Managing the People Issues (or How to Let People Go!) with Tony Falkenstein

In this episode, I am joined by Tony Falkenstein who will be sharing his experiences with the Topic of ‘Managing the People Issues’.

Tony was born in Auckland, and has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Auckland. He is a also serial entrepreneur, who has started over 50 companies.

In 2003, Tony established New Zealand’s first Business High School, at Onehunga High School, with a view to include ‘business and entrepreneurship’ as a subject in the National Curriculum.

In 2011 this goal was attained, and he has assisted the Ministry of Education with establishing Business High Schools throughout the country.

In 2008, he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame.

In 2010, he was appointed as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to business.

In 2011, Tony received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Auckland. In 2012, he received the World Class New Zealand Award for ‘New Thinking’.

Tony has been married to Heather for 39 years, and has one daughter.

In this episode we learn from Tony:

• Why he says if he was able to go back in time he probably wouldn't choose to be an Entrepreneur again
• How he took on swatch watches as his first business - with huge initial success & then spectacular failure
• Why sometimes you have to let people go - how to do it easily & fairly.