Winter 2011 OHOPE ACHIEVER - Gordon Tietjens

GORDON TIETJENS -  PROFILE:-

Where were you born: Wanganui

How many in your family: 3 brothers (I am a twin), 1 sister.

What made you want to coach NZ7’s team: Have a passion for rugby. Learnt and played 7’s in the UK and got a lot of enjoyment out of the game.

What is the best thing about being coach of NZ 7’s Rugby team: Working with the most talented rugby players in NZ and the added enjoyment of travelling the world.

Favourite rugby player or sporting hero: Roger Federer

Any mentors: Warwick Talbut – Managing Director BES

Favourite saying: whoever plays will do the job

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world who would it be and why: Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova – Roger – best player that has ever been and a real quality of his humility: Maria –of course because she is stunning and also a good tennis player and won Wimbledon.

Challenges you have had to overcome: Keep the NZ7’s team as NO.1 in the world.

Highlights: winning 4 consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals.

3 things we could learn in business from sport: 1. being a team player, 2. being passionate, 3. Team discipline, making sacrifices and having a work ethic.

Favourite food: Salmon

Favourite music and movies: Easy listening, Green Mile.

What do you value most attitude vs aptitude and why : I see attitude over aptitude. Attitude you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it where aptitude is more about ability and competency.

Favourite place in the world and why : Dubai, because of the fantastic weather and its attractions.

Favourite rugby ground : Westpac Stadium Wellington

Thing you would like to see more of in Ohope : More sporting facilities (Astroturf tennis courts).

What do you do to relax : Play tennis and jetskiing.