Join four-time Olympian and New Zealand hockey legend Shea McAleese for a fascinating look inside the world of elite international sport. Over an incredible 16-year playing career, Shea represented the Black Sticks 320 times, competing at four Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games before transitioning into the high-pressure world of international coaching.
In this engaging session, Shea shares the realities of competing at the pinnacle of global sport — from the intense physical and mental demands of Olympic campaigns to the profound shift required when moving from player to coach. He will discuss his personal coaching philosophy built around "TIME" (Team, Individual, Mana, and Empathy), the importance of shifting from "I" to "we," and how the lessons learned on the hockey turf translate into leadership, resilience, and building trust in everyday life.
Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a leader looking to build high-performing teams, or simply someone inspired by the pursuit of excellence, Shea’s journey from a Hawke's Bay kid in goalie pads to the Olympic stage will leave you motivated and informed.
Tickets are limited.
What to Expect
- Intimate Storytelling: Hear firsthand accounts of competing at four Olympic Games as a player and one as a coach.
- Leadership Insights: Learn how to build team culture using the "TIME" philosophy (Team, Individual, Mana, and Empathy).
- The Athlete's Mindset: Understand the psychological and practical challenges of transitioning from elite athlete to high-performance coach.
- Interactive Q&A: A rare opportunity to ask Shea your own questions in a relaxed, conversational setting.
- Great Food & Company: Enjoy a beautifully crafted lunch at Cafe No.5 & Larder while connecting with fellow curious minds.
Secure your ticket today and prepare for a morning of profound learning, wonderful food, and brilliant company.
Please note: We cater to most dietary requirements with prior notice. Please advise us of any allergies when booking.
Date: Wednesday October 28th 11:00-1:30pm
Location: No.5 Cafe & Larder, 248 State Highway 51, Mangateretere, Hastings
About the experts
Shea McAleese OLY
Shea McAleese is one of New Zealand's most celebrated hockey players and a proud son of Hawke's Bay. Born and raised in Napier, Shea represented the Black Sticks 320 times over a 16-year international career, competing at four Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games — winning silver at Gold Coast 2018 and bronze at Delhi 2010. Since retiring from international play in 2021, he has channelled his passion into coaching, serving as assistant coach to both the Black Sticks Women's and Men's teams, including a coaching appearance at Paris 2024. He is also the founder of Inside Hockey, a global coaching platform with over 120,000 followers.
Christina Tay - Learning Facilitator
Christina is a lifelong learner with a profound passion for exploring diverse cultures and disciplines. Her curiosity has inspired extensive global travel, from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Laos and volunteering at a Thai orphanage to visiting museums across Europe, the UK, and Asia. A highlight of her travels is the Bishop Museum in Hawai'i, which she visits frequently, including during the 2014 World Indigenous Peoples' Conference on Education.
Her academic journey began with law and politics at Waikato University, where she discovered dispute resolution. She subsequently earned a Master’s in Mediation and Conflict Resolution from Strathclyde University, UK. This period included an exchange at the East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai and research in Hong Kong on the ombudsman's role.
Currently a Learning Facilitator for Love Heart Social Learning, Christina also teaches the Restorative Practices microcredential at Victoria University. A fully accredited restorative justice facilitator and assessor, she recently delivered mediation training in Micronesia. Previously, she served as Director of Employee Assistance Resolution Services at Victoria University.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys connecting with loved ones and attending international events, such as the 2025 Restorative Practices conference in Singapore, to continually expand her expertise.
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