About Us

Josh is a recruitment professional with over 14 years of recruitment experience across the New Zealand, UK and European markets. After graduating in the early 90s with an Accountancy and Marketing degree, Josh moved quickly into sales and subsequently sales management. During his OE trip in the UK, working as an Accountant, Josh found his way into a recruitment role. Over the next few years he progressed through various roles within one brand in the UK and 2 in NZ (the latter being via acquisition). In 2004 Josh established the Potentia brand and has been building the business and delivering to roles ever since.

Personal Statement

I'm passionate about building great business, both my own and those of the organisations we partner with. I relish the opportunity to discuss ideas and challenges with business people and am frequently able to introduce ideas previously unconsidered. I feel lucky to be surrounded by such a passionate and skilled group of people who genuinely enjoy each others company - and the impact they can have for others. I'm an Aucklander born and bred, but enjoy the rare opportunity to jump on a plane and explore new destinations. As a social critter, my weekends are made up with friends and family and I get a real kick out of 'adventure sports' - mountainbiking, snowboarding and motorsports being my mainstay.

Having spent his career in sales and sales management it was a logical for Jeremy to join a sales recruitment business five years ago. In a short time he progressed to Leadership with a particular focus on the Building and Construction sector. Before becoming the co-founder of the Foundation, Jeremy was the Commercial Manager of a specialist recruitment brand in Auckland.

Personal Statement

I have always been driven by a desire to be the absolute best in my career and The Foundation is grounded on that principle. I absolutely understand why my clients are so often frustrated at the mediocrity of Recruiters and have set out to lead from the front and set the standard for our industry. If you are looking for the best I will find them for you, support them in your business and ensure I play my part in making your company great. You have my word on it.

In my spare time I enjoy relaxing with my wife Chantel and children Finn and Grace. I'm an avid reader, musician, and I thoroughly enjoy thrashing my HSV at track days - mostly racing Josh!

Eddie joined the Foundation to link in with Jeremy in servicing the building and construction sector. Working a specialized portfolio that includes manufacturing, building commodities and industrial businesses Eddie will focus on the usual sales and leadership functions as well as widening our exposure across Operations and Manufacturing. Eddie comes from a strong business development pedigree, having developed global markets for two of NZ’s most significant building materials businesses.

Personal Statement

A major focus of my success in previous roles was to gain a very deep understanding of the drivers in my clients business. This has become normal operating procedure for me, and coupled with my strong corporate network will enable me to provide your business with a unique service level. I’ve got a strong understanding of the traits of successful people in the industry and I love working closely with great people who will help you in your quest for a great business!

A Canadian, I have lived in NZ for 14 years and am very proud to call this beautiful country my home. I play a mean hand of poker and love sports, especially Ice Hockey (no surprises there!) and snowboarding.

Vanessa brings an extensive background in administrative management and sales and marketing roles along with experience in the recruitment industry. She graduated from the University of Auckland in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Vanessa has worked for one of NZ’s leading Executive search and pre-employment screening agencies before accepting a role in the UK as a recruitment consultant providing crew for cruise ships and super yachts internationally. This involved extensive travel and networking throughout UK, Europe and America. Upon returning home to NZ, Vanessa spent a long period of time contracting to a well respected education provider and gained further sales and marketing and management experience in this role. This opened her eyes to the world of contracting which has proved to be invaluable in her role at The Foundation.

Personal Statement

My role is about ensuring we continue to build robust client and candidate relationships. I enjoy seeing a candidate succeed through the recruitment process from interview to placement, and achieving their goal of a ‘dream’ role. I strive for perfection in everything I do and feel that my contribution is aligned with the values of The Foundation.

During the last 8 years I have coached clients from New Zealand's largest Employer Assisted Program, helping them develop skills to reach their full potential. Some areas of specific focus for me are: Becoming aware of self defeating behaviours stemming from DNA or early life experiences and how to overcome these. To understand the dynamics within the work place so that they can feel confident, challenged and respected by team members. How to get the most from their unique talents.

Personal Statement

I have worked in the area of Human relations for over 20 years. During this period I have been a Counsellor, Clinical Manager and Supervisor, Employment therapist and trainer. I studied Social Work at Canterbury University and graduated in 1987. My approach has been to Explore, Educate and Empower people to reach their full potential, so that they can celebrate the person that they are.

Peter de Valda has provided thousands of hours of professional coaching to personal and business clients. A graduate of the University of Waikato [BMS, 1987] and the Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW [MBA, 1997], he has also been trained and certified by Australasia's pre-eminent [global] coaching organisation in both individual and team coaching.

Prior to completing coach training and certification in 2003, he had established a solid track record in corporate international market development roles, so he understands both the challenges and rewards of delivering to demanding requirements in very competitive environments – via a concentration on customer service, relationship management, negotiation and continuous process refinement.

Personal Statement

My role for The Foundation is to help you and your Team to experience the satisfactions and rewards of significant achevements – more consistently, more confidently and more efficiently.
Whilst every coaching engagement / session is carefully customized, the common theme in all my coaching endeavours is helping capable, committed business leaders and their team members to refine their abilities in two key areas:

1. Getting much clearer about what matters most to them, their team and their organisation, and then
2. Following through much more effectively

My coaching methods concentrate on helping you to refine your existing practices; much more akin to fine-tuning a high performance engine than simply presuming it needs replacement. So, whether you are seeking a regular 'pit stop' to 'keep you in the race', or an 'overhaul' to upgrade / future-proof your performance, flexible, well-proven processes will keep you in control; your choice, your effort, your insights, and your rewards.
I focus on delivering an insightful, effective and energising approach.
My favourite ways of recharging outside working hours include time with my young family, catching up with pals and – whenever possible – heading into the Great Outdoors for Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, White Water Canoeing, and Windsurfing.