Talking Heads: Ex-coach courts fun in the workplace

Val Dorling

Position: Managing director and founder Court Sport Ltd, Auckland
Company's age: 9 years

What makes your day at work?

Happy staff. I love it when something funny happens at work. There is a good deal of comedy and there is often a battle of wits.

How did you get to where you are today?

A physical education degree, 37 years in the sports industry, raw nerve and courage and a huge amount of support from my daughters and friends. I was a badminton coach for 25 years, but when my husband died and my daughters went to university I realised I had to make some decisions. The manager at the badminton centre asked me what I thought about having a pro-shop and I said it was a great idea. So he said, right then, I'll build it if you pay for it. Ten days later I opened.

What's the most important lesson you learnt on your way up?

Not asking for help early enough. I was too proud to ask for help and although I'm still not that good at it, I've certainly got better over the last nine years.

What pitfalls have you come across in your career? How have you dealt with them?

What took me by surprise was the tall poppy syndrome. You are not prepared for it, don't expect it and often don't deserve it. New Zealanders are good at management but not good at applauding visionary leaders. They don't realise what they can learn from them. I used to ask myself if I went wrong, could I have done something differently? If you feel you are right, then it's not your problem.

What advice would you give to someone starting in business?

I often speak publicly on this. I would advise them to gather mentors and acknowledge their input, to treat others as they would like to be treated and remember New Zealand is a small country and there are no secrets.

What is the biggest challenge for your company? For the economy?

I don't see any major challenges for the business but to keep doing well what we're already doing. However, I believe the Government has not led the country for the past three years and that lack of direction has created a domino effect on our economy. The challenge for future Governments is to realise their task is to govern New Zealand, not debate their hidden agendas. They have looked after themselves more than the nation and when they focus on the nation, the economy and the accompanying problems will improve.

What ambitions do you have?

I look forward to a future with more directorships. I would like to do the Sky City Vertical Challenge, the New York Marathon and some sports commentating. I'd like to write a book.

How do you relax?

By meeting friends, running, playing badminton - I still travel overseas to compete in sports events. I also love brainstorming. But what I really like is to go to my bach in Pauanui, walk on the beach and play golf with my friends.

* Val Dorling spoke to Lesley Springall.