Sheryl Smail

Sheryl is an experienced chief executive, director, mentor and facilitator.  She established Pivotal Professional and Business Services in 2000.   

Sheryl is well equipped to add value to Pivotal's diverse client base; her MBA and breadth of executive management and governance expertise are complemented by accreditation as a NZ Business Consultant with the Institute of Accredited Business Consultants (NZ) Inc and provisional accreditation as a director with the Institute of Directors in NZ.  She is also an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and a LEADR accredited mediator. 

Sheryl has extensive experience in the health sector working with central government agencies, regional health funders and providers, and mainstream, as well as Maori, health service providers.  She also has a proven record of providing focused, practical and highly professional services for a range of other sectors including tertiary education, Iwi, and a diversity of commercial and NGO clients.

Ian Smail

Ian is co-owner and creative director for Pivotal. He brings diverse experience in creative fields - film industry, theatre, exhibition design, and is an internationally recognised potter.

Meredith Ruru

Meredith is a qualified lawyer and Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. She brings a breadth of legal, HR and project management expertise, having worked within central government, the commercial sector and with Iwi affiliated organisations on HR, Maori Land, RMA, education and health related projects.

Heather Stallmach

Heather's expertise is in project management, training, coaching, and continuous business improvement.  She is an experienced business analyst and facilitator with strategic planning and change management skills.  With a BA in English and Anthropology, Heather is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt complemented by her Certificate in Quality Assurance.

Emma Toy

 Emma has a strong background in the arts and cultural sector, and has particular expertise in working with publicly funded organisations in the areas of organisational performance, relationship management, monitoring and accountability.  With a BA Honours in Philosophy and BA in Psychology, Emma has excellent research, analytical and report writing skills.

Pivotal Associates

Pivotal has strong professional memberships, networks and relationships which we use to assist clients.  Sheryl Smail is an activemember of LEADR New Zealand and is one of the ANZ Leaders (Regional Director NZ) for the Australia & New Zealand Region of the International Association of Facilitators, and a member of the Institute of Accredited Business Consultants in New Zealand and the Institute of Directors in New Zealand .  Pivotal works with local and international associates, particularly for larger projects. 

Rhonda Tranks

Rhonda Tranks is one of Australia's most experienced facilitators and organisational trainers. Her global career includes more than 25 years experience in Australia, Mexico, the USA and Europe, in consulting, management, HR, group facilitation, training and education. Rhonda's career has involved her in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, as a manager and consultant and working with CEOs, board members, executive teams and front line operational staff. She has held a number of human resource and management positions in the Australian Federal and State Public Service and has also worked in recruitment and executive search. In the 1990s she had a successful consulting business which she sold before moving overseas. On her return to Australia she became a Director of Telos Partners Australia, with whom she retains an association, before forming Illuma Consulting in February 2009.