About Harold
It is in the space between perfection and complete imperfection – on that bridge – where authenticity resides.
Harold Hillman is the managing director of Sigmoid Curve Consulting Group. Based in Auckland since 2003 and a New Zealand citizen since 2008, Hillman is a coach to business leaders and executive teams who want to be more purposeful about their leadership and how to inspire others towards greater possibilities.
Prior to launching Sigmoid, Hillman served in senior executive roles with Fonterra, Prudential Financial and Amoco Corporation. A clinical psychologist in his early career, he developed a passion for leadership development while teaching at the United States Air Force Academy. Hillman was a member of the task force commissioned by the Clinton administration in 1993 to end discrimination against gay citizens wanting to serve openly in the U.S. military.
Hillman earned a master’s degree in education from Harvard University and a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. His first book, The Impostor Syndrome, was published in 2013 and named Whitcoul’s Business Book of the Year. His second book, Fitting In, Standing Out, was published in 2015. That same year, Hillman delivered a TEDx Talk, ‘Inside the Tent,’ which highlighted his own experience as a closeted gay military officer. Hillman also co-authored two leadership books with Alex Waddell.
Over the past two decades, as both a senior executive and external coach, Hillman has coached a number of prominent chief executives and their teams in the U.S, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Hillman's client organisations include Kraft Foods, Mondelez International, Fonterra Co-operative, National Australia Bank, Air New Zealand, Heineken NZ, Sealord, Auckland Airport, Transpower and TVNZ.
For nearly a decade, Hillman provided business and leadership commentary on Magic Talk Radio in New Zealand. He was also a regular contributor to the New Zealand Herald who deemed him 'The Empathy Doctor' following the release of this most recent book.
You can also visit my blog: www.drharoldhillman.com
Harold's personal story
I felt very qualified to write a book called the Impostor Syndrome. For the first four decades of my life, I lived as a closeted gay man, including my time as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. I once viewed vulnerability as a vice, which disabled authentic connections with people. Through my life experiences, I have re-framed vulnerability as a virtue and have discovered first-hand the power of authentic connections. I believe very much in the power of having a personal WHY. My WHY is to help people live healthier, happier & more authentic lives.
Participant feedback
Very thought provoking! It made me look at the way I interact with others – both at work and at home. Please leave any preconceptions about “another” management course. Come, be present, and be in control of your development as a leader.
Go with an open mind. Leave perceptions and habits at the door. This course gives tools not only to help you get the best from your team, but also from yourself. Learning from this is valuable in every aspect of life!
The workshop encourages you to open your mind, and challenges you to think about yourself as a person and a leader. It’s not just a lecture, it’s an interactive experience!
TAL was a very thought-provoking course which came at a time when I was questioning my abilities as a leader. Great timing. I left with new insights and renewed confidence.
This is a thought-provoking course that encourages self-reflection – a real look at who you are. It provides an understanding of authenticity as a leader, and arms you with useful tools which you can take back into the workplace.
The course spoke to both my personal and professional challenges, insights, and aspirations. It provided both frameworks to evaluate behaviour and also very practical activities to drive change. Would highly recommend it.
This is a valuable day of self-reflection and insight. What this day really brought home is how we are as a leader is critical to our effectiveness. This course helps us get closer to our authenticity so we can truly connect.
Harold's books
What industry leaders have to say
Harold inspires effective and visionary change through people.
Harold inspires leaders to transform!
Harold helped me become a better Chief Executive.
Authentic leadership guru - Harold inspires mastery in leaders.
