About Us
The principals of Breakthrough Strategies are Hazel Hodgkin, Bevin Fitzsimons and Gill Ellis. They are long time colleagues who have worked individually and as associates to offer a range of services to individuals and organisations in the north of New Zealand’s North Island.
   

Hazel Hodgkin
B.A. (Hons), Dip Bus Admin (HR)

Contact Hazel on:
Ph: 09 522 2301
Mobile: 021 552 539
Fax: 09 522 2366
hazel@breakthroughstrategies.co.nz

Hazel is enthusiastic about developing effective people managers and respectful workplaces. Recent clients have come from finance, manufacturing, health and education sectors. She has been coaching managers and leaders for over 20 years often in environments characterised by change and development. She was the training manager for a not for profit organisation with 1200 staff, and the manager of a health advocacy organisation. Hazel has qualifications in social administration and human resource management, supported by extensive training in mediation, facilitation, supervision, coaching , counselling and socio-drama. She uses a strengths based, appreciative approach to developing people. Hazel was a founder member of the Mediators Institute of NZ.

Testimonials:

"Coaching with Hazel has helped me to focus my energies in establishing a new team to
concentrate on key strategies in a restructured organisation.”
Project Manager, finance sector


"Hazel helps me to see the bigger picture. My role is to focus on where and how to initiate and intervene in order to lift our service levels, and not to get submersed in the detail. Her support and knowledge has been invaluable."
Clinical Director, private health clinic


" When I felt really trapped by an impossible situation, and was wondering how I was going to get out of it, Hazel met with both of us and helped us unravel the problems safely, so we both came out winners. She acknowledged the integrity of both of us."
Director, hospital facility


"Hazel's interventions and mediation strengthened the ability of the individuals to manage their own working relationship, so their energies now are focussed on delivering customer service, rather than on bickering about each other."
Human Resource Manager


 

Gill Ellis
B.A. (Hons)

Contact Gill on:
Ph: 07 543 2682
Mobile: 021 799 509
Fax: 07 543 4735
gill@breakthroughstrategies.co.nz

Gill has a passion for inspiring people to develop their full potential. She is based in the Bay of Plenty, working regularly in Auckland and other major North Island centres. She has an extensive business background in international marketing, research, management, and corporate governance. Gill had 6 years as a university management lecturer and researcher and is the co-author of two successful business books. She is a professionally trained development coach, facilitator, career counsellor, seminar leader and organisation development consultant. Her special interests are in leadership development , mentor programmes and executive coaching. Clients have come from manufacturing and service businesses, telecommunications and media, the professions, tourism, horticulture, community service, the arts and local government.

Testimonials:

"Coaching with Gill helped me identify the most important issues in making a criticial career transition. Her balance of challenging and support helped me make good decisions, and to understand why they were good for me. Gill's own background and experience also enabled her to provide practical advice." Sales & Marketing Manager, Tauranga.

"Gill helped me with planning when I first started my business. I found her ability to challenge my thinking assisted me greatly in understanding my strengths and weaknesses. Now my business has expanded and Gill's encouragement and faith in me has been instrumental in this continued growth."
H.R. Consultant


"Gill helped me identify the key issues, and quickly grasped the essence of what I wanted to achieve in reaching my target market. It took a great deal off my shoulders. With her networks, she knew which talented people could bring the concepts to life. I'm now happy and confident presenting to
potential clients."
Lawyer and Mediator


"Gill has helped me as a career and lifestyle coach in and out of a number of roles. She has guided me through exercises to focus my thinking and pushed me to clarify what I required from each role. Those who work with Gill need to be prepared to leave their preconceptions behind and think in new and challenging ways. Her pragmatic approach is coupled with the vast experience base she brings to her clients. She's helped me clearly see the wood from the trees in many business situations."
Corporate HR Manager


 

Bevin Fitzsimons
B.Com. (Hons) Chartered Accountant

Contact Bevin on:
Ph: 09 522 2338
Mobile: 021 528 539
Fax: 09 522 2366
bevin@breakthroughstrategies.co.nz

Bevin has a passion for simplifying business process to enable people to achieve specific exciting goals. He has been a business owner and director from start-up to successful stock exchange listing, and has worked internationally supporting small businesses and community enterprises.

He specialises in establishing and maintaining competitive advantage, in developing business systems and in coaching business owners. He has the ability to translate financial information and business plans into practical human steps and actions. He teaches courses on understanding finance, and accounting, and is the author of practical books and “How to..” pamphlets.

Testimonials:

"Bevin helped me focus my leadership style to reduce stress and the hours I work, and to develop
good systems and effective delegation "
Principal partner, architectural practice

"Bevin helped us set up individual, transparent performance targets for each staff member that they can measure daily. This has made everyone feel valued, see how their actions affect the whole business, and pull their weight."
CEO, building services industry

"Bevin’s blend of skills in the people, systems, finance, and planning areas are unique. They have demystified money for me, and help me plan, keep an overview, and enrol people in achieving success."
Manager, Training industry

"Bevin’s ability to help me and senior staff with the specifics of supervising and delegating has made a big difference to our efficiency."
Owner, manufacturing business

"Running each new idea through Bevin’s “What if?” budget scenario process shows us immediately the likely profit and cash flow results of that idea and helps us pick the best way to action that idea."
Senior manager, cleaning industry

"Bevin’s process for reviewing our competitive advantage helped us focus on three exciting ones and also set up a system for constantly renewing and updating our uniqueness and market position."
Owner, retail sports goods shop