a variety of personal growth and development activities. He is strongly involved in men’s work, and supports a number of therapeutic and counselling programmes as a volunteer.

Qualification

• BSc (Hons.) in Computer Science, University of Auckland
• Masters Certificate in Project Management, George Washington University
• PMP certification, Project Management Institute.

References

"I engaged Stephen as project manager of a large-scale, complex and time-bound endeavour to deliver the machinery necessary to support the training and competence assessment of financial advisers.

Stephen proved himself to be an outstanding project manager with mastery of a broad project management toolkit, extraordinary attention to detail, and real empathy for the human dimensions of complex and demanding project work.

I appreciated in particular Stephen's ability to navigate uncertainty, hold anxiety, and create meaning for the people who looked to him for leadership in what was a dynamic and unpredictable environment.

I unreservedly recommend Stephen and I wish him every success for his future."

Michael Frampton

"I worked as the BA closely with Stephen Harrison, when he was the Project Manager at ETITO running the project for establishing an effective assessment system for the NZ Financial Advisers, as per the financial adviser regulations established by the Securities Commission. Stephen is a very experienced and capable Project Manager, who knows how to give direction, is supportive but at the same time let his team members autonomously take responsibility for their share. The project had to be planned and executed with the utmost uncertainties, unforeseen complexities and the solution had to be implemented within a very short timeline. Throughout the project timeline, Stephen's power came from his calm appearance; he never lost his composure even under extreme pressure, focused on what had to be achieved both tactically & strategically and had a very pragmatic approach. Stephen is a very astute Project Manager who knew how to get the job done, had great business sense and showed good technical facilitation skills guiding his own team and vendor teams to the objectives whilst managing to also add significant technical value given his depth of knowledge. He always had the ability to think outside-of-the-box. It was my pleasure to be part of Stephen's project team and I look forward to working with him again in another project."

Charu Rajakumar

"Stephen is an intelligent and focused individual that is able to engage his team and stakeholders in a common purpose and at the same time drive for optimum results. His leadership as project manager for the FAA project at ETITO was second to none enabling us as a team to achieve some pretty audacious goals! I would welcome the opportunity to work with Stephen again on future projects."

Leonie Wallwork

"The FAA Project at ETITO was a hugely changing environment . Stephen was always calm and controlled in managing these challenges - in amongst all of this we had fun!"

Peter Jameson

"Stephen is an extremely professional and highly knowledgeable member of the project management community. He has been a dedicated volunteer and member of the PMI, Board of Directors and has contributed significantly to the advancement of project management as a profession. In my role as the Assembly of SIG Chairs (ASC) Vice Chair for PMI Board Relations, I worked closely with all PMI Board Members it was always a pleasure to collaborate with Stephen. He is always willing to assist others and has mentored many aspiring project managers. Stephen demonstrates excellent leadership and remains true to his values as a professional. I value Stephen as a friend and colleague. I give him the strongest recommendation possible."

Charles Bosler, Jr.

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