A note from me: Leaving Kiwi Landing Pad

Hey KLP’ers,

I have a bit of a lump in my throat as I write this.

Today marks my five-year anniversary since starting with KLP as a fresh faced 23-year-old and I have decided it is now time to open a new chapter in life.

I’ll be venturing to pastures unknown from the end of December, 2019. 

What a ride the past five years have been and I would like to thank the whole community for the support you have shown me as I have worked with John to give so many Kiwi businesses a lift on the global stage. It has been a privilege to work and socialise with so many of you based around the world who believe in our vision.

We have built a community from the ground up from two hundred people to over the now six thousand around the world. I’ve curated and hosted over three hundred events in more than five countries, so that in this increasingly digital world we still can press flesh and meet face to face. But we have remained tightly bound digitally so that members can get what they need, when they need it.

I still can’t believe that I convinced more than twenty world class business leaders and peers to come to New Zealand over four years with our Sales and Marketing Jams which turned into KLP Summit, with an email and subject line titled ‘New Zealand Maybe’? If I’ve learned anything during my time at Kiwi Landing Pad is that relationships are everything, and that being slightly cheeky will always have a place in my life. 

I have joked over the past two years about waking and broadcasting. One of the things I was on a mission to achieve when I started at KLP was to democratise the knowledge of how to build a successful company from New Zealand by sharing the stories and experiences of people who had been there and done that. We’ve made great head way in doing so and by the time I wrap up at the end of the year our content library will boast one hundred webinars and videos all available on demand in our brand new website, which is a feet in itself, built by yours truly. 

You’d probably be surprised if you had been on this journey with me, but I smile in reflection looking at the breadth of people and businesses that I met during my time. Founders, entrepreneurs, the talented individuals that work for startups, politicians, government officials, corporate executives and teams, many students looking to get into entrepreneurship, Kiwis from all walks of life, Americans interested in New Zealand, lots of Australians, Boards and investors. You get the drift!

I could reflect forever and write an epistle, but I’ll save that for a later date, the next few months will go quite fast, but I’m positive that I’m leaving KLP in good hands with John, who will update you soon on what is next for the Kiwi Landing Pad. I’m proud of my contribution and how I am leaving the organisation, strong, connected and progressing well. 

As for what’s next for me, I’m going to take some time to relax and enjoy the New Zealand summer and I’ve been invited back to SaaStr for the sixth year to do another round of their green room interviews with their epic speaker line up in March; outside of that I’ll be pondering ideas and inspiration and am open to opportunities if you think there is something I’d enjoy or be good at. Let me know! 

While I’m stepping out of KLP, I’ll always be apart of our startup ecosystem and community here in New Zealand and around the world. 

If you’d like to stay in touch, ensure we are connected here on linkedin, also my details are below. 

Thanks so much one again for all your support of both myself and Kiwi Landing Pad.

Kindly, 

Sian 

[email protected]

+6421 333 180

Join my email list here.