See what some of our clients have to say about their experience with Cardinal Solutions.
Stephen Jones, Regional Manager, Mitre 10 New Zealand
Stephen Jones, Regional Manager, Mitre 10 New Zealand
"I just want to say thank you again for a great 2 days... I have been on many different types of external courses during my time in the UK and I can honestly say that yours was the best by far!!! You have certainly had an influence on me and got those rusty cogs turning a bit quicker!!!!"
Stephen Nelson, CEO, Mitre 10 Mega Petone & Upper Hutt
Stephen Nelson, CEO, Mitre 10 Mega Petone & Upper Hutt
"Cardinal Solutions have surpassed themselves and delivered an outstanding programme to our management team. Their 'Business Improvement Programme' has enabled our managers to develop, produce and present a variety of projects that will have very tangible benefits for our business. So not only have we been able to further develop the leadership skills of our managers, but we will also see tens of thousands of dollars added to the bottom line - what more could you want from a training programme and provider. Thanks Cardinal Solutions!"
Richmond & Bernie Lee, Owner / Operators, New World Waikanae
Richmond & Bernie Lee, Owner / Operators, New World Waikanae
"The 'Great Place to Work' programme is what we have always envisaged to implement in our store. It is well structured and a vital and robust tool in effective management for our staff. Our managers have embraced the programme with an open mind and we are very pleased with the results so far. 96% of the 83 staff who attended the 'Customers Count' workshop found it to be awesome and inspiring, including a few of the more mature and experienced in the grocery trade who were sceptical of another 'one of those courses'! It is a valuable asset and good investment which has immediately increased the number of customer compliments we are receiving."
Gareth Jones, Owner / Operator, PAKnSAVE Wanganui
Gareth Jones, Owner / Operator, PAKnSAVE Wanganui
"We have worked closely in partnership with Cardinal Solutions to help provide ongoing support for real-world business improvement over the past 12 months. They have really challenged our existing business structures with an outcome of revised structures and reporting mechanisms. They have promoted a better system for management of my time leading to improved personal productivity and efficiency. Cardinal Solutions have enabled initiatives to be introduced over the past 3 months that have improved the gross profitability of a number of fresh food departments, one by 4 percentage points & another by 7 percentage points. They help you get to the source of what is holding your business back from reaching it’s potential and I am very grateful for the involvement they have had with us."
Paul Berney, Store Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Upper Hutt
Paul Berney, Store Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Upper Hutt
"From going through the 'Cardinal Solutions Transformational Leadership Programme', I realized that I was doing a lot of managing but little leading. As a result, I have changed what I am doing in the business and I have done more leading in the last four weeks than I have in the rest of my career!"
Ian Newcombe, Head of Department, Social Work, West Coast DHB
Ian Newcombe, Head of Department, Social Work, West Coast DHB
"Our team contracted Cardinal Solutions to assist us to address concerns in the areas of leadership and team performance. Over three days we were treated to a dynamic & interactive training experience which gave us useful tools we could take away and use in the workplace. The training has made a positive difference to myself as a leader and to the functioning of the team. I particularly valued the after training follow-up as it cemented the gains that were made at the workshop and assisted the team to continue our forward momentum."
Grant Prince, Owner / Operator, PAKnSAVE Pukekohe & Director, Foodstuffs Auckland Ltd
"An outstanding workshop & facilitator. This would be the most relevant leadership workshop I have attended in my career."
Mike Summerell, Group Risk Manager, Foodstuffs Wellington Cooperative Society
Mike Summerell, Group Risk Manager, Foodstuffs Wellington Cooperative Society
"I have been to a number of similar workshops over the years – this was one of the best!"
Kate Devereux, Human Resources Manager, NZ Sugar
Kate Devereux, Human Resources Manager, NZ Sugar
"I recommend Cardinal Solutions as a dynamic training provider who works with their clients to customise training solutions to suit the specific needs of the business and who has consistently delivered results for us as a business."
Liam Pawson, General Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Hornby, Christchurch
Liam Pawson, General Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Hornby, Christchurch
There is no doubt that the Cardinal Solutions 'Transformational Leadership Programme' has guided and supported our business to another level. Their programme highlighted the importance of complete leadership within an organisation with tangible and measurable outcomes. The DISC behaviour profiling and 360 degree feedback allows the humanistic approach to leadership with firstly understanding yourself before attempting to lead others. Cardinal Solutions’ refreshing and informative courses have supported and strengthened our foundation blocks within our business. Thank you.
