Dr Chellie Spiller

A veteran of more than 30 years’ experience in international business leadership and entrepreneurship, marketing, tourism and finance Chellie completed a Masters in International Relations through Victoria University and a doctorate in Management and International Business at the University of Auckland. Her PhD investigated how Māori businesses create authentic and sustainable wealth and well-being. Chellie is an Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Business School.

As a Fulbright Senior Scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Arizona between November 2011 and March 2012, Chellie (Ngāti Kahungunu), extended her research to include Native American perspectives of  business. She is a recipient of a 2011 Dame Mira Szászy Māori Alumni Award, 2011 National Māori Academic Excellence Award, and 2010 AuSM Best Lecturer Award, AUT University. Chellie teaches leadership, change management and qualitative research methods. Her particular research interest is Māori and Indigenous leadership and authentic leadership.

She is co-editor with UK-based Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Donna Ladkin, of a 2013 book Reflections on Authentic Leadership: Concepts, Coalescences and Clashes selected as one of ten finalists for the University of San Diego’s prestigious Outstanding Leadership Book Award.  Chellie presently has two books in press:  Indigenous spiritualties at work: Transforming the spirit of business enterprise, which is co-edited with Dr Rachel Wolfgramm, and a co-authored book on Wayfinding and Leadership with Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr and John Panoho. Her publications include Journal of Business Ethics articles such as Wise Up: Creating Organizational Wisdom through an Ethic of Kaitiakitanga and Relational Well-being and Wealth: Māori Businesses and an Ethic of Care. She also works closely with The University of Auckland Graduate School of Management on developing and delivering executive education for Māori organisations.

Chellie is an Authorised Provider of The Leadership Challenge®, has trained with Harvard's Kegan and Lahey to facilitate Overturning Immunity-to-Change™ workshops and has undertaken a wide range of other personal and professional development training that supports her ability to work alongside Rodger. The conference keynotes and workshops they have co-presented have been exceptionally well received.

She is married to Rodger, loves writing, learning and teaching, walking, swimming, gardening, and being with her family and friends.

"Rodger and Chellie Spiller are unique in their powerful message and dynamic presentation. They walk the talk of transformation. Their unparalleled experience, extensive studies and PhD research insights combine with their passion for the growth and development of individuals and organisations to leave a lasting impression and enable participants to make sustainable change in their lives and their businesses.”