Navigating a dynamic career landscape

Geoff Summers, a distinguished alumnus of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University, has forged a path of exceptional accomplishments from being a mature student to one of New Zealand’s leading HR management specialists. 

Expanding horizons 

It all began with early involvement in the Firefighters’ union. Leading the amalgamation of four firefighter unions into the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union and becoming its first National Secretary, Geoff had a deep dive into employment relations long before pursuing a formal degree. When he took the helm as the Director of Personnel for the Fire Service, he recognised the vast sea of knowledge he had yet to explore. 

In his 40s, he took a bold step to enrol in Massey’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme. For him, the journey was all about expanding his knowledge horizons in business, management, and leadership. The diverse curricula, especially the demanding course on corporate finance, provided him with tools he would later employ in board roles and business leadership. 

“Whilst by this time I had considerable experience at senior levels, I was aware that there was a lot that I didn’t know.” The programme proved to be a transformational experience for Geoff. “My knowledge horizons were exponentially expanded, and I became confident in a wide range of management content,” he says. 

Geoff’s journey did not end with the EMBA; rather, it was just the beginning. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management. This second master’s degree took him out of his comfort zone, compelling him to delve deeper into the research literature and become an avid reader of business, management, and human resources.

Both of Geoff’s degrees, earned with distinction, have played a pivotal role in his career growth. They have opened doors to various opportunities, leading him to undertake senior roles, serve on advisory boards, and receive prestigious awards like the HRNZ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. 

“Before receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, I had already attained the status of Fellow within the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand, and later, I became a Distinguished Fellow. This elevated recognition represents the pinnacle of Chartered Status in the HRM profession and is bestowed on only a select few. However, the Lifetime Achievement Award holds a unique place in my heart; it surpasses all others. Initially taken aback by these accolades, I soon found joy in them because these are all given after consideration by my peers in the profession, and peer recognition is always very special,” Geoff shares.

Guiding through turbulence

Geoff humbly reflects on the significance of his academic achievements, “It has been pivotal to me being asked to undertake many roles,” he attributes many of his subsequent achievements to his Massey education. From guiding Strategic Pay Limited through the Global Financial Crisis by invoking case studies he’d learned to take on consulting roles fortified by his academic accomplishments, the influence of Massey was always there. 

One of his proudest achievements was his tenure with Strategic Pay Limited (SPL), where he played a pivotal role in its evolution into one of the country’s largest consultancies. During the Global Financial Crisis of 2007-2010, Geoff effectively utilised the lessons from his Massey education to guide SPL through turbulent times. He focused on engaging staff in the journey, leading to voluntary arrangements and cost-saving initiatives that ensured the company’s stability during the crisis.

Navigating the GFC, intense board meetings, and market challenges, Geoff and his team ensured that SPL not only survived but thrived. He defers credit to the collective effort but acknowledges, “I would not even have been there had it not been for my Massey studies.”

In SPL's Pasifika business, Geoff played a crucial role in conducting salary surveys for NGOs in the Solomon Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. These surveys provided valuable insights into local pay rates and were highly beneficial to the clients and other businesses in the regions. He also reinvigorated the existing salary survey in the Cook Islands, working closely with the Office of the Public Service Commissioner to train personnel in the job evaluation system.

Geoff's dedication and expertise extended beyond SPL. He established strategic workforce plans and career profile systems in two government agencies in the Cook Islands through his consulting company after leaving SPL, further contributing to HR management development in the Pacific region.

Nurturing tomorrow's leaders

Geoff’s journey also led him to become a part-time Teaching Fellow at Victoria University of Wellington. Teaching expanded his learning, encouraging him to explore subjects in greater detail and become a more effective HRM practitioner. “Teaching was a great way to learn,” Geoff says, as it brought him into contact with knowledge he had not previously confronted.

With roles spanning from union affairs to HR management, every experience added a feather to Geoff’s cap. They all fed into his overarching understanding of the business. He believes in continuous learning, which is why he urges aspiring HRM practitioners to expand their knowledge base, understand an organisation’s finances, and, most importantly, grasp the core of business operations.

Asked his advice for students aspiring to work in HR and management roles, Geoff shares, “Expand your knowledge base beyond HR. Understand the finances of the organisation. Learn the business!” He advocates learning from operational managers and engaging in mentoring programs to accelerate professional growth.

Embracing Change

Throughout his career, Geoff has witnessed substantial changes in HR practice, emphasising the transformation of HRM into a highly professional field. 

“HRM now is cheese compared to the chalk of years ago. It has evolved into a highly professional field, with most practitioners holding HRM degrees and enjoying improved remuneration. Interestingly, the profession has also seen a significant feminisation, with over 80% of HRM staff now being female, marking a notable achievement for gender equity.”

Looking back, Geoff reflects on his journey with gratitude. He credits Massey for shaping a significant part of his professional life and providing him with the tools to navigate the complex world of HR management. With a lifetime of achievements behind him, he remains forward-looking, ever eager for the next chapter in the evolving landscape of HR.