Real Learning

Tradelink Sales Development

Tradelink partnered with Real Learning to design a Sales Development learning program

The client

Australia’s oldest plumbing merchant Tradelink have been in the industry for over 150 years. They are partnered with the best bathroom, kitchen and laundry brands in the business. They put customer service at the heart of everything they do. Their specialist team helps to inspire big ideas, share expertise and support their customers through every stage of a project.

The challenge

After a period of tough trading conditions in Australia and a refreshed business strategy, there was a real priority placed on building team capability at Tradelink. This included working with the branch network of 230+ locations nationally and placing a focus on the SME plumber, a strategic segment despite the trading conditions. Sales development was identified as an opportunity for improvement in the business, with no formal program in place. Tradelink approached Real Learning to create a Sales Development learning program focusing on upskilling both the branch managers and the branch assistants to be confident in the fundamentals of selling.

The solution

We created a blended solution that incorporated coaching, skill practice, and digital learning. Learners completed several micro-learning modules as well as attending a application sessions each month ran by management. Comprehensive facilitator and implementation guides were handed to the business so that people could customise the programme as required to their needs.
Group of people in office setting discussing health and safety workshop ideas

The results

Tradelink saw a 9.6% improvement in their Branch Assistants sales confidence and a 6.7% improvement in their Branch Assistants sales skills. 92% of Branch Assistants and Branch Managers committed to continue developing their sales capability after completing the Sales Development programme and there was an average satisfaction rating of 4/5.

What they had to say

Tradelink have partnered with Real Learning to completely redesign and reshape our retail sales development program. Right from the first interaction we were impressed with Real Learning’s focus on delivering tangible skill outcomes with an impact on genuine commercial results. Real Learning took time to understand the needs and complexity of our business, as well as the unique voice of our industry. Their proposal offered first class digital learning solutions that were also effectively underpinned by blended learning that incorporated coaching and practice. In partnership with our learning team, Real Learning produced outstanding online assets that capture the language of the organisation, translate sales theory and models in accessible ways, and are customised to different levels of capability. The rollout of our coaching program alongside these learning tools was also greatly supported by the Real Learning team. While we are still part way through our development, we are already seeing results, including measurable improvement in our people’s sales skills and confidence which ultimately drives commercial outcomes. I would recommend Heidi and the Real Learning team to any organisation looking for a genuine partner that is as focused on your success as you are”
Nadia Golenkova
Learning and Development Manager

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Tauvaga Siolo

Development and Delivery Lead

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.

Eloise Tzimas

Facilitator / Transformation Coach

Elosie is a seasoned coach with a passion for empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. Eloise specialises in communication skills development, professional and performance coaching, and working with individuals, teams and business owners. With a unique blend of expertise, empathy, and a results-driven approach, she has become a sought-after person for those seeking personal and professional transformation.

Matt Wilmot

Virtuoso Media

Virtuoso Media provides full service video production with in-house creative, scripting, directing, shooting & editing. We produce premium content for filmmakers, corporations and private businesses. Capturing the perfect shot is an art and something we are very passionate about. Our keen eye for composition, extensive experience in production & post-production, and relentless quest for perfection ensures that everything we deliver is of exceptional quality.

Nina Velleman

Bunkhouse Graphic Design

Nina is a Senior Graphic Designer and co-director of Bunkhouse Graphic Design with over 20 years of experience working in the industry. She takes pride in her innovative approach to creative ideas and is passionate about visual communication. As the Graphic Designer for Real Learning, nothing gives her more pleasure than creating collateral that enhances and supports the learning programmes and workshops for greater engagement and understanding.

Frans Plummer

Leadership Coach and Facilitator

Frans natural interest in people led to his academic roots in organisational behaviour, completing his honours in Industrial Psychology. His professional career has been a journey through change-, project-, sales-, and general management for start-ups, NGO's, charitable trusts, SMEs, and multinational corporations. These days Frans spreads his time and energy across business development, life coaching for men, couples, kids, and business teams, dispute resolution & mediation, and training facilitation. Frans is keenly interested in the development of human potential and is passionate about every session being an opportunity for further personal and professional growth.

Zoe Burt

Lead Learning Designer - SAFETY AND WELLBEING

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 Neubrandt

Customer Experience Lead

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.

Getting projects out the door is Charlee’s passion, but she also gets involved with the instruction design and development, applying her background in sales and customer service to the programmes.

Heidi Lance

Director and Head of Learning

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.

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