Sarah Turner BNI® 💥

White Associates Ltd

Business Manager

A Buyer's Choice Home Inspections

A local West Auckland pre-purchase building inspection franchised business. 

Responsibilities 
•	Support with business strategy and financial planning. 
•	Two monthly GST returns. 
•	Preparing the books for our accountant.
•	Support with any issues that might arise. 

Achievements
•	Helped my husband to build a successful pre-purchase building inspection business.
•	Designed and implemented a prospecting system utilising open home buyers.  
•	Successfully marketed our business online and in person to become established. 
•	Networked with businesspeople to establish our brand and credibility locally.  
•	Implemented new software to streamline the booking process.

Business Owner / Director

BNI (Business Network International) New Zealand

A national franchise, part of a global franchise which helps businesspeople gain more revenue through business networking and qualified referrals. 

Responsibilities 
•	Actively contribute to the strategic planning of the organisation by contributing to the targets and goals for the team each year.  This year we hit our growth target early. 
•	Prepare and distribute our national communications including branding updates, campaign releases and training opportunities. 
•	Provide EA support to our two directors, each with their own unique style.  
•	Support the wider team of local directors with advice on policies and procedures. 
•	Assist the directors to recruit, prepare contracts for, train and onboard new team members.
•	Direct the operations assistant, my full-time direct report, with a focus on:
-	Providing supervision and necessary information to facilitate her role.
-	Offering guidance and training to enhance her skill set.
-	Mentoring her for increased responsibilities within the organisation.
•	Manage and maintain our national membership database for over 2800 members. 
•	Update and manage the national blog site through WordPress. 
•	Update and manage the national website and continuously work to improve our SEO ranking.  
•	Provide technical support for our global software system at all levels of the organisation.   
•	Facilitate and MC our national bi-annual leadership team training and monthly team meetings. 
•	Ensure all documentation and materials are up to date and correctly branded. 
•	Schedule, post and update our teams on training registrations, completions, and targets. 
•	Celebrate events, milestones, and achievements actively across our social media channels.  
•	Prepare and distribute weekly education moments for presentation.
•	Prepare and maintain training manuals.
•	Manage stock and organise internal and external suppliers.  
•	Coordinate and oversee nationwide events for our leaders and members.

Operations Manager 

A national franchise for building inspection or pre-purchase inspection and reports in New Zealand. 

Responsibilities 
•	Created franchise advertisements to help sell our first franchises in New Zealand. 
•	Prepared and delivered franchise presentations to potential franchise owners. 
•	Assisted in the sale of franchises to establish the New Zealand national franchise. 
•	Implemented the purchasing systems for all franchise equipment, software, and systems. 
•	Mapped out all the statistical boundaries for each of the New Zealand franchises. 
•	Provided technical inspection training and support to franchisees in house and out in the field. 
•	Trained and supported new franchise owners to prospect efficiently for inspection opportunities. 
•	Assisted new franchise owners to create professional networks within their franchised territories. 

Achievements 
•	Qualified as a building inspector through both AHIT and InterNACHI. 
•	Designed and built the New Zealand specific software template to aligning our inspection protocols to the New Zealand Standard 4306:2005 for Residential Property Inspection.

Operations Manager

Ray White

John Goodrum was one of Ray Whites Elite Salespeople selling in the top 5% of agents internationally. 

Responsibilities 
•	Absolute discretion, loyalty, and dependability as John’s trusted Executive Assistant. 
•	A strategic partner for new initiatives and strategies, someone to bounce ideas off. 
•	Schedule and supervise work for John Goodrum’s part time, casual staff, and contractors. 
•	Recruit and train new staff and contractors.  
•	Write marketing text and organise photographs for all new to market properties.
•	Plan, prepare and book promotional materials, weekly display, and open home advertising.   
•	Prepare contracts and take offers for the sale of residential property. 
•	Process contracts to completion of settlement facilitating a smooth transaction. 
•	Regular correspondence with solicitors, vendors, valuers, and purchasers.  
•	Schedule John’s busy open home schedule (often 8 per day) every week. 
•	Call and organise follow up correspondence to all open home attendees. 
•	Developed a call calling system for the team to help John Goodrum prospect for new listings. 
•	Daily database management using Top Producer 8i and the Ray White CRM system.  
•	Attend property viewings or building inspections as needed.