Michelle Keedwell, Enrollments Manager, The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
Michelle Keedwell, Enrollments Manager, The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
"The workshop exceeded my expectations. It was great to see a team that has worked within silos for many years, embrace the opportunity to come together to work toward common goals".
Brendon Mills, Human Resources Manager, Mitre 10 (NZ) Ltd, Auckland
Brendon Mills, Human Resources Manager, Mitre 10 (NZ) Ltd, Auckland
“When launching our nation-wide Management Development Programme, we had identified a few variables that were going to be critical to the long term success of the programme. The first was finding a provider who understood the unique dynamics of owning and operating a business. The second was to find a provider who was prepared to listen to what we actually needed and then design a programme to suit. The third challenge was to identify some facilitators who could inspire and motivate a wide demographic of people. Finally, and most importantly of all, we were looking for a long term partnership with a business who we could trust implicitly.
After a careful selection process, we partnered with Cardinal Solutions who have met, and indeed exceeded, our expectations. Craig and Ant have put together an outstanding programme which has been delivered with passion, integrity and enthusiasm - the success of this programme is testament to their professionalism.”
Leonie Stewart, Senior Management Team, New World Thorndon
Leonie Stewart, Senior Management Team, New World Thorndon
"I thoroughly recommend Cardinal Solutions for any type of staff training. The workshops were delivered in a strong, confident manner but also in a way which put all the staff at ease. I would be only too happy to use their services again."
David Richards, General Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Nelson
David Richards, General Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Nelson
“For the first time this year we engaged an external facilitator to take us through our strategic planning process. Cardinal Solutions provided not only the facilitator, but a solid process to follow which gave us a quality, well structured strategic plan which now serves as our blueprint for success over the next few years. This process also served as a great team development exercise for our management team, empowering them to contribute to the future success of the business. This plan has the potential to have a significant positive impact on our business.”
Ian Tress, Business Improvement Specialist, OneIT, British Telecom, London
Ian Tress, Business Improvement Specialist, OneIT, British Telecom, London
“My team and I travelled (from the UK) half way round the world to be with the people from Cardinal Solutions. From the moment we met Ant and Craig at Auckland International I knew we were in for a life changing experience. Surprises came thick and fast, they’d arranged a BBQ and a cold beer within ten minutes of the leaving the airport. Just what the doctor ordered after 30 hours on an aeroplane!!
We’d asked Cardinal Solutions to put together an itinerary which would focus on personal and leadership development for a group of six people (male and female). We’d all seen the proposed activities prior to our arrival, it looked like we were in for and action packed week. And so it turned out! The activities were challenging and varied, allowing people to practise their own leadership styles in a safe and educational environment. Examples I have many, but I will NEVER forget the experience of putting up sails on a 40 foot catamaran with 40knot winds blowing and seas running at 3metres…that was a genuine test of your leadership skills!!!
Since returning home I’ve reflected on the training and development programme with Cardinal Solutions. In business we strive for the win/win, and in our personal lives we strive for the win/win - the training with Cardinal Solutions was most definitely a win/win. The feedback from the team has been awesome; the combination of learning, humour, passion and energy was an inspiration for the whole team and was the perfect climax to our stay in New Zealand.
I know I’ve changed both personally and professionally, it just remains for me to say “thank you” to the folks at Cardinal Solutions for making it happen.
Grant Edwards, Production Manager, Sealed Air (NZ), Auckland
Grant Edwards, Production Manager, Sealed Air (NZ), Auckland
“The use of activities to illustrate the common cross-functional and hierarchical issues was very well done. I would recommend Cardinal Solutions to other companies who were wanting to train teams to improve productivity, breakdown internal barriers and reduce cost in their operations”.
Tony Franc, General Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead, Christchurch
Tony Franc, General Manager, Mitre 10 Mega Ferrymead, Christchurch
"This team really know the principles behind leadership, and are always great to work with."
John Russell, Operations & Development Manager, Palmers Gardenworld Ltd, Takapuna
John Russell, Operations & Development Manager, Palmers Gardenworld Ltd, Takapuna
“The material presented by Cardinal Solutions was delivered in a fun and entertaining way whilst also clearly delivering the key message. The delivery exactly met the agreed objectives. We will certainly engage Cardinal Solutions in future training and development workshops.”
Andrew Young, Chief Executive, Starship Foundation
Andrew Young, Chief Executive, Starship Foundation
"The team at Cardinal Solutions is a dynamic and energetic organisation, but also one with real heart. Ant and his team have generously given their time, advice and wisdom so that we can be as efficient and effective as possible in our fundraising work.
