Hello! I'm Harold, I coach leaders to...

Learn, adapt, and change in this fast paced world.

I'm recognised globally for my work in change leadership and building high performance cultures. Transform your organisation today.

Let’s connect
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A portrait of Dr. Harold Hillman
Trusted by industry leaders
Achmea logoAir NZ logoAuckland Airport logoAuckland Council logoAuckland Transport logoBNZ logoChapman Tripp logoCompetenz logoCrombie Lockwood logoDairy NZ logodbreweries logoDowner logoESPN logoFisher & Paykel logo
Achmea logoAir NZ logoAuckland Airport logoAuckland Council logoAuckland Transport logoBNZ logoChapman Tripp logoCompetenz logoCrombie Lockwood logoDairy NZ logodbreweries logoDowner logoESPN logoFisher & Paykel logo
FMG logoFonterra logoFoodstuffs NZ logoFrucor logoGenesis logoiag logoIRD logoKraft Foods logoLandcorp logoLIC logonab logoNZ Air Force logoNZ Defence Force logoPort Nelson logo
FMG logoFonterra logoFoodstuffs NZ logoFrucor logoGenesis logoiag logoIRD logoKraft Foods logoLandcorp logoLIC logonab logoNZ Air Force logoNZ Defence Force logoPort Nelson logo
Progressive logoRD1 logoReddy logoRestaurant Brands logoSealord logoSimpson Grierson logoSouthern Cross health insurance logoTe Papa logoThe Cooperative Bank logoThe Warehouse logoTranspower logoTSB logoTVNZ logoWork Safe logo
Progressive logoRD1 logoReddy logoRestaurant Brands logoSealord logoSimpson Grierson logoSouthern Cross health insurance logoTe Papa logoThe Cooperative Bank logoThe Warehouse logoTranspower logoTSB logoTVNZ logoWork Safe logo

I’m known as a leadership expert.

I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and expertise with leaders who are keen to develop their capability to build high performing teams and organisations. This enthusiasm stems from a belief that through collaboration and shared learning, we can unlock the potential within each individual and team, propelling organisations to new heights of performance and success.

About me
Leadership books published
5
Number of CEOs and Senior Executives coached and supported
400+
Client countries
8
Client industries
15+
My years of experience
40
Let’s work together
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Delivered and supported client diversity and leadership programmes
50+
Media articles written and TV and radio interviews
500+
My areas of focus
01.

CEO coaching

I work with CEOs to prioritise their focus and energy around the key drivers of a high-performance culture, guiding them to lead with vision and integrity.

02.

Executive leadership coaching

I deliver focused coaching to senior executives and high potentials, aiming to elevate their capability, influence, and impact within their organisations.

03.

Building high-performing teams

I assist senior executive teams in developing the mindset and behaviors that reinforce team learning and enterprise leadership, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

04.

Executive and talent assessment

I partner with organisations to identify, assess, and develop a strong pipeline of leadership talent, ensuring readiness for future challenges and opportunities.

05.

Designing and facilitating leadership programmes

I create custom-tailored and open enrollment programmes to develop leadership skills at the personal, team, and enterprise levels, focusing on sustainable growth and strategic foresight.

06.

Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

I collaborate with clients to integrate DEI principles into both leadership and organisational strategies, aiming to create an environment where diversity is not just celebrated, but deeply valued.

My process for working with clients
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Initial Consultation and Assessment

The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand your unique needs, challenges, and objectives. This initial phase allows me to gain insight into your organisational culture, leadership dynamics, and the specific areas where you seek growth and improvement. It's about laying the groundwork for a tailored approach that aligns with your strategic vision.

Customised Strategy Development

Based on the insights gathered during the consultation, I develop a customised strategy that addresses your specific goals. This includes identifying key areas for leadership development, team enhancement, and organisational growth. My focus is on crafting actionable, evidence-based plans that drive meaningful change, leveraging my expertise in leadership, change management, and organisational behaviour.

Personalised Implementation and Coaching

With a clear strategy in place, I work closely with you and your team to implement the plan. This stage involves hands-on coaching, workshops, and training sessions designed to develop skills, enhance leadership capabilities, and foster a high-performance culture. My approach is interactive and adaptive, ensuring that the process is engaging and impactful for all participants.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

The final step in my process is to evaluate the outcomes of our work together, measuring progress against the set objectives. This includes gathering feedback, assessing behavioural changes, and determining the impact on organisational performance. Based on these evaluations, I offer recommendations for ongoing development and continuous improvement, ensuring that the growth achieved is sustainable and aligned with your evolving needs.

Client testimonials

Here are some lovely words from a few of my clients. I Hope you will be here next.

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Harold inspires leaders to transform!
Harold is an inspirational coach and helps transform teams and companies. As my leadership coach, Harold had a profound impact on my professional journey.
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Sanjay Khosla

CEO, Bunnik LLC.

