References
On the recommendation of the Managers, and with the agreement of the Board, Ardent Executive was contracted to work with us to
- bring clarity around vision and purpose
- provide hands on management assistance with a capacity building function
- set strategic objectives
- develop a marketing strategy
The work with Ardent began in earnest in February, and after initial meetings with other Ardent staff the project has proceeded solely with Mark Groos. A successful application was made to NZ Trade and Enterprise for a capacity building grant which has covered 50% of Ardent’s fees.
By the end of October all of the above mentioned objectives have been fulfilled.
Mark has worked hard with the staff, the Board Chair and with the whole Board at our meetings to help us find direction and then set up processes to get us moving in that direction.
I am grateful to Mark for the way in which he has worked with us, the expertise he has brought to our enterprise, the contacts he has put us in touch with and his clear and direct approach to the task which we asked him to do. He has asked us good questions. He has offered us advice and given direction, both in good measure. He has shaped a way of operating that will enable us to move in the direction we have agreed and accomplish our goals.
Personally, I have appreciated Mark’s mentoring role and having someone to discuss our progress with. He has been a continual source of encouragement to me through this somewhat hectic process but has also challenged my ideas and opinions. This has been capacity building for me. Other members of the Board and staff have also had the opportunity to learn new skills.
Bonnie H
We were all working very hard but didn’t seem to be making any progress, I was at my wits end and preparing to sell my boat to survive. We engaged the services of an Ardent Executive Advisor and within a short period of time, using Ardent’s systems and expertise, we had analysed our business and our business environment.
We then developed a focused one page business plan which included a number of new opportunities we identified with Ardent Executive’s help. Their systematised approach has allowed me to manage my time & my staff’s time more effectively. It has also allowed me to focus my entire organisation on controlling & growing my business.
Before engaging Ardent Executive, we were working to survive. Now we are in an exciting growth phase!!!!!
Tony S
We recognised the need to appoint Ardent Executive at a critical juncture in our business. They quickly completed an extensive analysis of our current situation and helped us to develop a vision for our future. Our vision was broken down into strategic objectives, and achievable tasks which we complete and report weekly. Ardent Executive‘s: planning, achieving, reviewing, learning process has turned our business around and improved our culture, direction and bottom line. It has certainly been a sound investment in our business future.
Our Ardent Executive Advisor has been an inspiring person to have on our team & will continue to be involved in the future of our business.
Cameron and Shereena.
We had lots of business ideas but not many of them seemed to get traction. Ardent Executive came on board and quickly identified our key ideas, helped set our objectives and really got my business moving.
Lindsay S
Ardent Executive helped us rearrange our organisation, motivate our staff, set new strategic goals and get our entire organisation heading in a positive direction.
Ray L
Ardent Executive helped us successfully define, and achieve our Management Goals. Their professionalism, knowledge and skill allowed us to complete management projects that were long over due .
Barbara M
Ardent Executive showed us what it takes to succeed. Their management advice, systems and enthusiasm really improved our bottomline, setting and achieving targets we never thought were possible.
Garry B