THE NOVEMBER EDIT
A NEW CHAPTER
BEGINS.
The people. The stories.
The future of our community.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL CONNECTIONS.
Well, what a month November is shaping up to be!
If someone had told us when we started LinkedInLocal Auckland that we'd end up building something much bigger, I'm not sure we would have believed them.
But here we are.
After two incredible years of bringing people together, we're getting ready to turn the page on LinkedInLocal Auckland and introduce Gravit8.
The name might be changing, but the heart of what we've built isn't going anywhere.
In fact, we're taking everything we've learned, everything we've loved and all those wonderful connections, and building on them.
There's plenty happening behind the scenes, and we can't wait to share more with you.
In this edition, we're celebrating the people who make our community special, sharing a few interesting perspectives and looking ahead to what's coming.
So grab a coffee, have a read and hopefully discover something or someone new.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL INSIGHTS.
From the Crowd.
Four people. Four perspectives.
One brilliant community.
Behind every LinkedIn profile is a person with a story, experience worth sharing and a perspective worth hearing. This month, we're introducing four people from our community. Get to know the people behind the businesses.
01 / 04
Clinton Farley
General Manager, The Hotel Britomart | Independent Director | Auckland Chair, Hotel Council Aotearoa
EXPLORE CLINTON'S STORY +
What problem do you solve?
I help people, businesses and destinations reach their potential. Whether through hospitality, governance or visitor industry leadership, my focus is on growing New Zealand's visitor economy, building great teams, and creating businesses that make a positive contribution to our communities and economy.
What are you ridiculously good at?
Bringing people together around a common goal and turning ideas into action. I enjoy building relationships, fostering partnerships and creating alignment that drives growth. I'm naturally optimistic, ambitious and always looking for ways to improve, innovate and raise the bar.
What lesson did you learn the hard way?
Knowing when to switch off and have a good time while still keeping it together. Working in the visitor industry, one of New Zealand's largest, you're known to a lot of people, even if you don't always know them. It's hard to fly under the radar, and you'd be surprised how often someone's watching even when you think they're not. It's a balance that takes time to figure out.
What do we need to talk about more?
I can't pick just one - I've got two things on my mind... First, checking in on one another. A simple "RUOK?" can make a bigger difference than we realise. We need to talk more about supporting each other, celebrating success and holding one another accountable to be our best. Second, the value of the visitor economy. Tourism is often seen as a nice-to-have industry, when in reality it supports jobs, communities, infrastructure investment and the vibrancy of our cities and regions.
What won't you compromise on in business?
Culture beats strategy every time. You can have the best plan in the world, but without the right people, trust and accountability, it won't succeed.
Life's too short for...
dwelling on yesterday. Today and tomorrow are where your future is built. Focus on what you want to achieve and go hard!
02 / 04
Tim Muhundan
Automate.CX®
We set up CRM, AI agents and contact centres for NZ businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets and sticky notes.
EXPLORE TIM'S STORY +
What problem do you solve?
You know when you call a business for the third time and have to tell the whole story again? I help businesses fix that.
What are you ridiculously good at?
Turning “Our CRM is a mess and nobody uses it” into something people actually like opening.
What lesson did you learn the hard way?
The software is never the problem. I’ve been a Microsoft, HubSpot, Zoho and Dialpad partner, and I’ve watched businesses switch platforms hoping the new one will fix them. It won’t. Fix the process first, then pick the tool.
What do we need to talk about more?
How it feels to be on the receiving end of AI. Everyone’s counting the hours AI saves the business. Nobody’s counting the hours it costs the customer.
What won’t you compromise on in business?
Doing it properly or not at all. I’d rather turn work down than build something that looks good in the demo and falls over in month three.
Life’s too short for...
Spending a whole networking event asking people what they do and never finding out what makes them laugh.
03 / 04
Greg Holland
Holland&Co Fine Jewellery | Auckland
EXPLORE GREG'S STORY +
What problem do you solve?
I help people create meaningful, one-of-a-kind jewellery and wearable art that mark life's milestones, especially when they don't know exactly what they want or when they are feeling confused or overwhelmed. My job is to understand the person, guide them through the creative process, help them select gems with confidence, not just sell them something.
What are you ridiculously good at?
Listening, understanding, interpreting and translating my customers' stories, personal styles, ideas and emotions into beautiful, wearable works of art.
What lesson did you learn the hard way?