Executive Assistant to John Goodrum (Elite Member)

Avondale College  Auckland

At Avondale College from January 2003 to June 2005, I worked as a Science and Chemistry teacher. My responsibilities included delivering engaging instruction to students of varying proficiency levels, active participation in extracurricular activities, meticulous lesson planning, and providing pastoral care to foster a supportive learning environment. I excelled in teaching low-ability and ESOL students, consistently achieving high pass rates. Additionally, my contributions to the pastoral care of young adults led to an early appointment as Associate Dean with an associated salary increase.

Science and Chemistry Teacher, Third Form Associate Dean

Responsibilities 
•	Teacher of Science, year 9 to year 11. 
•	Teacher of Chemistry year 12 and 13. 
•	Pastoral care and management of year 9 students. 
•	Teacher in charge of girl’s chess. 
•	Ran the Australian National Chemistry Quiz. 

Achievements 
•	Excelled in the teaching of low ability and ESOL students as represented by average pass results over cross section of students within the departments. 
•	Active participant in the pastoral care of young adults in the college environment. Invited early on in career to pursue a role as an associate dean resulting in higher salary level.

Weekend and relief administrator/receptionist while at university

I am an outgoing, self-motivated, and bubbly individual who likes to take initiative. I am both strategic and analytic in my approach with an added passion for people and the ability to work alongside others injecting enthusiasm and bringing both positive energy and leadership to the team.  

I thrive in a busy environment where I can adapt quickly and be flexible as needed. I love to be the go-to person assisting the team with operational and technical details in a calm, professional and supportive way, enjoying the satisfaction gained from achieving our shared targets and goals.

I am highly organised, know how to prioritise, delegate, make decisions and problem solve. My high level of attention to detail allows me to carry out tasks thoroughly with accuracy whilst still being flexible to changing circumstances and demonstrating absolute trustworthiness and discretion.

Franchise Owner 🔍

Sales & Marketing, 
Prospecting for Inspections for Duane Turner - Inspector, Waitakere & Surrounding areas.

The Ampersand Coaching & Consulting

I support individuals and organisations who want to change the world. 

I serve those who are dreamers, leaders, champions and changemakers. 

Ampersand is for those who have a dream that things can be different - be it in a small or big way. 

For when the status quo is not acceptable. 

Because even changemakers, champions and cheerleaders need support.

Founder

Downer New Zealand

National Quality Manager

Hawkins

National Technology and Innovation Lead 

Downer

State Manager - ITS Victoria

This role started out as an IoT Project Manager role; a newly created role in the business. The title has been amended to more accurately reflect the work I have been doing, the understanding we have developed from working in this space and the direction we are heading. 

The role consists of managing projects, assessing and determining our strategic direction, developing our ecosystem and supporting the business to adapt to changes in our how our business will operate as a result of new technologies and innovations. 

Learning occurs through iterations, conversations and a few 'bugger that didn't go as planned' moments along the way. This is achieved through open and honest conversations, honest risk assessments (and a wiliness to accept a risk), and daring to do things differently.

Technology & Innovation Manager

I only spent a short time in this role, as I choose to pursue the unique Technology & Innovation Manager opportunity that came up. However, just before I advised I would be taking up another role within Downer I was promoted to the Regional Quality Manager.  

During my time I this role I addressed core system and process issues. Designing and developing systems and processes to support effective operational delivery. This involved co-ordination with numerous stakeholders and groups within the business (e.g. IT, the call center), the client, and sub-contractors. I conducted training and audits.

A large part of this role consisted of improving the data feeds and use of data for reporting, and most importantly ensuring decisions were being made on the appropriate information.

