17 Years of Growth, Grit & Impact in Power Systems

Seventeen years ago, I made a decision that completely reshaped the trajectory of my life and career. I stepped off the tools and into the world of sales engineering, partly chasing the idea of more stable hours and a bit more time at home, but mostly looking for a role where I wasn’t putting myself in harm’s way multiple times a week. What I didn’t realise then was just how defining that decision would be.

I had no idea of the impact I’d eventually have, not just on infrastructure and critical systems here in New Zealand, but in places far beyond our borders. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of contributing to major projects across Australia, Bangladesh, Scotland, Kenya, the Pacific Islands, and more. It’s humbling to know that something you’ve designed, influenced, or helped bring to life is now quietly doing its job every single day, keeping communities connected, safe, and running.

Of course, the road didn’t start smoothly. My very first custom solution design and quote? A complete failure. And at the time it hit hard. But that failure lit a fire in me, a determination to understand the industry inside out, to master the craft, and to become someone customers, engineers, and teams could rely on. That moment set the standard for everything that followed.

Since then, I’ve spent my career solving complex problems, building relationships, and shaping solutions that support almost every part of the New Zealand grid. I can look back now and say, with a sense of quiet pride, that there’s very little happening across the country’s critical power landscape that doesn’t have at least one, but usually several, of my solutions involved.

And through it all, I never moved away from the things that matter. Being part of the community, coaching youth sports, supporting local schools and clubs where those moments offered balance, perspective, and a reminder of why the work itself matters.

Seventeen years on, I’m grateful: for the challenges, the failures, the wins, and the chance to play a small part in shaping the future of power and infrastructure.

Be Local, Think Global

"The work you do in your own backyard can ripple across the world."

That statement has been the constant thread running through my career. From the seas around New Zealand to global shipping lanes, from local energy infrastructure to international projects, I’ve seen first-hand how local actions can create a global impact.

My professional journey began in the Royal New Zealand Navy, a place where discipline, teamwork, and adaptability weren’t just encouraged they were essential for success. The Navy taught me to work under pressure, to adapt quickly to new challenges, and to understand the importance of every role in achieving a bigger mission. Whether it was navigating unpredictable seas or operating in challenging international waters, I learned that the decisions we made locally could have far-reaching consequences.

After my time in the Navy, I joined Wrights, servicing marine electronic equipment for merchant ships, naval vessels, and superyachts. This role took me into the heart of global trade, where reliability was everything. Ships needed to stay on their routes to keep goods, resources, and people moving. Whether docked in port or halfway across the world, I was tasked with repairing and maintaining systems that were critical to their operation. It was satisfying to know that my work helped keep trade flowing between countries and economies.

From there, I moved to Helios Power Solutions, where I designed and supplied power conversion and backup systems for critical infrastructure. This role expanded my scope beyond maritime work into industries and facilities that simply cannot afford downtime. In New Zealand, our solutions became integral to the critical infrastructure so much so that you can’t do much on the grid without them being used multiple times. Internationally, we delivered customised systems to industries where precision and reliability could mean the difference between success and failure.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some significant moments:

• Being part of peacekeeping missions in the Solomon Islands, where operational readiness and technical reliability directly supported stability efforts.

• Repairing and maintaining systems to keep vessels moving on their global trade routes, ensuring goods reached their destinations on time.

• Designing tailored power solutions for industries worldwide, providing the assurance that even in challenging conditions, essential systems would keep running.

But the phrase “Be Local, Think Global” isn’t only about what I’ve achieved professionally. It also speaks to my commitment to making a difference in my own community. Over the years, I’ve volunteered as a coach and manager for local sports teams, investing in the development of our youth. These roles have reminded me that leadership, guidance, and teamwork aren’t skills reserved for the workplace they’re just as vital on the playing field. Helping young people grow in confidence, resilience, and cooperation is one of the most rewarding ways to contribute locally.

Now, through Josty, I’ve found a way to bring together all these experiences the discipline and adaptability from the Navy, the technical expertise from servicing marine electronics, and the systems-thinking from delivering critical power solutions. At Josty, we help businesses combine local commitment with global scalability from day one. That means working with clients to design business models that aren’t just effective in their home market, but are also ready to adapt, expand, and succeed internationally.

The reality is that in today’s world, very few businesses operate in isolation. Even if your customers are all in one country, your supply chain, technology, or competition is likely global. That’s why the mindset of “Be Local, Think Global” matters more than ever. It’s about understanding your immediate environment deeply knowing your market, your community, your customers while also recognising that you’re part of a much bigger picture.

For me, this mindset isn’t abstract theory. It’s a lived experience. I’ve seen how decisions made in a local workshop can affect the performance of a vessel thousands of miles away. I’ve seen how a power system designed in New Zealand can keep operations running in another hemisphere. And I’ve seen how coaching a local sports team can shape the values and potential of our future leaders.

As I look forward, my goal remains the same: to keep making an impact locally while ensuring that the solutions I deliver stand up to the demands of a global market. Because when you build with both perspectives in mind, you create something stronger, more resilient, and more valuable for everyone it touches.

So, I’ll leave you with a question one I often ask myself and my clients:
What does “Be Local, Think Global” mean in your world?