"That chance meeting set me on a new path"

Reade Thompson-Trott runs a successful consultancy, AstonJames – specialising in business and technology transformation, serving public and private sector clients across New Zealand. But that might never have happened if Reade had made different plans back in 2016. “I met a friend for drinks, and they brought Tash along. We got chatting about my background and about some aligned opportunities she had in the Government sector,” says Reade.  

Natasha Keith is a Senior Manager at Robert Walters. Fortunately for Reade, she’s a passionate advocate for inspiring talent.

“Tash recognised my experience and what I could bring to the table for her clients” explains Reade.

After their initial chance meeting, Tash and Reade caught up for a coffee to discuss options more fully. “She understood where I wanted to be and took the time to make that happen. She championed me throughout her network – we were constantly in touch about potential work in my wheelhouse that aligned with what I was looking to do.”  

Robert Walters has created a real community. I always jump at the opportunities to catch up with Tash and the team and meet other like-minded individuals from across Wellington who can challenge and test my thinking.

Over the years, Reade’s experience and interest other domains grew. Robert Walters was able to follow this progression and partner him with the specialist support needed to break into those various markets. Across the years, Robert Walters was able to plot out a path that gave Reade the all-round insight, experience, and contacts to start his own consultancy. “As a contractor, you’re always facing new and complex challenges and you need to find a way to deliver through them. I did a good job and it got me noticed.” says Reade.  

With Robert Walters’ help, Reade became a leading figure in strategic transformation delivery for the public sector - and, as the proud founder of a thriving consultancy business, is still drawing on the help of talented people from the Robert Walters network. “You know you can trust in the skills and expertise of everyone on their roster”