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Based in Queenstown and Auckland – with a limited number of in-person sessions

Available remotely via Zoom sessions to anywhere in New Zealand or globally

Coaching Approach

My coaching approach focuses on embracing the complexities of everyday life, work and relationships, steering clear of quick fixes often found in self-help methods. Together, we will delve into the real tensions and challenges you face, fostering sustainable personal and professional insight and growth.

​In my coaching practice, I strictly follow the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics, ensuring professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality. By adhering to these standards, I create a safe and respectful environment, uphold client privacy, and foster a trusted partnership that empowers clients to confidently achieve their goals.

About Mark…

Mark’s life journey has been one of constant growth and transformation, and has taken him across the world, through diverse careers, and into the depths of personal challenges, with each experience shaping me into the coach he is today.

Education has always been a cornerstone of Mark’s development. With qualifications spanning law, theology, and education, culminating in a PhD, Mark has cultivated a multifaceted perspective on life and learning. His career path has seen him work in the UK, Canada, and New Zealand and across diverse sectors.

Mark’s professional journey has been marked by a willingness to take risks. He has transitioned from well-paid roles to pursue meaningful work in the non-profit sector, served as a contracts consultant and a team leader in local government, and, more recently, teaching at the University of Auckland Business School.

Image of Mark McConnell

Life, however, has not been without its trials. The loss of his first daughter, experiences with redundancy, and the challenges of divorce have all tested his resilience. It was his battle with stage 4 colon cancer in 2020 and 2021 that truly reshaped his perspective on life. Given a 5-10% chance of survival, he faced the stark reality of his mortality. Thanks to a dedicated medical team, and incredible support from his wife and two daughters, he defied the odds, undergoing chemotherapy and three major surgeries. This experience instilled in him a deep appreciation for life’s fragility and the power of hope.

Mark has always been drawn to roles that have allowed him to support and empower others. As a volunteer facilitator for “Essentially Men,” he’s helped to facilitate workshops and retreats, helping men connect with their emotions and build meaningful relationships. This passion for guiding others has been a constant thread in his career, evident in various coaching roles with interns, employees, and team members. Now, completing his Graduate Diploma in Professional Coaching and certified in “The Power of the Enneagram at Work,” Mark is bringing together all of his life experiences and professional expertise to serve as a coach.

Mark’s mission as a coach is to help individuals navigate their own journeys of transformation. Drawing on his diverse experiences and the wisdom gained from life’s trials and triumphs, he is committed to supporting his clients in overcoming obstacles, finding meaning and purpose, and achieving their fullest potential. Life, as Mark has discovered, is an incredible mixture of hardship, beauty, and joy – and he is here to help his coaching clients embrace all of it.

Values Mark Brings to His Coaching Practice

​1. Empathy and Compassion: I strive to create a supportive and understanding environment where clients feel safe to explore their feelings and experiences.

2. Resilience: I bring resilience to my coaching practice, helping clients navigate their own challenges with strength and determination.​

3. Lifelong Learning: I bring the latest knowledge and best practices to my coaching, helping clients stay informed and empowered in their personal and professional lives.

4. Courage and Boldness: I encourage my clients to embrace their fears, take risks, and make bold decisions that align with their values and aspirations.

5. Integrity and Authenticity: I believe that integrity and authenticity are the foundations of a meaningful and purpose-driven life.

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  • Monday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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