LearningSource

Meet the team

  • John Mitchell

    CEO

    John is the founder of LearningSource. He is a visionary, loves new ideas, and thrives on challenges. He has extensive knowledge and experience within the ICT sector, and has supported and led many high profile technology developments, including Telecom’s award winning SchoolZone services.

    Profile

  • 15 years Marketing and Business Management experience
  • Led Telecom's ICT solution for schools, SchoolZone, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution with over 1,000 schools and over 250,000 users. Awarded the TUANZ Broadband Innovation award 2004
  • Director of European Product Management for PSINet (Global Internet Service Provider (2001-2002) and responsible for their European product strategy covering hosting, connectivity, and application services
  • Successful entrepreneur. Founder of Expressions sports apparel business (1992-1997)
  • Bachelor of Business Management Studies Waikato University (First Class Hons)

  • Phil Hartwick

    Business Development & Strategy Manager

    Phil is responsible for leading LearningSource's business development programme and managing the business strategy. Phil's professional experience as a consultant, mentor, and trainer not only helps drive the strategic direction of the company, but also guide the product strategy. He is also a key leader and motivator within the team.

    Profile

  • 27 years business and organisational management experience (NZ and US)
  • Senior facilitator, consultant and mentor for executive management learning and development (New Zealand Institute of Management, Changeworks and Influence Consulting)
  • 12 years learning and development programme design and facilitation
  • Senior management roles within AgriQuality and the Institute of Environmental Science and Research in New Zealand
  • Master in Business Administration, Massey University Wellington (MBA)
  • Bachelor of Science, Tulane University New Orleans (BS)

  • Allister Cournane

    Software Development / Architecture

    Allister is the lead developer and architect, and the driving force behind LearningSource's technical innovation. His extensive development experience ensures that LearningSource is at the forefront of web application technology.

    Profile

  • Adilam Young Achiever of the Year (Finalist). Hi-Tech awards 2005
  • Lead architect of Hindin's successful Knowledge Management solution currently used by central and local government bodies including, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education, Land Transport New Zealand, New Zealand's International Aid and Development Agency, and Auckland City Council
  • G.B. Battersby-Trimble Scholarship in Computer Science
  • University of Canterbury Computer Science Scholarship (Top Student at 400-level)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) - Computer Science Major, University of Canterbury

  • Jeremy Norman

    Senior Developer

    Jeremy is an experienced solutions architect, developer and consultant with over 8 years experience working in the .NET technology space. Having worked with a wide variety of clients, in a variety of industries, his breadth of knowledge and experience is invaluable in helping to create a world class product.

    Profile

  • 8 years working with .NET technologies
  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD.NET)
  • Bachelor of Commerce - Information Systems, Electronic Commerce and Multimedia (Victoria University)

  • Ian White

    Financial Management

    Ian is the financial manager of LearningSource. His maturity, wealth of experience, and business acumen back his extensive experience in financial management roles for many successful New Zealand businesses. As a Chartered Accountant, Ian plays a critical role in leading the financial and legal aspects of the business.

    Profile

  • 20 years financial management experience
  • Successful and experienced CFO/Financial Manager within a broad range of New Zealand businesses
  • Extensive experience in complex analysis and due-diligence exercises to identify and quantify business opportunities
  • Chartered Accountant
  • Bachelor of Business Studies (Massey University)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Central Institute of Technology)

  • Michael Gray

    Service Manager

    Michael brings additional customer service experience and a broad technical knowledge to the LearningSource team. He is service focused and gains satisfaction from being able to successfully help his clients by being honest and always doing what he says he will.

    Profile

  • 27 years of Service Management, Technology Specialist and Account Management experience in Telecom New Zealand
  • Outside of work, Michael enjoys sailing and cycling and is a father to his three wonderful children

  • Dina Naran

    Accountant

    Dina is the accountant for LearningSource. She is solely responsible for the day to day management of the accounting function including providing reporting, analysis and guidance to management. Her diligence, efficiency and commitment provide excellent support to the team.

    Profile

  • 16 years’ experience within the accounting field
  • Highly experienced in Management Accounting including forecasting, budgeting and staff management
  • Chartered Accountant
  • Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Victoria University)

  • Ben Kepes

    Partnership Strategy and Communications

    Ben has a business background in varied industries including technology, manufacturing and property. He's a blogger and evangelist for cloud computing generally and software as a service specifically - most notably as editor of CloudAve.com, the preeminent location for Cloud Computing commentary. He's an advisor to early stage software companies and a strong advocate for software having a user-centric focus. His particular area of interest is accounting and business process software. He writes for both print media, several blogs and consults from a small farm in rural North Canterbury.

    Profile

  • Experienced cloud computing and SaaS analyst with a global readership and advisory base specifically dealing with business process software
  • 15 years business experience in varied fields
  • Qualifications in business, management and commercial law

Advisors

  • Chris Hobley

    Strategy and Communications Advisor

    Chris Hobley is one of LearningSource’s strategic advisors. He’s a straight shooter and tells it how he sees it. His wealth of experience and knowledge plays an influencing role in the direction of the business. Chris is also a talented writer and helps manage the business communication.

    Profile

  • Senior consultant and project manager with wide-ranging experience in team leadership, web and software development and the management of complex projects. A broad spectrum of assignments in project managing software development and implementation, training and documentation, web development and business analysis.
  • 23 years experience, 17 of those in project management.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP®), Chairman of PMINZ Central Branch 2006-2007
  • Certified ScrumMaster®
  • PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Certified
  • Masters in Communications (MComms) Victoria University Wellington (with distinction) – thesis on project management methodologies
  • Results® Team and Personal Coach
  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (Zim)
  • Bachelor of Law (BL) Hons (Zim)

  • Richard McGlashen

    Solution Technology Advisor

    Richard McGlashen is a solution technology advisor for LearningSource. Richard’s breadth of knowledge in IT technologies has helped guide the direction of the business. He was instrumental in selecting the technology LearningSource has adopted.

    Profile

  • 7 years Infrastructure Solutions Architect
  • Specialist in high availability infrastructure and multi-tenant data centre services
  • Design engineer for Revera’s Virtual Data Centre (VDC®) Services portfolio
  • Microsoft MCP,MCSE + various industry vendor accreditations
  • Successful entrepreneur. Founder of En Route Solutions Ltd a UK based IT consultancy and systems integrator
  • Lead architect for Revera’s multi-tenant SaaS hosting environment and Microsoft Software + Services Solutions