You can't be everything to everyone.
I've learnt the art of saying, "No, I'm not the right person for this," and it's been invaluable.
The more I've learnt to trust my instincts and focus on what I genuinely believe in, the more rewarding business has become.
What do we need to talk about more?
Firstly, the value of genuine human connection.
In a world becoming increasingly automated, taking the time to slow down, to meet face to face, to get to know and understand people, and build and nurture meaningful relationships is more important than ever.
Secondly, the incredible sense of freedom and peace of mind that comes from switching off, leaving our devices behind and getting out into nature. There's something wonderfully grounding about disconnecting from the digital world and reconnecting with the world around us. I think we all need alot more of that in our lives.
What won't you compromise on in business?
Integrity, craftsmanship and the experience my customers have with me.
If I'm not confident that a client absolutely loves what we're designing, we keep working on the design until they do.
Life's too short for...
Putting off adventures until next month, next year or when I retire.
On average we only get around 85 good summers, or winters for that matter, in a lifetime, so why waste a single one?
04 / 04
Suzy Elks
Transform Now
Clinical Hypnotherapy & Coaching, online and in Hobsonville, Auckland. I combine my background in psychology, social work and counselling to help adults and teens feel calmer, more confident and move forward.
EXPLORE SUZY'S STORY +
What problem do you solve?
Anxiety, overthinking, low confidence, sleep difficulties, fears and phobias, past trauma, burnout, IBS and unwanted habits. I also support people with ADHD challenges and life changes such as separation or career transitions.
What are you ridiculously good at?
Getting to the heart of what’s keeping someone stuck, quickly, and helping them make real changes. I’ve seen phenomenal results with clients who’d spent years trying other approaches without success. Helping people enjoy life again is what I absolutely love about my work.
What lesson did you learn the hard way?
If you keep doing the same things, you’re likely to keep getting the same results. Joining Toastmasters and having hypnotherapy took me from terrified of public speaking to speaking internationally. So when someone says, “I’ve always been this way,” I understand how difficult it can be to imagine anything different and how much can change.
What do we need to talk about more?
Looking after ourselves as whole people. We can focus so much on work, paying bills and everyone else’s needs that we forget our own. Rest, enjoyment, connection and healthy boundaries matter too. We deserve care before we reach breaking point.
What won’t you compromise on in business?
Integrity, honesty, confidentiality and doing what I say I’ll do. Listening without judgement, treating people with kindness and tailoring our work to what each person needs.
Life’s too short for...
Letting other people’s opinions hold you back or constantly putting yourself last. Have the conversation, try something new, ask for support. You don’t have to feel completely confident to begin.
SAME COMMUNITY. BIGGER POSSIBILITIES.
The next chapter
starts here.
Two years of bringing people together. Hundreds of introductions. Countless conversations. And now, something much bigger is taking shape.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
LinkedInLocal Auckland
INTRODUCING
More than networking.
This isn't the end
of something good.
It's the beginning of something even better.
When Stuart and I started LinkedInLocal Auckland, our goal was simple. Get people off their screens and into a room together, where genuine conversations and connections could happen.
Over the past two years, we've watched introductions turn into friendships, collaborations and business opportunities. We've seen what happens when people genuinely show up for one another.
And somewhere along the way, we started thinking about what more this community could become.
We could have simply changed the name and carried on. But we've had bigger ambitions for this community for some time.
We love bringing people together at our events, but we've always believed there's an opportunity to build something bigger. Something that keeps people connected long after they've left the room.
A place to share knowledge, learn from one another, discover opportunities and build relationships with people right across New Zealand.
We've been working towards that vision for some time. So when LinkedIn announced the discontinuation of the LinkedInLocal name, the timing couldn't have been better. We were already looking ahead, and this gave us a natural moment to introduce the next chapter.
Gravit8 isn't simply LinkedInLocal Auckland with a new name. It's the evolution of everything we've built together, with so much more to come.
And we're only just getting started.
WHAT COMES NEXT
Built for connection.
Designed for growth.
Still bringing people together.
Our quarterly Gravit8 Nights will continue at B:HIVE, alongside smaller Gravit8 Focus events in Auckland's CBD.
Connections beyond the room.
A dedicated online community where people can get to know one another, share ideas, ask questions and explore opportunities.
Knowledge worth sharing.
Practical online sessions, expert insights and learning experiences designed to help people and businesses grow.
Not limited by geography.
