Bright Side guides

Shaun is the programme manager for Bright Side and has previously worked as an employability specialist at AUT. He has previously been employed in career development, events and counselling roles at the University of Auckland, Careers New Zealand and Victoria University of Wellington. He is also a trained secondary school teacher.

Melissa is the founder of START Now - a human innovation company, that helps people and businesses forge meaningful, purposeful and sustainable careers. She has worked with over 100 executives and is now working inside organisations to help people get aligned on value and creative expression to unlock more productivity in the workforce. Melissa is also a certified Design Your Life coach.

Ayesha is a senior lecturer within AUT’s Business School with a passion for promoting healthy financial relationships and advocating against economic harm in relationships. Ayesha has a PhD in Financial Econometrics from Queensland University of Technology and an undergraduate degree in mathematics and finance. Her research seeks to improve New Zealander’s understanding of healthy finances and has gained significant media interest within Aotearoa.

Jo’s approach to therapy is based on practical real-life experience and a pragmatic style of listening without judgment. She brings a holistic approach by working with the mind, body, emotions, spirituality, family, and relationships. As a registered counsellor (NZAC) with postgraduate qualifications, continual professional development and supervision, she is committed to ethical best practice. Jo is passionate about enabling people to walk through their own challenges with courage, knowledge and support.

Lama is a Samoan entrepreneur who has lived most of his life in South Auckland. He has a BA in Sports with a major in Physical Education, has 15 years of experience in the public health sector and owns Alexander café and Empire Training Box in Otara – talk about busy! Lama is passionate about improving Pasifika people’s wellbeing in a holistic and culturally supportive way.

Cindy coaches students that have completed Bright Side programmes through interactive and practical exercises, designed to enable students to incorporate their learnings into their day-to-day lives. She also devises and delivers bespoke development sessions according to the requirements of faculty and student groups. Cindy previously worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, and holds a Master of Business specialising in Organisational Psychology as well as a Graduate Certificate in Career Development. She is also an ICF certified coach.