Ant’s help in team building, leadership, management and business development translates to a happier, more focused team which means we are able to support more children and families in need. Our relationship with Cardinal Solutions is invaluable and their services come with our highest recommendation".
Michael Lye, Assistant Manager, Collins Mitre 10, Timaru
Michael Lye, Assistant Manager, Collins Mitre 10, Timaru
“I have recently completed a Cardinal Solutions ‘Supervisors Development Programme’. I found this course extremely well put together and presented. Since implementing what I learnt at the course, I’ve got a happier and more productive team. Along with the time management skills I learnt, I’m now able to spend more time on ‘growing’ the business rather than fighting fires!!! The skills I learnt from Cardinal Solutions are simple steps that are easily put into place in the workplace and get huge results. I highly recommend it!”
Colin Wilson, Principal, Nelson Tasman First National
Colin Wilson, Principal, Nelson Tasman First National
"Just a couple of words to say thank you to you and the team at Cardinal Solutions for all the work you have done with my company. One session with my team and we put all of the communication problems to bed. Now I am on the way to better organisation and systems which will mean more time to work 'on the business' instead of 'in it' and spend some leisure time fishing! Thanks again."
Mary-Kate Paterson, General Manager, PAKnSAVE Albany
Mary-Kate Paterson, General Manager, PAKnSAVE Albany
"We now have Cardinal Solutions involved in all our training – from Induction to Supervisor Development Programmes to Management Development Programmes.
We find both Ant and Craig to be extremely resourceful and their knowledge of our business ensures that all training programmes are geared towards the people we are training and the requirements of the business.
We are extremely pleased with the results achieved to date and will be continuing to use Cardinal Solutions to provide our training for the future."
Richard Clarke, General Manager, 'Harvey Norman NZ Breakers', Waitakere City
Richard Clarke, General Manager, 'Harvey Norman NZ Breakers', Waitakere City
"The DISC profiling system provided by Cardinal Solutions is now a key part of the recruitment process used by the 'NZ Breakers' for players, coaches and management staff alike. We find DISC invaluable, both as a way of matching individual behaviours with the specific positions, and equally importantly for the overall 'fit' with the 'NZ Breakers' culture. Our club is based solidly on a set of values that form our culture, and it is vital that everyone who becomes a part of the club fits this culture. The DISC system shows very clearly the attributes and potential issues each individual will bring into the mix. In addition to the value as part of our recruitment process, the DISC profiles provide an ongoing management tool through the provision of key communication styles for each individual. Through sharing of these styles throughout the organization, we are able to more effective communicate whether it be between coaches and players or amongst the management team. The profiles have also helped our organizational culture evolve, with better understanding of what buttons work for different people.
The DISC system is the sixth man for the 'NZ Breakers' in our recruitment and management systems."
Chris Strang, Principal Consultant Designer, BT Exact, British Telecom, London
Chris Strang, Principal Consultant Designer, BT Exact, British Telecom, London
“My requirement was simple, to reward a very successful team with a leadership training event anywhere in the world. Although this might sound like a fairly straightforward task it was far from it. The team was comprised of a widely diverse group in terms of seniority, experience, fitness levels and domains of interest. This taken with the obvious restrictions of time and budget made the search for the right event very difficult.
Obviously getting away from the British winter was a must so the southern hemisphere seemed the logical destination. Amazingly a quick internet search on “Leadership development New Zealand” resulted in a link to the Cardinal Solutions website and the start of a long and detailed correspondence with Ant Carter. Despite the thirteen hour time difference Ant was always eager to respond to my ever more complex set of requirements and questions, and bearing in mind that this will all still speculative, I could not have been more happy with the responses I was receiving. After a number of email exchanges detailing team makeup, non-negotiables, dates and so on, we finally settled on a training package that would both challenge the team to the limit and allow them to experience the great settings which New Zealand had to offer.
Obviously undertaking business in such a way and on opposite sides of the planet meant both parties taking somewhat of a risk and trusting that what was stated would indeed come true. As it happens not only were the promises made met but they were exceeded many times over. The attention of Cardinal Solutions to covering every aspect of our visit to New Zealand was totally amazing, from the moment we landed to the moment we departed Ant and Craig covered every angle.
