Consultants
Richard Higham (NZ)
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For more info on Richard contact Sandra Lukey, SmartNet, (03) 3667 874. |
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Video of Richard Higham speaking at a SmartNet event
"Richard Higham is one of those rare academics who has 'real world' credentials from the street to back up what he's teaching and he does so in a fun, interesting and informative manner... for all those in business who don't want to get left behind".
Richard is an expert on entrepreneurship and new venture management. He has an interest in why people decide to trade goods and services, particularly to distant markets. He has done this himself in his own firm and helped other small and large companies to expand through skilful new venturing. His particular talent is working with new ventures in an interactive way to provide templates and tools to translate opportunities into business.
Richard Higham was born and brought up in London. He was educated at Raynes Park County Grammar School, and after National Service in the Brigade of Guards and Royal Engineers, he took a degree in classics and philosophy at Oxford.
In 1962 he joined the Plastics Division of Imperial Chemical Industries, and worked on the commercial side, in personnel, selling and marketing. In 1970, he was invited to attend London Business School as a Sloan Fellow, undertaking research into fast growth entrepreneurial firms. His then started his own firm marketing high value research chemicals into New Zealand: and a selling trip in 1973 ended up with his running the newly founded Business Development Centre at Otago University.
At Otago University, he was Director of the Business Development Centre for 12 years, a University-based consultancy service which fostered initiatives. After Otago University, (where he served as president of the Otago University Rugby club, was quizmaster on the TV programme University Challenge, and worked on the Energy Advisory Quango), he went on contract to teach venture capital at London Business School.
On his return to New Zealand a year later, he took up a post at the Auckland Graduate School of Business teaching entrepreneurship. He then started the University's General Management Programme and co-ordinated the teaching of all new venture and entrepreneurship papers. He was a founding trustee of the Auckland New Venture Trust, an initiative to help people into work through his or her own enterprise.
He is now living back in Dunedin, as an adjunct member of the Auckland University staff, teaching New Ventures at Auckland University (at a distance), and Integrating Management on the University of Otago's MBA Programme.
He has been active in learning, gaining a Diploma in Archaeology from London University in 1965 and a Masters in Philosophy (into the job creation process) from Auckland University in 1995.
"Richard Higham quickly gets to the hub regarding the realities and
challenges of entrepreneurship and new venturing. His pragmatism combined
with his successful real world experience and a less traditional academic
communication style ensures a stimulating, sometimes sobering and often entertaining
learning experience. It pays to interact, listen and focus. What you hear
and learn could very well make the difference between success and failure."
John Sumner, Managing Director, GuideTools.com Limited
Richard Higham at SmartNet workshops series 2003
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Richard Higham - Customers Excerpt (0:52 Min. / 995 KB)