I have often said my extensive career in swim schools has been good to me and good for me. I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and that’s why I’m committed to giving back, sharing my expertise and energy for the sector.
Through Swim People I bring people together, share actionable insights and provide business guidance. I want to harness the passion, purpose, and aspiration that exists across our sector to build a more connected and vibrant future for swim schools in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Swim People is, at its heart, people-focused: delivering initiatives including Consulting Services to swim schools of all sizes, The Exchange webinar series, The Swim School Edge business conference, and The Current monthly E-newsletter sharing a wide range of swim school related topics.
I have also founded a new initiative called MATTER, working with a group of New Zealand sector leaders who are thinking broadly and looking ahead across the NZ swim school landscape.
I have held many roles in my swimming career: teacher, coach, multi- centre swim school leader, swim school owner, industry presenter, qualifications trainer, mentor, programme developer. This enables me to apply this experience to deliver successful, pragmatic outcomes for others, guiding, informing and shaping future success – for swim schools and swim school professionals.
Driven by a desire to see our sector grow, and being uniquely placed to support it, I provide guidance to build swim school capabilities, and shape professional development for those who work in them.
Call me on (+64) 21 958 355 or email scott@swimpeople.co.nz
What owners are saying
“I have always admired Scott for his many personal attributes. As a competitive Coach, he was as good as the best in the world. As a Swim School Operator and teacher, I have personally learnt so much … He always shares his knowledge and is a world-class educator with excellent inter-personal skills.”
Mark Bone
Owner and CEO, SwimTastic - Former NZ National Coach
“Scott is vastly experienced and possessing of a broad, international-standard skill set. When coupled with his high integrity and excellent communication capacity, I have no hesitation in recommending Scott Wilson to you.
One of the great pleasures during my brief time at Carlile Swimming was working alongside Scott. He performed magnificently; leading people and teams and sharing his expert knowledge of the industry, and more”
Ross Gage
Founder & Owner, Aussie Aquatics Pty Ltd
FAQs
Do you have a specific approach?
I believe businesses need to bolster their strengths (‘play your best shot often’), upgrade weaknesses, stay current, stay true to the core business purpose and avoid distractions.
Continually strengthen your reputation and create an environment in which customers and your people feel they are succeeding.
Treating each swim school as a unique business. Scott will dive into your current situation and identify where you wish to go. He will get to the heart of what matters most for you now and help you make positive progress using the proven 4-Ps approach.
What differences can I expect - and how quickly?
Just like when parents ask you “how long will it take my child to learn to swim?”, this depends on many variables. I will work with you to achieve the progress and end result you’re looking for as soon as practically possible. The way we see it, your situation is your situation. Importing the ways of others, others’ operations and others’ solutions will not add strength for you. We will probably find some quick wins, but other things will take a little longer.
How can you help me with training my people?
Scott generously shares his knowledge, experience and insights with all levels of your staffing group. He ‘gets’ swimming people. He has been in your shoes, on both the wet and dry sides of a swim school. He prides himself of being able to work alongside your ‘newbie’ or your most experienced people. He will help you help your team in their roles for everyone’s benefit.
What are the differences between one site and multiple sites?
Multi sites offer tremendous opportunities for more customers to experience your offering, but they also come with specific challenges. Three stand out. Firstly, if you have multiple sites, it’s harder to build quality teams that will consistently represent you and safeguard your reputation. Secondly, with multiple sites it’s a challenge to ensure lessons are always delivered at the desired level of quality. Thirdly, multiple site owners need to create and maintain a larger team. Over time this can affect the business culture, the business purpose and service promise can be diluted and values and behaviours can dip. Staying on top of that takes vigilance, discipline and energy.
