Ngaire Anderson: Quiet Force. Deep Wisdom.
With a foundation in psychology, extensive governance experience, and years coaching senior leaders across Asia-Pacific, Ngaire brings a grounded, intuitive presence to every conversation. She’s recognised for her insight, depth, and gift for guiding leaders through meaningful, transformational growth.
What drew you to coaching in the first place?
Having had the good fortune of receiving coaching at different points in my career, and in realising the lasting imprint of those experiences, I became curious about and invested in learning the receipt behind great coaching so that I could pay it forward.
What do you consider to be some of your proudest achievements—big or small?
Busting out the DIY tools and fixing a broken sliding door is right up there.
I also realised years after the fact, that I felt proud of the 16 years I served the community as a paramedic. Despite the many challenges common in frontline work, what a privilege it was to treat, support, and laugh-with others on what was often their most difficult day. I helped save some lives here and there too.
What kind of clients do you love working with – and why?
Serious about progress, curious about possibility, self-aware, and honest...mix that with good humour and action—say no more.
What’s one misconception people have about coaching?
That it’s an outside job, not an inside job—that one’s life direction and decisions can be outsourced. Partnering with and empowering clients to expand their confidence and leverage their own knowledge and wisdom, is a beautiful thing.
How do you stay grounded when things get busy or overwhelming?
I hit the pavement with my dog Grug, fill my senses with nature, ruffle his hair, stare deeply into his brown eyes, and remind myself that life is good!
What does a typical day look like for you?
A black coffee first thing is a staple, followed by some movement (gym session or walk with my dog). I then segue to my desk for the day. Nights can be a mixture of trashy TV, or a vibrant dinner party with friends or family.
What lights you up outside of work?
Browsing the middle isle at Aldi and coming home with a chainsaw when I only went out for some soap and a box of tea bags.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
After spending a week alongside ambos and firies in Washington D.C., I mastered going down the firepole in responding to emergencies. I’ve also been duly informed that I do a smashing worm move on the dancefloor, but only on special occasions.
What are you currently learning, reading, or exploring?
I’m on the home stretch of completing a PhD in Psychology, with a lens of workplace mental health. A feat that’s been both enjoyable and enriching, and one I’d never imagined undertaking as a qualified dyslexic.
What’s your guilty pleasure / go-to indulgence?
A glass (bottle) of red wine and a piece (block) of dark chocolate in-front of an open fire. For self-preservation, I can’t remember where I hid the wine fridge key.