Behind the success of Prospero Group in New Zealand and Australia is Neil, our Operation Director whose journey has been shaped by global experiences, bold decisions, and a deep passion for people. From starting as a Primary Education Consultant for Prospero Teaching in the UK to leading the company’s operations across two countries, Neil’s story is one of growth, leadership, and a commitment to building lasting relationships. In this blog, we take a look into Neil’s career, his motivations, and the lessons he's learned along the way.
Neil moved to London with a Tier 2 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, just like many young Kiwi's looking to gain international experience. He stayed for 8.5 years, having the opportunity to extend his time in the UK when Prospero sponsored him beyond the typical two-year visa validity.
"I lived in London for 8.5 years, having originally relocated on a Tier 2 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa like every other Tom, Dick, and Harry. I was fortunate to be sponsored by Prospero, which extended my stay in the country beyond the typical two-year validity," Neil shared.
In August 2018, Neil made the life-changing decision to return to New Zealand. His return was mainly driven by family reasons, as his wife was expecting their first child. Despite the love both he and his wife had for London, the desire for family support and the work-life balance offered by New Zealand made the decision clear.
Neil recalled, "We weighed the pros and cons of staying in London, which we both still love to this day. However, considering the support from family on both sides and the culture and work-life balance that New Zealand offers, the decision became crystal clear that it was time to move home."
After settling back into life in New Zealand, Neil, along with some key team members, initiated Prospero’s education recruitment presence, laying the foundation for what is now a successful branch.
The birth of Prospero Health and Social Care in New Zealand was a direct result of the COVID lockdown. While the pandemic created a challenging environment for many industries, it also allowed Neil and his team to pivot and adapt. Prospero built on the success already established in the UK and expanded its services to healthcare recruitment.
"Prospero Health and Social Care was the brainchild of the COVID lockdown, as we navigated the first few months confined to working from home. This provided us with an opportunity to pivot during uncertain times, and by building on what the UK had already established, as they say, the rest was history," Neil explained.
In what Neil describes as a fortunate opportunity, he became the Operations Director for Prospero in Australia and New Zealand after a restructuring of the Australian office. He’s now celebrating one year in this role, where he continues to lead Australia and New Zealand forward.
Neil shared, "This month marks one year on the tools," reflecting on his time as Operations Director.
For Neil, the most rewarding part of his role has always been the people. He believes that at its core, Prospero is a people-centric business, and the relationships built by the team are what keep clients returning.
"The people – it is always about the people. We are in a people-centric industry, and Prospero's people shape our identity. At the end of the day, clients return because of the relationships they've built with their salesperson," Neil noted.
For those looking to follow in Neil’s footsteps, his advice is simple but powerful: don’t wait until you feel ready. He draws on a quote from Steven Bartlett that has resonated with him throughout his career: "People with half your talent are achieving twice as much because they are out there doing, while others are still waiting to feel ready."
His final message? "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."
Neil’s journey is a testament to the importance of seizing opportunities, facing challenges, and always focusing on the people who make the journey worthwhile.