MEET OUR TEAM
Building Better Workplaces,
One Team at a Time.
Sarah Cross
Our Founder & Workplace Culture Strategist
With over 20 years of experience in people development, Sarah is a trusted consultant known for reshaping workplace cultures and empowering leaders. Starting as an educator, she honed the skills to engage and inspire—now driving transformation across industries like heavy industry, retail, government, and not-for-profits.
As founder of Kākāpō Consulting, Sarah specialises in emotional intelligence, high performance leadership, communication, connection and behavioural change Her empathetic, results-driven approach builds resilient teams, confident leaders, and healthier workplaces.
Guided by integrity, authenticity, and empathy, Sarah delivers impactful sessions that create lasting change.
Brigs (Brigitta) Baker
Our Expert Leadership Coach
With experience spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, Brigs excels in human resources and organisational development. She’s passionate about helping leaders — both seasoned and emerging — unlock their potential while fostering human-centered workplace cultures.
As a certified Clifton Strengths Coach and skilled facilitator, Brigs has a focus on growing authentic leaders, building resilience, effective communication and honest feedback. Her dynamic and empathetic approach empowers teams and individuals to thrive, delivering tangible results.
Having partnered with industries from government to technology, retail, and education, Brigs brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to creating high-performing, resilient organisations.
Amanda Milne
Our Wellbeing and Resilience Specialist
Amanda brings a wealth of expertise in self-care, mindfulness, and workplace wellness, paired with a Graduate Diploma in Human Resources. With 20 years of high-pressure experience in event management, she’s now dedicated to helping others thrive by prioritising their wellbeing.
As a facilitator, Amanda combines deep knowledge with lived experience, embodying the principles she teaches. Her sessions offer practical tools and insights to enhance resilience and motivation, creating meaningful and lasting impact. With Amanda as your guide, you’ll gain actionable strategies to boost self-care, wellbeing, and performance in the workplace.
Brandon Goldner
Our Remote Leadership and Culture Coach
With over a decade of experience in government roles across the US and NZ, Brandon specialises in building psychological safety and cultivating work cultures where respectful honesty is the norm. Passionate about leadership, organisational development, and creating impactful change, he combines big-picture thinking with practical action to bring out the best in his clients.
Armed with a Master’s in Leadership and Organisational Development and an Executive Coaching certification, Brandon excels in remote facilitation, making him the perfect partner for teams dispersed nationally or internationally. Whether it’s diagnosing organisational challenges, improving processes, or empowering leaders, his energy and expertise ensure results.
Based in Portland, Oregon in the US, Brandon balances his professional commitments with personal passions like basketball, running, and singing lessons with his wife, Cassie.
Andrew Baker
Our Innovation and Strategic Thinking Specialist
With over 20 years of experience leading multinational companies and startups, Andrew brings unparalleled expertise in fostering innovation and driving strategic thinking. His passion lies in equipping teams to approach challenges with creativity and clarity, unlocking their full potential to thrive in dynamic business environments.
Specialising in critical and creative thinking, Andrew empowers organisations to go beyond the status quo. Through his facilitation of Kākāpō programmes like BOOST, Andrew delivers transformative training in innovation, problem-solving, and decision-making. He provides practical frameworks that help teams identify biases, ask the right questions, and develop novel solutions that elevate organisational performance.
Having led teams through significant change and growth, Andrew understands the complexities of today’s fast-paced world. His sessions build the mindset and skills leaders and teams need to stay ahead, fostering collaboration, resilience, and high performance.
Pam Deans
Our Administrative Superstar
Pam plays a crucial role in our team with her exceptional organisational skills. She manages various administrative tasks, such as invoicing, bookkeeping, psychological profiling, and coordinating documentation for our workshops, ensuring everything operates smoothly.
Known for her friendly demeanour and problem-solving abilities, Pam is invaluable to both our Kākāpō team and clients. Outside of work, she runs Deans Pantry, creating delicious homemade preserves, chutneys, and jams. You can find her at local market days or visit her shop on Finlayson Road, Waihola.