Leanne Hodge

 

Leanne is excited and proud to bring one of the largest and fastest-growing website design and e-business consultancy companies to Taranaki.

“If you ask most companies what they want out of the Internet, their answer is simple – more business!” This introduction to a Zeald article in a business magazine immediately captured Leanne’s interest. She wanted a business opportunity to be excited about, that would further her interest in the technology industry and provide flexibility. So she signed up as an E-Business Consultant. “I now know that Zeald empowers their client’s with strategies and practical tools that deliver results. Their solutions are complete, fully supported, and proven within small and medium businesses in New Zealand.”

Leanne’s business background began as a foundation staff member of Bellsouth New Zealand, based in Auckland. BellSouth brought digital mobile phone technology to New Zealand, and later became Vodafone New Zealand. Leanne was in a customer interfacing role throughout her time at BellSouth/Vodafone, and progressed to Customer Service Management. “I really enjoyed bringing advanced technology to our customers, and explaining the new concepts to people. Digital mobile phone technology in the 1990’s was new to everyone.” recalls Leanne.

Recognising that she could contribute to rebuilding the Vodafone customer management application, Leanne spent months in a project management role providing specifications, testing, and training to staff. “We were continually striving to work ‘smarter’ – not harder – in an industry experiencing rapid growth and advancement.”

Leanne then travelled to the United Kingdom in 1999, and settled in London for four years. Contract positions were juggled with travel through Europe, to America and Asia.

Dell Computer Corporation then provided the opportunity for Leanne to project manage the European aspect of a worldwide recall for a faulty computer product. A six month contract extended to beyond two years. And, as Interim Product Manager for Dell European Marketing division, Leanne managed the pre-launch and introduction of computer products to the European market, and supported product launches in Europe.

On her return to New Zealand Leanne and her husband Stephen - who were married in St Andrews, Scotland whilst living overseas - spent their summer travelling the length of New Zealand. Born and raised in New Plymouth, Leanne appreciates the fantastic lifestyle that New Plymouth offers. “I really enjoy the relaxed pace, close proximity, and the great events New Plymouth is attracting.” enthuses Leanne. New Plymouth has won awards supporting this - being named the best place to live in New Zealand by North & South magazine, and gaining international recognition as the best city of our size in the world.

Happily living in New Plymouth with their two young children, William and Imogen, Leanne is actively involved in the community; she leads the weekly Parents Centre playgroup, and is treasurer for the local kindergarten committee. A passion of hers is ballet and modern dance, of which she is trained in and has spent some years coaching younger dancers. Leanne enjoys attending stage shows and musicals, dance competitions, and also supports a local dance trust.

Leanne continues professional development in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree she attained following secondary education. Other topics that she reads to relax are child psychology, cuisine, and gardening. Leanne has a cottage-style garden she enjoys pottering in, and has recently added a vegetable garden. “I think I will plant a herb garden next season instead!”

Leanne loves spending time with her family. Together in the weekend they walk or cycle on New Plymouth’s walkway, go for coffee (and fluffy’s), spend fantastic days at their local surf beach in Fitzroy, attend children’s sports, and visit with extended family and friends. Leanne has found in New Plymouth the balanced, active lifestyle she wanted for herself and her family.

Please Contact me

P. 021 337 669
E.