Focus on our 50th: Meet Boffa Miskell's chief executive, Kerry Gupwell

Kerry brought over 35 years’ experience in the professional services and service industries including senior management roles in marketing and operations with large corporates in the finance and insurance industries. He was also the Chief Executive of a professional services firm that operated in Australia and New Zealand for 10 years, prior to joining Boffa Miskell in 2012.

Q: What skills from 'Life Before Boffa Miskell' have been most valuable?

A: When I joined Boffa Miskell I felt I was well prepared through my broad work experience and understanding of what makes professional services firms tick. But I also saw the role as an exciting and challenging one as I knew very little about Boffa Miskell and what the company did. I think the key skill that I brought with me was my ability to engage with people from all walks of life.

Q: Coming from more traditionally ‘corporate’ firms to an employee-owned company of designers, scientists and planners… any surprises?

A: After just a few months, I became increasingly amazed by the variety of project work and the 'impact' Boffa Miskell has. I was also struck by how highly regarded Boffa Miskell was by its clients and industry partners. I came from some industries where our clients were almost forced to use your services because of circumstances beyond their control – 'grudge purchases', if you like. It was amazing to see and experience how our clients wanted to work with us.

Then there was the passion of Boffa Miskell people for the work and how we go about it. I was seeing open discussion and debate on whether we should be involved in a project even though we had the capacity and skills to undertake it.

I came to appreciate that it’s all to do with 'outcomes' – and not just the opportunity. My experience with corporates is that they sometimes forget why they exist – that is not something that Boffa Miskell is challenged with and that tends to be the glue that binds together a diverse group of people.

Q: Has your own knowledge or thinking changed from spending time with designers, planners and scientists?

A: I am more environmentally aware and have a greater understanding of what we do and how we go about it. I wouldn’t say that I have a more critical eye as I know I am not a designer, scientist or planner – we have great people that do that, I will stick to what I know.

But it is funny on occasion when people assume I must be a planner or a designer or an ecologist and they seek my advice. I am quick to tell them I am the last person they should get that kind of advice from... but I do know the right people they need to talk to!

Q: What do you see as the biggest issues and opportunities for Boffa Miskell, and our clients?

A: The country faces some very big challenges including the climate crisis, infrastructure investment (water, health, education, renewable energy and transport) and housing. When you think about these challenges, they are all interconnected, but they also represent significant opportunities for Boffa Miskell in terms of how we can help our clients respond to these challenges.

Our purpose and values will be at the heart of Boffa Miskell's response.

We need to continue to do what we do well – which is all about relationships, collaboration and great project outcomes – so, that part is business as usual. We also need to continue to be innovative and think differently if we are to address these big challenges.

Additionally, the way we want to work, live and play has changed. In my early career work was work; and home life was... well, not a consideration in the workplace. Thank goodness that has changed and we take a broader perspective. COVID turbocharged that trend and we are still working through what it means in terms of Boffa Miskell being an employer of choice. We will continue to focus on how we balance those needs – rather than seeing them as competing tensions, could they be complementary?

Q:What does a typical day look like for you?

A: This year is a very interesting time for me, because of the company's Strategic Plan and trying to bring that to life. Typically, around 50% of my day is in meetings, and those are driven by people, and strategic projects. I have one-to-one catch-ups with each partner once a month – and right now, we have 30 partners. So, at half-an-hour each... it soon adds up.

Prior to COVID I did spend quite a bit of time visiting our offices, talking to our people, seeing clients and visiting projects on the ground. This is something I have missed, and I am looking forward to getting back to.

But each day, something unplanned crops up – and, with over 250 people at Boffa Miskell, and the times we live in, that's to be expected.

Q: Boffa Miskell is turning 50 – and you're celebrating ten years with the company. What have been the high points – and the most-challenging times – over the past decade?

A:The last 10 years have been the most rewarding years of my professional life, and I don’t say that lightly. So in a way, my whole time here has been a highlight for me; and yes, there have been ups and downs in that time.

I have to say that the COVID pandemic has been both the most challenging and yet rewarding time. When we faced the first lockdown in 2020, the future was very uncertain but we stuck to our core values and at the centre of our response was our people. I could not be prouder of how we all got through the last two years together, and we've come out stronger for it.

Q: Ten years from now – where are you, and where’s Boffa Miskell?

A: Right now we are talking about things that will shape the company’s future for at least the next 10 years, that’s what our new Strategic Plan is all about.

What I do know is that we have worked hard to ensure that we have the people from whom our future leaders and owners will come. In that respect, I believe our future is in great health.

The challenges New Zealand and the world face are not short-term ones, so if we are true to our purpose and values then I believe Boffa Miskell will be even more influential and successful in the years to come. In terms of where I will be... well, if I am not at Boffa Miskell 10 years from now, I know my heart will still be here.