About
Jill Brinsdon is a rare blend of grit, wit, and wisdom— a seasoned creative director turned brand and cultural strategist now coach and mentor, dedicated to helping people harness their power and rewrite their stories with clarity and confidence.
Jill’s career began in advertising’s heyday—think Mad Men but 30 years later, with fewer martinis. She was one of the first women to lead a creative department in New Zealand, turning barriers into springboards with resilience and boldness.
Later, founding her own agencies, Radiation and now Tricky, gave her the depth and experience to guide others through challenges with empathy and insight.
Alongside her career, Jill raised two sons solo, renovated houses and commercial buildings and travelled extensively —a feat that honed her resourcefulness and opened her heart.
As a qualified coach (Associate ANZCAL), Jill brings her life experience, practical strategies, refreshing honesty, and irrepressible humour to the table—helping clients not only find clarity but also chart the course to a life that’s been waiting for them.
Now based in Central Otago with her Argentinean partner, she travels between the mountains, Auckland, and Sydney, carrying with her a love of dogs, art, film, architecture and counting her blessings.
In her
own words
“
Raised with a poverty of expectation, I knew early on that my life would be defined by the paths I carved, not the ones I inherited. That boldness took me into rooms where I was often the only woman not holding a tray of coffee. I fought for my seat and stayed to make space for others.
Now, I use that same fire to guide and inspire people through their own challenges, helping them reframe problems as opportunities.
I believe in simplicity, kindness, and the life-changing power of knowing when to laugh, even in the chaos. I am clear that the only behaviour we can truly control is our own, but there is tremendous power in harnessing this.
Together, I know for sure we can find your clarity and confidence—and maybe even a little swagger to go with it.
Let’s get on with it.
Services
Life Strategy Coach
Life Strategy Coach
You’re looking for real impact with an eye for what’s practical and achievable. So we won’t drown in theory; we’ll swim in probabilities instead. This isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about leveraging your unique traits and experiences instead.
Cut through the chatter: That relentless inner critic? Let’s evict it. With tools to quiet self-doubt and clear the clutter, you’ll have the headspace to figure out what truly matters—and what’s next.
There’s no shame in the reframe: Does it seem insurmountable? We might blow it up then, or figure out how to dig under it, or get way above it and look at it from the big blue sky. Take it from me: challenges are really just badly dressed opportunities anyway
Your why, your way: If you know your why, the how becomes clearer. Together, we’ll dive deep into your motivations, break down limiting beliefs, and light a fire under your goals so they’re powered by purpose. Then, we’ll engineer a bridge—an actionable roadmap designed to unlock not just where you’re headed, but who you want to become along the way.
“
After four years out of the workforce, I found myself lacking in confidence and direction. Jill’s strategic experience was invaluable in reshaping my CV and LinkedIn profile to not only speak to more industries but to confidently reframe my stay-at-home mum years into a masterclass in problem solving. She coached me back to confidence
— Frances Vettori
Let’s discuss a bespoke package to reflect your unique needs.
Mentoring
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Permission to prioritise. Judgment-free zones. Turning roadblocks into runways. I’ve been there, done that, and learned some epic things. This isn’t hand-holding—it’s spirit-boosting, wildly supportive guidance. No rose-coloured lenses, just fire starters and roadmaps.
Here’s what you can expect:
Never assume, never presume: Naked ambitions and fitful fears? Bring them. You’ll be met with aroha and practical guidance instead of preconception and judgement.
Roadblocks to runways: These require two very different outfits and I know which one I’d rather help you rock. Together we’ll turning obstacles into springboards towards growth and fulfilment.
Permission to prioritise: Putting others first might feel good for a jiffy but there’s a point where your needs must come first. That time is now; I’ll remind you when you forget.
“
I’ve been inspired by Jill as a leader for many years. But experiencing the ‘Brinsdon Effect’ first hand? Transformative! Sharing her wisdom freely with me and getting such practical, useful advice got me laser focused on what I needed to do in order to get to where I wanted to go. She has the ability to be refreshingly honest while being wildly supportive and caring. She sees things so clearly. This wasn’t hand holding, this was ass-kicking, spirit-boosting and highly motivating. The actions I took following her advice have led me to step into new territory in my career swiftly and do so with a rock-solid confidence.
— Claire Chitham
We can part the clouds together. They’re pretty but they’re in the way.
Inspirator
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People seem to like the true stories I tell. I keep it real, but I also like to paintball it neon. It’s not that my filter is broken it’s just that my inside voice is funnier than me. People seem to like her because they have inside voices too. We all do, and they are always braver, funnier and wiser. I just let mine out more often.
No one’s ever had to tell me to read the room—somehow it’s built-in.Whether it’s throwing a curveball to wake up a sleepy crowd or splicing in a one-liner when things get too serious, I know when to nudge and when to unleash. I thrive on:
Impactful Speaking: Think TED Talk but without the overly pregnant pauses and choreographed hand gestures.
Dynamic Facilitation: Workshops, panels, or full-blown events—I create spaces where ideas spark, vulnerabilities transform, and voices feel heard. It’s not just about keeping things moving—it’s about making them matter.
“
Jill has the gift of storytelling… whether MC-ing an event and encouraging women to tell their stories, or producing content and getting to the heart of a brand - she does it thoughtfully and inclusively… and she is never boring! A rare mix of wit and empathy - she gets straight to it with brilliance, grace and humour.My only reluctance to recommend her is that she might get too busy to work with us!
— Clare Irons, Chair, Impact 100 Wakatipu
Let’s cut through the noise and get to the good stuff.
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