Our agenda had us cover many miles on both land and sea, Ant had every inch mapped out with military precision. At every step Ant knew what was going to happen to us even if was intended that we didn’t! The leisure time was just right and allowed us to get over the huge jet-lag we had suffered, but thereafter the pace of learning and development was relentless. I had wanted the team to be driven hard and I wasn’t let down. The team dynamic tasks were carefully designed to bring out the best in us all, to challenge each and every one of us and to make us evaluate and re-evaluate our current working practices.
The focus of our training was on practical outdoor activity but with a healthy smattering of theoretical and feedback sessions. The result was just what I’d hoped for, a more cohesive and closely bonded team as well as the individuals each having had the chance to try new things and to discover previously unknown insights into themselves. I could not have been more happy with the outcome of the training and this success is undoubtedly down to the effort, knowledge and skill input by Ant, Craig and their team at Cardinal Solutions, thank you.”
Karen Box, Human Resources Manager, McDonalds New World, Taradale
Karen Box, Human Resources Manager, McDonalds New World, Taradale
“The information presented was in simple, easy to understand language and was relevant not just to what our staff do at work, but also in their everyday life. The activities were excellent for relating the material presented to everyday situations. You could see the lights go on as the staff went through the exercises. As a result of the training provided by Cardinal Solutions, we have observed a large number of the participants step outside their comfort zones and grow in confidence. A couple of participants have had such huge positive turnarounds in their attitudes at work that it is hard to believe they are the same people. I would highly recommend Cardinal Solutions as a training provider”.
Andy Francis, Rotary District 9920
Andy Francis, Rotary District 9920
A sincere thanks to Cardinal Solutions for once again kicking off our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program for 2008.
We had 112 young achievers attend this years live-in program. Your superb introduction of "Team Leadership" provided the ground work for the program, and set the scene for the remainder of the week, resulting in a rewarding week for all.
Thanks once again for your input and we look forward to talking to you again next year.
Rodney Chang, Owner / Operator, PAKñSAVE Whangarei
“Cardinal Solutions Strategic Planning has provided us at Whangarei PAKñSAVE with some very valuable tools for the work place. They have us thinking as a team, thinking outside the square as well as helping us to set a Vision, a Mission Statement and Values.
Our departmental heads meetings are now far more structured and valuable to the store. The flow of information from these meetings is greatly improved.
Probably the most pleasing aspect of the training has been the dramatic lift in store standards in all departments.
Great training, great results.”
Andrej Lemanis, Head Coach, Harvey Norman NZ Breakers, Auckland
Andrej Lemanis, Head Coach, Harvey Norman NZ Breakers, Auckland
"As Head Coach for the 'NZ Breakers', I have utilized Ant Carter and his team at Cardinal Solutions for both leadership and team development activities. I have found Ant to be extremely professional and thorough in his approach. He took the time to understand the outcomes I desired from the exercises and then tailored a program to achieve the required results. He also sought feedback after the fact so that he could improve future service.
In what started as a difficult season, many players commented that the team development exercise (affectionately termed “boot camp”) conceived and delivered by Cardinal Solutions marked the turning point for the team and was a contributing factor to the success that followed".
Dave Trubshoe, Owner / Operator, Whakatane New World, Whakatane
Dave Trubshoe, Owner / Operator, Whakatane New World, Whakatane
“What a professional and beneficial course your company organised for our staff”.
“Every staff member who attended came back ‘buzzing’ about the course and how ‘outside the square’ and interesting it had been”.
“This course has been a benefit for both my employees and myself as their employer…”
Lynden Payne – M.D. Payne Partners Pty Ltd – Gold Coast
“I have worked with both Ant Carter & Craig Burborough of Cardinal Solutions, at a strategic business level, for the past 12 months. They are both extremely professional and dynamic. Their training products and services are first class and they deliver measurable results. I enthusiastically recommend them to any organisation wanting to improve the performance of its people.”
Diane Meikle, Training Manager, Foodstuffs Auckland Ltd, Auckland
Diane Meikle, Training Manager, Foodstuffs Auckland Ltd, Auckland
“There is little doubt that since your involvement with the Management Development Programme, the professionalism and integrity of the programme has been lifted”.
“I have not only been impressed with the ‘can do’ attitude that Cardinal Solutions has, but also your dedication towards making each training event a memorable and rewarding experience for all concerned”.
Cardinal Solutions offers a strong leadership programme, which has benefited our staff. I believe the underpinning knowledge is well supported by practical learning solutions. This makes implementation of new skills easier to apply in the workplace”.