A community open to professionals throughout New Zealand, with Auckland in-person events initially and opportunities to expand into other regions.
A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDERS
The name is changing.
The people are what make it special.
If you've been part of LinkedInLocal Auckland, you're already part of the story that brought us here. And if you're just discovering our community, what a great time to join us.
We're excited about what's ahead, and we'd love you to be part of it.
Keri & Stuart
Explore what's nextPEOPLE WORTH GETTING TO KNOW
Good people.
Great stories.
One of the best things about this community is discovering the people within it. This month, we're sharing a favourite read, introducing someone worth knowing and welcoming a new face to the room.
THIS MONTH'S RECOMMENDATION
Melissa McMullan
General Manager, Cosmetics New Zealand
Jack Reacher series, by Lee Child and Andrew Child
"I stumbled across the first Jack Reacher book years ago and was hooked from the first page."
I've always loved a good thriller, particularly crime-solving, mystery, suspense and action. It's my favourite genre, and that extends to TV and movies too!
Lee Child is an excellent storyteller and Jack Reacher is such a great character. His military background, investigative skills, intelligence and ability to read people and situations are all part of his appeal.
I also love how he travels across America, one small town at a time, inevitably finding himself caught up in something, with a few familiar characters popping up along the way.
I've loved the series from the very first book and not one has disappointed me. As soon as a new one is released, I buy it! And I'm yet to follow the trend of reading books on a phone or Kindle.
It's paperbacks all the way for me.
WORDS BY MELISSA MCMULLAN
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CONNECTIONS
Meet Minal Patel.
Naturopath, Medical Herbalist & Food Scientist, Bhimble Wellness
Instead of us deciding who you should know, we asked someone from our community to nominate somebody from their network who they think deserves to be on more people's radar.
This month's nomination comes from Katie Rickson.
"Minal is always very warm and welcoming and has a kind and inclusive approach backed by her knowledge in this space."
The first is Minal Patel, a naturopath and food scientist at Bhimble Wellness and she specialises in women's hormonal wellness.
She is great at bringing people together through her wellness events and her nutrition advice.
I always love connecting with Minal at LinkedIn Local. Minal is a thought leader in this space, even if she is very humble and I'd love to see her enjoy more recognition for the amazing work she does.
NOMINATED BY KATIE RICKSON
A NEW FACE IN THE ROOM
Meet Debbie Klintworth.
Footprint Collective
"First time at LinkedInLocal, so yes, I'm the lurker. I'm here to get into the right room."
I spend my days with business owners and leaders whose strategy looks brilliant on paper and goes missing somewhere between the planning day and Monday morning. I help find it.
After 35+ years in CX, strategy and leadership, I've learned that one good conversation beats a 40-slide deck.
I grew up on a farm in South Africa, so herding teams feels familiar, and I host The Purpose-Led CEO Podcast, so I'm always collecting good stories.
Come say hi. I'll be the one asking what you actually do.
WORDS BY DEBBIE KLINTWORTH
THE PEOPLE MAKE THE COMMUNITY
Who should we get
to know next?
Know someone doing wonderful things? Have a book you'd love to recommend? Or perhaps you're ready to introduce yourself to the community. We'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch ↗WHAT'S CHANGING. WHAT'S INTERESTING. WHAT'S WORTH THINKING ABOUT.
A little food
for thought.
From changes affecting New Zealand businesses to fresh perspectives on leadership, LinkedIn and personal branding. Here's what's on our radar this month.
PUT THIS ON YOUR RADAR
New health and safety rules are coming. Is your business ready?
If you're running a business or managing a team, here's something worth putting on your radar before 2027.
New Zealand's workplace health and safety legislation is changing from 1 April 2027, with a stronger focus on managing the risks that could cause the most serious harm.
And there's an important distinction depending on the size of your business.
The changes introduce a more targeted approach, focusing on critical risks rather than requiring the same broad risk-management approach as larger organisations.
All workplace risks still need to be managed, but critical risks must take priority.
There are also changes to clarify the responsibilities of directors and senior leaders, with greater emphasis on governance and ensuring the right systems and resources are in place.
The intention is to reduce unnecessary compliance while keeping attention on what matters most: preventing serious workplace harm.
So what should you do now?
Start by understanding which risks in your business could cause serious harm, check whether your current processes address them, and familiarise yourself with the guidance WorkSafe is releasing ahead of April.
