Michael Elwood-Smith
Business Strategist | BE (Hons), MIET, CEng
E: michael.elwood-smith@creativehq.co.nz
P:
About Michael
Surfers learn the skill and understand the art of catching a wave, experiencing the thrill and excitement of getting the best out of forces that are often overpowering, while just barely hanging on. Surfers also learn the reality-check when the wave crashes – but by then are hooked, so paddle out again to catch the next wave.
With extensive global experience over 20 years, Michael has had similar excitement and learnt similar lessons in business, and now he’s helping other entrepreneurs achieve their potential and to recognise the warning signs.
Michael worked on Telecom New Zealand’s fibre optic-based cable TV pilot in the early 90s, then taking his skills offshore to work for Scientific Atlanta in the UK as broadband and digital cable television was rolled out across Europe.
"Working with keen entrepreneurs as they position to catch their wave"
Having seen some superb technology built by very talented people fail in market, Michael realised all this great work was wasted if the product does not meet market need, so switched focus to product management and marketing.
He joined Swiss-based The Fantastic Corporation, building an extended product marketing team to support a global sales force. As Senior Vice President, his role was to translate the company’s vision of the next generation internet into a tangible product. Fantastic raised €130m on the Frankfurt stock exchange at the height of the dot.com boom.
“They were heady times, where anything was possible, but in the end the basic rule of business still applied – deliver something the market needs”.
Leaving Fantastic, Michael set up GOA with other former senior staff, to advise early stage technology companies and the venture capital community.
Returning to help New Zealand companies build offshore business, Michael accepted the chief executive role at NetworkAdvantage, a Porirua based satellite communications company.
Since 2007, Michael has advised & supported companies within Creative HQ.
“Working with keen entrepreneurs as they position to catch their wave is very inspiring.”
“I am passionate about helping high-growth potential companies from New Zealand take on the world!”
