Clint Brickhill CMHRNZ
What led you to a career in HR/the position that you are in currently?
My journey into HR was driven by a deep interest in people, what motivates them, how they grow, and how they thrive in organisations. I’ve always believed that people are at the heart of any successful business, and early in my career, I was drawn to roles that involved problem-solving, leadership development, and relationship building.
Stepping into the executive team has been a natural progression, grounded in my desire to contribute at a strategic level. It allows me to shape not only the people agenda but also to influence organisational direction and culture from the top. I’m motivated by the challenge and responsibility of ensuring our people strategies drive performance, engagement, and long-term success.
What do you love about working in HR?
The opportunity to make a real and lasting impact on people and culture. Every day brings a different challenge, but at the core is a shared purpose: helping individuals and teams perform at their best, feel valued, and grow in meaningful ways.
Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?
A key highlight has been my role in building and being part of high-performing, purpose-led teams, where collaboration, trust, and clarity of purpose have driven significant outcomes for both people and the organisation.
I am especially proud to have achieved recognition as a Chartered Member of HRNZ, which reflects my commitment to high standards of professionalism, ethical practice, and continuous development. This milestone affirms not only my depth of experience but also my impact in advancing people and culture strategies that align with organisational values and priorities.
What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member?
More than a title, Chartered Membership reflects the journey I’ve taken to grow as a strategic people leader, and the impact I’ve had in shaping people, developing talent, and driving organisational change.
It also connects me to a community of HR professionals who are equally committed to advancing our field in New Zealand. Being chartered reinforces my responsibility to lead with integrity, stay current, and continuously reflect on how I add value—to people, to organisations, and to the profession itself.
What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?
I saw it as an opportunity to benchmark my practice against national standards and to demonstrate my commitment to continuous development, ethical leadership, and strategic contribution.
It was also important to me to reflect on my professional journey, to take stock of how far I’ve come, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the value I bring to my organisation and the wider profession. Becoming chartered was not just about validation; it was about aligning myself with a professional community that is shaping the future of people and culture.
Ultimately, I wanted to lead by example—demonstrating to my peers, team, and future practitioners that investing in your own growth and upholding high standards matters.
What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?
I see this milestone as a springboard rather than a destination. It affirms the strength of my foundations in HR and gives me the confidence to take the next step in contributing at a more strategic level.
My high-level focus is now on:
- Expanding my leadership impact
- Mentoring and developing others
- Continuing to influence positive change
- Staying active in the profession
- Exploring further executive pathways