Mission Clarity & Delivery Prioritisation
Prioritising options, choices and capabilities towards specific strategies and objectives
Helping leaders focus and engage people in the journey ahead
Our Vision is to see you succeed in your arenas.
Our Mission is to help you adapt, perform, and grow.
Let's get transformative change done - together
Businesses We Have Helped
We have assisted a variety of highly-motivated organisations across Australia and New Zealand.
Where are we heading?
Are you having difficulty getting people to engage with a new, transformative challenge?
Are you having difficulty planning and marshalling the necessary resources to perform the journey?
Are your people and teams having difficulty getting ready to pursue and perform on the journey?
Are your strengthening projects delivering the right performance results for your journey?
We can then chart a path from where you are, to where you want to be - and develop a measured plan with the right steps and commitments to get there.
Experience To Achieve Your Outcomes
Pragmatic and adaptive expertise. No rigid methodologies.
Project Planning & Delivery Preparation
Designing realistic, costed, and achievable capability change delivery plans and measures
Helping leaders and teams work out 'how' and 'when' to invest in and prepare for change
Leadership Strength & Team Development
Developing leadership capabilities to meet the business context and change objectives
Developing team unity, skills, and wellness to achieve business changes and outputs
Delivery Assurance & Business Performance
Providing leadership and governance support to achieve mission objectives
Helping leaders and teams implement change whilst the business still runs effectively
Endorsements
Carol-Ann Gough
CIO - Great Southern Bank
I’ve known Stu for many years as a successful leader of transformational change programs. His experience and coaching approach helped my leadership team clarify and unite over a relatively short period on a practical, ‘Everest-inspired’ journey of collective action to meet the Bank’s strategic needs. His experience is matched by a genuine care for the people he helps.
Paul Hyde
AsST DIr. GenEral - QBuild
Stu and John’s ‘Everest Leaders Program’ has empowered QBuild to achieve the ‘What’ of our strategic goals by strengthening leadership ‘How.’ Their blend of energy, innovation, and practical tools fosters individual, team, and leadership growth in this action-oriented, transformational experience—a true ‘doing program,’ not just training.
Glenys Talivai
CEO - public trust (nz)
Stu, as Programme Director at Tower Insurance, displayed exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and professionalism in managing complex tasks. His deep understanding of objectives and problem-solving skills ensured success. He fostered a positive, collaborative environment, boosting morale and unity. His dedication to both the programme's success and team wellbeing was truly commendable.
Our Leadership Philosophy:
We keep people at the heart of everything we do.
Action - Move clearly - Why? How? Do! Next? Standing still rarely helps a journey.
Belief - Take steps to overcome fears. Absolute certainty before an endeavour is rare.
Care - Help people care about outcomes. Businesses rely on productivity not just activity.
Principals
Stuart Waddington
With over 30 years as a transformation leader, advisor, and non-executive director, Stuart empowers people, teams, and organisations to achieve their personal and strategic goals by overcoming complex challenges. Passionate about strengthening business models and operational outcomes, He helps clients clarify their mission, perform effectively, and find joy in the journey – a true “heavy thinking / gets it done” partner.
Lina Waddington
Passionate and detail-oriented fourth-year Medical Engineering student with experience in business and project administration. Lina brings valuable "next generation" insights and a keen eye for precision, balancing technical expertise with organisational skills. Lina supports the delivery of New Arenas' advisory and leadership programs to ensure the promise of high-performance business outcomes are met.
Specialist Associates
John Buchanan
As a former Australian Cricket Coach and leader, John has a unique perspective on the world. He is at home in any environment which seeks change, a desire for peak performance, and a vision to be the world’s best. Services include vision setting, individual and team coaching, and event speaking. John and Stuart have worked together for many years now, helping people and teams develop leadership skills to achieve their 'Everest'.
Ben Cross
As a former professional rugby league player and current coach, Ben brings elite sports experience and a deep understanding of team dynamics, resilience, and performance excellence to the business world. He provides New Arenas’ clients with insights on leadership, motivation, and high-performance culture, helping individuals and teams reach their full potential in today’s competitive environment.
Rowan Crothers
2 x Paralympic Gold Medallist and World Champion, Rowan is a passionate advocate whose non-pool goal is to enable a more inclusive society for all people, whether in the community or within a corporate environment. Rowan's inspirational journey provides insights and lessons that transcend the notion of 'disability'. They are useful for any person seeking to more deeply understand themselves and make the most of life.
Brendan Forwood
Brendan’s HR superpowers span workforce planning, strategic integration, leadership and performance consultancy, which he’s been deploying for companies of all shapes and sizes for almost two decades, including Suncorp and Virgin Australia. As the founder of People Squared, he supports New Arenas and clients navigate Australia's HR and IR complexities.
Matt Clarke
A senior leader with a proven track record in achieving strategic goals globally. Armed with expertise in relationship management, negotiation, and strategic planning, developed through an Executive MBA at London Business School and Harvard Law. Passionate about driving informed decision-making, project management, and business process improvement for stakeholder value.