Richard Benge MNZM, CPCC, B.Ed

Richard is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute in California.

His coaching style is empathetic, insight-focused, and strengths-based. He champions his clients’ journey of self-discovery with care and intuition.

Many people seek coaching when sensing that "something needs to change" or shift. There may be a specific task waiting to be started, a career transition to navigate, or a personal relationship to improve. Leaders in organisations also face unique challenges, sometimes feeling "stuck" in their current patterns. Richard establishes a safe, structured space to explore new perspectives. Clients get to challenge old mind sets and make authentic progress towards their goals and welcome lasting, desired change.

Individual Coaching & Personal Growth

Richard invites a diversity of clients from all cultural backgrounds, ages and stages of life to benefit from coaching. He partners with his clients to unlock new perspectives and a practical pathway to support their steps to fulfillment and transformation.

Corporate, Commercial & Government Sector Leadership

Richard is adept at supporting leaders who are navigating complexity, organizational change, and purpose-driven strategy. He coaches professionals to bring forward their natural leadership styles so they can thrive in their workplace or career paths as well as personal aspirations. His clients include CEOs, Executive Leadership Team (ELT) members, and Tier 3 and 4 managers across central and local government.

Community & Not-for-Profit Sectors

With over 15 years of experience as an Executive Director, Richard is a knowledgeable coach and mentor for leaders, executives, and trustees within the for-purpose sector. He understands the unique heart, challenging funding landscapes, and strategic needs of non-profit organizations.

Background & Diverse Expertise

Before coaching, Richard served for a decade in a specialist public affairs role supporting international diplomacy. This gave him a profound appreciation for leadership roles requiring high-trust communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, and an authentic public presence. He is also a skilled public speaker performance trainer.

Originally qualified as a secondary school teacher with a Bachelor of Education, Richard excels at helping clients identify and leverage their transferable skills for successful career growth and transitions.

Honours & Recognition

In 2022, Richard was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his leadership and services to accessible arts.