Senior Fellow, Kellogg School of Management

Northwestern University, USA

Former President, Kraft International

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Harold helped me become a better Chief Executive.
I learned more about great leadership and high-performance teamwork in one session with Harold than through any other professional training I have experienced in my career. Harold brings a unique combination of practical tools, inspirational storytelling, genuine engagement, and honest, wise counsel. Working with Harold revolutionised my personal approach as a leader. I owe him a great deal.
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Barbara McKerrow

CEO of Wellington City Council

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Harold inspires effective and visionary change through people.
Harold has been a significant mentor of mine for over a decade. He is strategic, insightful, caring, a great listener, and extremely knowledgeable about people and change. He has an amazing personal story which everyone should hear.
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Andrew Thorburn

Former CEO of National

Australia Bank and Bank of New Zealand

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Authentic leadership guru - Harold inspires mastery in leaders.
If you need an exceptional team, not a collection of individual stars, Harold Hillman will coach your executives into an aligned force of leaders. If you desire stronger commitment from each team member, Harold will inspire them to reach for their highest potential. Harold Hillman will guide you to extraordinary performance.
A headshot of Charlotte Roberts
Charlotte Roberts, Ph.D.

Chief Executive, Blue Fire Partners

Co-Author of best seller The Fifth Discipline

A selection of my books

View all books
Book cover of The Impostor Syndrome: Becoming an Authentic Leader
The Impostor Syndrome: Becoming an Authentic Leader

Learn how to overcome this problem and become a better, stronger leader. Be able to express your fears and recognise your weaknesses, but also be able to harness your strengths and those of your team to the best effect.

Book cover of Building a High-Performing Learning Team
Building a High-Performing Learning Team

On any given day, you engage in numerous conversations in which your ability to learn will have a major impact on the decisions made by you and the team. This book is a practical guide to help leaders and teams build a strong learning organization.

Book cover of Fitting In Standing Out: Finding Your Authentic Voice
Fitting In Standing Out: Finding Your Authentic Voice

Whatever your role or job, you need to find the ‘sweet spot’ where you can fit into your team, yet have the ability to express your true opinions in a way that will be heard and accepted. This book is about finding that sweet spot.

Book cover of EMPATHY: The Human Side of Leadership
EMPATHY: The Human Side of Leadership

Empathy is no longer optional for leaders who strive for a deeper understanding and connection with their staff. This book demystifies empathy, breaking it down and making it real for leaders who appreciate the value of human connection.

View all books

Frequently asked questions

How does your approach to leadership development support my personal growth alongside my business goals?

My focus is on personal growth as a cornerstone for achieving business success. By aligning leadership development with your personal and business objectives, I aim to foster a symbiotic relationship where each supports and enhances the other.

How do you customise your coaching for individuals at the executive level?

I personally craft each programme to address the unique challenges and opportunities you face as an executive. This includes sharpening your strategic decision-making, enhancing your leadership presence, and expanding your influence.

How do you ensure confidentiality in your executive coaching sessions?

Trust and confidentiality are the bedrock of my coaching sessions. I adhere to strict protocols, creating a safe space for you to explore and grow without reservation.

How do you approach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in your work with clients?

I bring a unique perspective to DEI, rooted in psychological insight and practical experience. My approach goes beyond ticking boxes; it's about creating environments where diversity is celebrated, equity is achieved, and everyone feels genuinely included—integrating these principles into the very core of leadership and organisational culture.

Can your leadership strategies be integrated with my organisation’s existing development programmes?

Absolutely. My strategies are designed to be complementary, enhancing your current efforts by weaving them into the fabric of your personal leadership journey and organisational culture.

How do you assist with preparing for senior leadership transitions?

I work closely with you to identify and develop potential leaders from within your organisation, ensuring a smooth and strategic transition into key roles, based on my years of experience and personal insights.

In what ways do your methods improve executive decision-making?

My approach enriches decision-making by blending evidence-based strategies with a profound understanding of the nuances of organisational dynamics and personal leadership styles.

What importance does emotional intelligence hold in your coaching?

Emotional intelligence is central to my coaching philosophy. It's about enhancing your capacity to understand and manage emotions, fostering leadership that is not only effective but also empathetic and inclusive.

What sets your leadership development approach apart from others?

I leverage the concept of the Sigmoid Curve to advocate for continuous personal and professional growth, preparing you for future challenges with strategic foresight and resilience.

Can you share a personal success story from your coaching experience?

One standout moment was with a global company where my leadership programme led to a marked increase in employee engagement and innovation, reflecting the profound impact of nurturing leadership at all levels.

How do you tailor your services to cater to different industries?

I draw upon a broad spectrum of industry-specific insights and personal experiences to ensure that my coaching is both relevant and transformative, regardless of the field.

How does your background in psychology influence your coaching?

My psychological expertise allows me to delve deep into the motivations and behaviours that drive effective leadership, enriching the coaching experience with nuanced insights into personal and organisational dynamics.

What guidance do you offer for navigating digital transformation?

I focus on the human aspects of digital transformation, offering personalised guidance to manage change effectively, ensuring you're well-equipped to lead in the digital age.

Do you offer your coaching services globally?

Yes, I bring a global perspective to my coaching, with a deep appreciation for diverse cultural and business contexts, ensuring my services are meaningful and impactful worldwide.

Let’s connect
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