Quality Manager

While working for the ITS team I performed two roles. One was supporting the Operations Manager with improving performance on the streetlighting contracts. This involved developing systems and processes for performance, managing stakeholders, addressing complaints and concerns, and improving the team dynamics. 

In the second role I managed the traffic signals and field devices contract. With 8 staff reporting to me I was responsible for programming routine and capital works, as well as managing our immediate response.

Project Coordinator

I managed and supported bid submissions for the Infrastructure Services (Road and associated assets construction and maintenance) division of Downer.

I worked on and managed bids for construction and maintenance works. Works range from $50k to $15m for construction work and up to $30m p/a for maintenance works. I have also worked on Alliance contract and unsolicited proposals.

During this time I also acted as the Project Administrator for a trial project in smart infrastructure.

Graduate Bid Coordinator

Workwise

I worked with individuals with a variety of mental health and physical health issues to return to, or stay in competitive employment. The role involved liaising with clinical and non-clinical teams (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, Work and Income, etc) to provide comprehensive support to individuals as they made the transition. 

I also worked with employers to find positions for clients and/or offer ongoing support to employers where clients were placed.

During this time I completed foundational training in DBT, ACT and motivational interviewing.

Employment Consultant

Sonningill Hostel, Hamilton Girls' High School

Responsibilities included: guiding students through academic challenges, challenging students to further their academic abilities, providing guidance and emotional support to students, working collaboratively with other tutors.

Prep Tutor

Potential Activation Coach | Speaker | Facilitator | Enabling individuals and teams live and work with clarity, authenticity and connectedness

"We can't be what we can't see".

Well, not quite.

We can, but wow is it so much harder. 

Let's make it easier. 

Sharing. Stories. Connection. Community.

As humans we make assumptions and fill in gaps. 

I've done it. And unless I am conscious about it, will continue to do it. Or at least I will continue to let my assumptions rule my life. 

My life has changed when I have SEEN how it really is for others. 

When I have learnt what it is really like. That I am not alone in my experiences.

When I catch my assumptions I can change them.

To do this we need to share. 

Tell stories.

Cultivate ways to connect. Really connect.

Create the communities we need to thrive.

I'm scared but giving it ago because doing it by the book hasn't worked for me so far. 

So if you want to see the mess of life. The ups and downs and not feel alone come join me on this journey.

Roselle O'Brien (MBS, MMgt, IRMCert, IFS)

It’s me. Hi, I’m the problem. It’s me. 

I had one of those moments recently — the kind where you realise the only common denominator in your recurring doubts… is you. 

I’d been working remotely with someone and started worrying I wasn’t doing a good job. So I said it out loud. 

Their response? They were really happy with everything I was doing. Grateful, even. 

That moment reminded me of my final corporate meeting two years ago, where I said: 

 “We’ll have to agree to disagree, because I don’t think I’ve done a good job.” 

Impostor syndrome is sneaky. But maybe acknowledging it is the first step. 

If you know of any anonymous groups for impostor syndrome, let me know. 

#ImpostorSyndrome #SelfReflection #CreativeWork #GrowthMindset

Roselle O'Brien

Clarity in Complexity | Dissolving stickiness in teams using a multi-disciplinary approach | There is no one size fits all

When is it an excuse, and when is it a reason? 

There are things I’ve wanted to do, said I would do, and not done. 

I can always explain why. 

But I’ve learned that only I can tell when the reason is valid — and when it’s just an excuse. 

That truth doesn’t come from a framework or theory. It comes from tuning in, being honest, and facing the discomfort. 

Sometimes the reason is real. Sometimes it’s a lie I’ve told myself. 

And both come with grief. 

#SelfReflection #ImpostorSyndrome #PersonalGrowth #CreativeWork #HonestConversations

Ever feel like you’re starting over… again?

I find myself starting again.
And with it comes shame. How many times do I need to start again?
When will I figure it out?
Will I ever figure it out?

