Until now, my career has been in business. My first job after leaving university was at the global multinational Unilever, a company bigger than many countries. I had amazing opportunities and a truly global business education. I spent 16 years overseas working in developed and developing countries, turning businesses around and working alongside some very smart people. I realised that down-to-earth Kiwis could be as good as the Oxbridge set from England, Ivy League - educated Americans, and born-confident Australians. I came home to New Zealand and had the privilege of leading our most iconic company, Air New Zealand, for seven years. My team, many of whom are here today, turned a good New Zealand company into one that was truly world class and globally acclaimed. 