Ciska Vogelzang from Avisa Services works with individuals and organisations to improve communication skills and build effective teams so they can succeed in today’s complex world. With a Masters in Organisational Psychology from the University of Waikato, and a broad coaching and training background, Ciska is an expert in connecting with people so they can make long-term changes that will benefit themselves and their businesses enabling people to lead more productive and rewarding lives.

“One of my key drivers is to make a real contribution to the development of people and organisations so they both can thrive,” says Ciska. “By applying my skills in organisational development and training, I help organisations focus on their key objectives, train executives to become clear communicators, and help create more harmonious and productive work places,” she says.

As well as her executive coaching programme that helps decision makers become better leaders, Ciska has a particular interest in helping people make important career choices, performance coaching and working with organisations to make the most of an aging workforce.

“In our fast-changing society, people are increasingly making a number of significant career changes over their productive life time,” says Ciska. “Using a proven card-sort programme, I work with individuals to help them understand what they want to achieve and match it to real career opportunities. I’ve helped organisations deal with restructuring and redundancy planning, along with experienced workers searching for a better work-life balance, and college students making important course decisions that will shape their first steps to employment.”

“Performance coaching is goal orientated and future focussed which businesses will need to thrive in the ever-changing world with immediate feedback providing a direct relationship to behaviour change to benefit business and staff”

“With the baby-boomer generation reaching retirement age, I also work with organisations to ensure their employment policies keep pace with a changing workforce. Nimble organisations that adapt are able to tap into a valuable worker resource with aged workers often highly skilled, committed and motivated to helping organisations succeed. Today people don’t expect to suddenly stop working at 65, but are looking for a gradual change that allows them to continue making a contribution to business.”

She is a member of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand, the Career Development Association of New Zealand and the New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology. She also chairs the Incubator Charitable Trust Board and Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery, and is a board member on Age Concern Tauranga.

Ciska believes best outcomes are based on collaboration between herself, organisations, and team members, and by the practical application of positive psychology and cognitive behavioural techniques she is making a real difference to businesses in the Bay of Plenty.