Because good health and safety isn't about having the biggest folder of policies. It's about knowing where the real risks are and doing something about them.
Read the official WorkSafe guidance ↗
Meanwhile
on LinkedIn.
Four LinkedIn updates worth knowing about. There's a lot, strap in!
It's official. The LinkedInLocal name is coming to an end!
LinkedIn has officially discontinued the use of the LinkedIn Local name under its brand guidelines, which means communities around the world that have been bringing people together under that banner, like us, will need to rebrand.
But here's the good news. The communities aren't going anywhere!
For us, LinkedInLocal Auckland has always been about the people, the conversations and the relationships built beyond the screen, and that's not changing.
In fact, we've got something pretty exciting to share at our final event of 2026 on 11 November.
A new name, a bigger vision and a whole lot more opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
Watch this space!
Read LinkedIn's official announcement ↗A new feed for the people you actually know
Ever wondered why you don't see more posts from your own connections?
LinkedIn is testing a dedicated Network feed, bringing together posts from people you're connected with and those you follow.
The test includes Australia, although a New Zealand launch hasn't been confirmed.
Why it matters: It could make staying connected with your existing network easier, rather than relying entirely on the main feed's algorithm.
Your LinkedIn business card, right on your phone
This one could be particularly useful at networking events!
LinkedIn is introducing digital business cards that can be shared using a QR code and saved to your phone's digital wallet.
Why it matters: A quick way to exchange details when you meet someone in person. Just remember, connecting is only the beginning!
Private notes to help you remember your connections
Ever connected with someone and a few months later, struggled to remember where you met?
LinkedIn's Premium Notes feature lets eligible Premium members save private notes about their connections.
Why it matters: Remembering where you met, what you discussed or something important about someone can make your next conversation so much more meaningful.
LinkedIn continues to evolve, and we love seeing tools that make professional connections easier. But whether it's a new feed, a digital business card or even a new name for our community, one thing remains the same.
BY ALICIA MCKAY
People aren't
the problem.
Ah, people. With their habits, emails, and faces. So annoying! Clients and bosses with unreasonable expectations, staff who don't follow through, kids who drive you mental… it's easy to think better people would fix everything.
But if the people change, different client, new boss, new government, big restructure, et al, and the problems persist, then you have a systems problem.
Any worthwhile activity has lots of interconnected parts, and they won't always fit well together. Systems thinkers start there, not with finger-pointing.
Assume positive intent and get curious about why the same patterns keep repeating. Here's three questions to get you started:
- Why is this happening? Channel your inner toddler to get curious about root causes.
- So what? A belligerent adolescent tone helps you understand real consequences and impacts.
- Is it, though? (Say this one half an octave higher.) What assumptions are you making? What unhelpful status quo are you upholding?
It's easy to blame people. Systems don't come knocking on your door, set unreasonable deadlines, or let you down when you're waiting on them.
But when we ask better questions and change the conditions, not the people, magic happens.
IN KERI'S CAMERA
100 milliseconds.
That's all it takes.
Your photograph might be making an introduction before you've even said hello.
Yeah I know, you're fed up of hearing every photographer push this message on to you.
But here's something fascinating. Researchers at Princeton University found that people could form impressions of someone's trustworthiness, competence and likeability after seeing a photograph of their face for just 100 milliseconds.
That's one-tenth of a second.
Before they've read your headline, looked at your experience and before they've discovered what you're actually capable of.
Now, here's the important distinction. A first impression isn't necessarily an accurate one.
We make snap judgements based on visual cues and those judgements can be influenced by bias. A photograph can't tell someone how competent, trustworthy or experienced you really are.
But it can influence the impression they form before they know anything else about you.
That's why I find this research so interesting from a personal branding perspective.
Think about your LinkedIn profile photograph. Does it represent the person someone would meet if they walked into a room with you tomorrow?
Does it reflect your confidence, your personality and the professional presence you've worked hard to build?
Or is it simply the photograph you've had for the past seven years because you don't particularly like having your photograph taken?
Stop choosing your profile photograph based solely on whether you think you look good in it. Start asking whether it communicates what you want people to know about you.
There's a difference.
You can't control every impression someone forms. But you can be intentional about the image you put forward.
Your experience earns your credibility. Your photograph introduces you to it.
If your photograph no longer reflects the professional you've become, perhaps it's time we had a conversation.
Let's make sure your first impression reflects the real you.
Keri Little