Why Us
Strategy Matters exists for organisations and leaders who want to do, and be, more. Whether that is more efficient, more effective, more sustainable, more focused, or more collaborative – if you bring the desire, we will bring out the best in you.
In partnering with you, we will focus on engaging with high performing teams to provide advice, direction, and challenge, that is supported by best practice and industry trends. In every organisation, it is people that produce outcomes and we are passionate about providing opportunities where team members can contribute to strategy, projects, and outcomes, to make a real difference in the lives of others.
About Dr. Mark Long
Mark is first and foremost a husband and a father. His family anchors him and Mark lives to make meaningful impact with others so his daughter, Maia, and son, Neo, grow up in a world that is more connected. He was born on Vancouver Island in Canada and grew up in the Manawatū. Mark now lives in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and travels across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Mark has held middle and senior-level leadership roles in corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations for more than 10 years. From leading staff and volunteer groups of 5,000+, Mark has a solid understanding of how to implement effective policies, processes, and development initiatives for organisations, and people, to thrive.
.
Most notable professional experience
Chief People Officer at the Department of Corrections
People, Safety, and Culture Manager at the Manawatū Tararua Highway Alliance
Director of Development at Presbyterian Support Otago
Head of People and Capability for SCOUTS New Zealand
.
Education
Doctor of Business Administration (Leadership)
Master of Business Administration (HRM)
Graduate Diploma (Management)
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise (Management and Coaching)
.
Personal Achievements
KiwiBank Local Hero medal (2011)
Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society
First-Class Rugby Referee
.
Doctoral Research by Dr. Mark Long
Mark shares key findings from his doctoral research conducted with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, which operates with a significant, highly trained volunteer workforce of almost 14,000 personnel around the country.
Many of the strategies Mark identified through his mixed methods study, can apply and add significant value in a much broader leadership context, regardless of sector and status of the individual – be they volunteer or paid employee.
Below Mark has provided a 10 page summary of his findings, and the full 253 page thesis for context
Please reach out if you have any questions or comments about how these insights can support you and your organisation.
“As the Director of Strategy Matters, my personal philosophy is to add value to anyone, and anything, I encounter. I am motivated by the belief that we can make our world a better place through understanding not only the drivers for people, but people themselves. My diverse mix of corporate and non-profit successes allow me to bring proven strategies to your organisation that promote inclusion, innovation, and collaboration. I look forward to working with you soon.” – Mark Long, Director
