We’ve been working with a company on building the conversations sales leaders have with their salespeople. The monthly 1:1 performance conversation is an important one. It gives both the leader and salesperson clarity of where they are currently at and where they’re heading. It means no surprises at the end of the year. Here’s a …
The beginning of the new year or a new quarter is a great opportunity for leaders to help their people create goals and plans to achieve them. Having a development conversation should be part of a leader’s leadership rhythm. We still see leaders struggle to move away from telling their people what they need to …
We’ve been doing a lot of work with leaders on the conversations they need to have to build performance and engagement. One of the most common is handling poor. We developed the TEAM model to help in these situations. It’s simple and easy to use in the REAL world. Heres a one-pager that walks you …
Positive feedback helps motivation, boosts confidence, and shows people you value them. It also helps people to understand and develop their skills. With the latest research, we have created the TEAM model. An easy-to-use tool that reinforces new behaviors, celebrates success and helps recognize high-performing team members.. helping to build strong long-term positive habits.
Do you ever feel like things are going on around you, and you have little or no influence over them? Here is a one pager to help you think about what you can do to keep focused on the things you have control over.
With over 20 years of experience across the fitness, telco, and learning industries, Tauvaga brings a unique blend of energy, strategic thinking, and heart to helping businesses and individuals thrive.
Of Samoan, Italian, and Kiwi heritage, Tauvaga is grounded in the values of connection, service, and aiga (family). He carries with him the Samoan proverb “O le ala i le pule o le tautua” — leadership is achieved through service — a principle that guides how he shows up for people, teams, and communities.
These values have shaped his leadership journey, from heading high-performing teams as a Group Fitness Manager and National Manager of Group Fitness in New Zealand, to driving innovation and customer-led thinking as a Product and Proposition Lead at One New Zealand.
For over 15 years, Tauvaga has worked as a trainer and facilitator, designing learning experiences that shift thinking, lift capability, and build healthier, more connected workplaces. He has created coaching content, developed high-performing teams, and launched purpose-driven businesses that reflect his commitment to people and progress.
What drives him is creating real-world solutions—for people, for teams, and for the everyday challenges that hold us back. He brings a relational, grounded style to his work and a deep belief that leadership, done well, always begins with service.
As the Lead Learning Designer – Safety and Wellbeing at Real Learning, Zoe is on a mission to create real, lasting culture change in the organisations she partners with.
With a background in Human Resources and Employment Law, she brings a powerful blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and care to her work. Zoe draws on over a decade of experience in learning design to craft experiences that shift behaviour, influence culture, and deliver meaningful business outcomes.
In her role, Zoe leads the full end-to-end design process—collaborating with subject matter experts, managing stakeholders, and applying best practice in instructional design and learning technologies to deliver impactful, future-focused solutions.
Her recent work includes the design and rollout of enterprise-wide Safety Leadership and Frontline Safety programmes, helping organisations foster safer, stronger, and more connected workplaces.
Zoe also brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. Diagnosed with type one diabetes at age seven, she knows what it means to show up every day with resilience, preparation, and heart. That lived experience fuels her passion for designing learning that goes beyond compliance—programmes that truly support wellbeing, connection, and change that lasts.
To connect with Zoe, reach out at zoe@reallearning.co.nz. She’d love to hear from you.
Charlee brings a people-first mindset and a passion for growth to everything she does. With a background that spans leadership in retail, corporate mental health services, and five years shaping transformative programmes at Real Learning, she’s all about creating meaningful connections that help others thrive.
Originally from England, Charlee moved to Aotearoa 20 years ago and quickly made it home. Her career started in retail leadership before moving into the corporate space, where she worked her way from an administrative role to supporting GMs, doctors, and specialists in mental health and addiction services. These experiences shaped her deep understanding of people, systems, and what it takes to create positive impact.
At Real Learning, Charlee plays a pivotal role in delivering standout customer experiences and making sure every engagement is grounded in care, purpose, and impact. She believes in working hard and living fully – whether that’s through her role, time in the great outdoors, or adventuring with her whānau.
Her mantra? “You only get one shot at life, so make it count.” And she brings that energy to every part of her work.
Heidi believes learning should feel real – relevant, human, and rooted in what matters. It’s why she founded Real Learning: to create learning experiences that shift cultures, not just tick boxes.
With nearly 20 years of experience in learning and development, Heidi brings a rare blend of strategic thinking, creativity, and care. She has partnered with organisations across construction, retail, energy, banking, and beyond – designing tools and experiences that lead to real results: safer sites, stronger teams, better conversations, and more inclusive workplaces.
Heidi’s work is grounded in values – especially courage, connection, and impact. She’s not afraid to challenge thinking, ask bold questions, or have a laugh along the way. Whether she’s designing a leadership programme, building a board game, or coaching a facilitator, Heidi brings empathy, clarity, and a deep belief that people learn best when they feel seen, safe, and stretched.
What drives her is simple: helping people do their best work and go home safe, well, and proud of what they’ve built – together.