The longer it goes on, the worse it gets. The greater the shame grows.
The less I want to show up. The more I want to hide.
But here’s the blunt truth: if yet another fraudster can show up again and again, then surely I, just wanting to share my story, can show up again too.

They call it Cringe Mountain on social media.
Apparently, you have to climb it.
Apparently, you get better by doing.
Which means I have to keep doing this.

Rude.

I see all the ways this post is “wrong.”
I know the LinkedIn gurus would tell me it could be better.

But it’s written.

I’ve started again.

I'm done doing it the 'right' way - from now on, I'm starting where I am. 

For so long, I’ve got myself caught up in doing things the “right” way.

The way the experts say.

The way the gurus teach.

I tried. I learned the rules. I followed them perfectly.

And still, I fell.

Frustrated. Angry. Listening to that critical voice:

You’ll never make it. You’re broken. Give up now.

But the truth? I wasn’t starting where I was.

The advice isn’t wrong, it’s just not for RIGHT NOW.

So I’m starting.

Starting where I am. With what I have.

Prioritising action over doing it “right.”


#LeadershipDevelopment
#PersonalGrowth
#MindsetMatters
#ProgressOverPerfection
#ActionOverPerfection

Just because people aren’t tell YOU about it doesn’t mean they don’t also think it’s an issue. 

There are numerous theories that explain why people don’t speak up

- are they high in the personality trait Agreeableness?

- do they value harmony?

- do they have a high need for affiliation?

- have they partly checked out because they are there for the pay check but aren’t invested in the mission? 

And then once you’re done pointing fingers, it’s worth seeing how these factors influence how you’re making sense of why they do what they do.

Six times.

That’s all it took for a brutal walk to feel… not so bad.
I was hiking Wye Creek near Queenstown with friends, talking about fitness. The walk is a 270m climb over 1.3km. 

I wondered: How many times would it take for this to feel easier?

I guessed 20.

My friend said 6 or 7.

I laughed.

Her logic? 10 seemed too much. 5 too little.

So I decided to test it: 100 walks in 4 months.
Walks 1–5? Brutal.
Walk 6? Surprisingly okay.

I had to laugh again, not just because her “flawed” logic was spot on, but because I had massively overestimated the effort.

And that got me thinking: how often do we overestimate things in life?

How hard?

How much effort?

A LOT.

Which means we delay starting. Or avoid it altogether.

We think the task is a size 10, so we wait until we have enough time, energy, focus.

But often, it’s a size 2.

We spend more time thinking about doing the thing than actually doing it.
The stories in our heads? They’re powerful. But often wrong.
We assume. We predict. We operate off a false reality,not facts, not evidence.

The solution?

Start. Take action. Gather evidence.

Because the voice in your head isn’t always the truth.

Now, I apply this to everything:

Cleaning the microwave.
Booking a doctor’s appointment.
Taking out the rubbish.

I even challenge myself: Can I do X while the microwave runs for 3 minutes?

Turns out, yes! and still have time left over.

So if you’ve been overestimating the mountain ahead, maybe it’s time to stop fighting the storyteller in your head.

Accept it. Work around it.

Find a way over, under, or through.

What’s one thing you’ve been overestimating lately?

#Leadership #Mindset #Productivity #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #ActionOverPerfection #ContinuousImprovement #Motivation #BehaviorChange #LessonsLearned

Planning session for 2026 ✅

Can’t wait for it…

We’ve got more Show and Tell events, coffee catch ups, panel events, after work drinks and an education session lined up!

Its gonna be busy, fun, full of learning and lots more laughs 🎉

taplio

The Battle

Sarah Turner BNI® 💥

Roselle O'Brien (MBS, MMgt, IRMCert, IFS)

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreRoselle O'Brien (MBS, MMgt, IRMCert, IFS)'s LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Sarah Turner BNI® 💥

Roselle O'Brien (MBS, MMgt, IRMCert, IFS)

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Roselle O'Brien (MBS, MMgt, IRMCert, IFS)'s LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreRoselle O'Brien (MBS, MMgt, IRMCert, IFS)'s LinkedIn Performance