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Meet our Conference Speakers: Phil Thompson

Phil is the International Director of Protect. He is an author, speaker and highly regarded self-protection expert who has delivered training to over 150,000 clients all over the world. Protect’s clients include professionals involved in high-risk professions such as Police, Government departments, Corporations, as well as businesses of every type. 

Phil has served as a consultant to the United Nations, and is an acknowledged expert on the pre-contact stages of violent confrontation including Awareness and De-escalation tactics, and is one of the nation’s leading experts on the topic of self-protection.

If you are still to register for Conference get in quick 

When: 1 May - 3 May

Where:  Devon Hotel & Conference Centre, New Plymouth

Check out the Conference eBook here

Jason Gunn

Jason Gunn, one of NZ’s most recognizable media personalities and skilled public speakers has lit up screens, stages and radio for over 35 years. The effervescent presenter, host, and communications coach is renowned for his professionalism, lightheartedness, and ability to connect with any audience. 

At 18, Jason became the face of New Zealand children’s television with ‘Jase TV’ and the long-running ‘Son of a Gunn Show.’ He went on to host many top TV shows including ‘Dancing With The Stars’, ‘The Rich List’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’. For 10 years Jason anchored #1 radio shows across New Zealand. He’s also worked behind the camera as an accomplished director, producer and writer. For 23 years Jason has run TV production powerhouse “Whitebait-Media” with his wife Janine, producing award winning shows like ‘What Now’, ‘Brain Busters’, ‘Bumble’ to name but a few.

In 2019 following a major health scare, Jason realised a long-held dream of starting his own communications training company, “Easily Said”. Today the thriving business teaches individuals and organisations how to communicate with confidence and master the art of storytelling. Highly entertaining, his ability to connect with an audience on a personal level is unparalleled.

Meet the Team: Jenny Houdalakis – Events Manager

Jenny comes to us with a vast amount of experience organising a large range of corporate events both within New Zealand and Internationally.  Jenny is contracted to organise our annual conference, the Principals Retreat, Webinars and our events calendar.

Outside of First National, Jenny manages her own virtual administration and event management business, and spends time on the sidelines of her football-mad teenage son's games.  She also fits in time for Karate where she is training for her fourth-graded belt.

You can get hold of Jenny at jenny@firstnational.co.nz