With the new anti-money laundering legislation coming into force in June 2013, Richard and business partner Mark Todd spotted the need for AML expertise in NZ and set up Anti-Money Laundering Solutions Limited in 2012. AML Solutions is now NZ's leading specialist AML consultancy and has seen exponential growth to over two hundred clients (including two registered banks).
Recently AML Solutions received global plaudits, being awarded "Anti-Money Laundering Firm of the Year - New Zealand" at the Finance Monthly M&A Awards 2014.
The Power Within Us - Light Bulb Moment
However, despite all his success, Richard has had some pretty trying times in his career. From having an AK47 pointed at him in Liberia, to fleeing a burning helicopter in Gambia, he has faced some pretty significant challenges.
At the tender age of 25, Richard stepped in when his technical trainer was sick, catching a plane to Ghana to run a simple training session at their port. "On arrival they announced they wanted me to install their three navigational towers we had recently supplied. In appalling local conditions, 40C heat, with no real knowledge of what I was doing, I spent three days directing 15 Ghanaians on how to install the towers," Richard recalls.
"It was a great success, a watershed moment for me that I could achieve anything."
Back Yourself
"If you are in a situation where you are facing the unknown, back yourself, soldier on and don't be afraid to make mistakes," Richard believes. "Also speak up when you think you have a good idea and don't be afraid to say 'trust me and let me have a go'. This is both an exciting and a fast way to learn more about yourself and gain rapid skills."
• If you have had a blinding moment of insight (a light bulb moment), I would love to hear about it.
Tom is an award winning business speaker, best-selling international author and CEO of both CV.co.nz and AchievementExpert.com. Email Tom at tom@AchievementExpert.com