Our Team
Giselle McLachlan
Grounded founder Giselle McLachlan is a governance and leadership specialist. Giselle is all about down to earth governance and business advice, and thrives on building sustainable businesses alongside healthy leaders and lives.
She helps organisations’ to make time to work on their strategy, rather than being immersed in the day-to-day. She brings advice, courage, and support to her coaching and facilitation work. Giselle has built a life out of doing things differently, constantly learning, and challenging herself. Grounded is close to her heart.
Giselle loves to take the “bored” out of board meetings and the “work” out of paperwork. She can help your business flourish, with compassion, balance, and resilience while acting as a safe person to talk to about your business challenges. Her background includes being a lawyer for decades, an insurance executive, a CEO, and General Manager. Giselle is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and she has facilitated hundreds of days of workshops and training sessions.
Tracey Cross
Tracey brings over 25 years of experience in financial services regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and strategy.
She is an Independent Director of AIA New Zealand, Mint Asset Management and Tony Mounce Mortgages and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. Previously a partner of global business law firm DLA Piper New Zealand, Tracey now practices on her own account.
Tracey is passionate about governance with purpose and good conduct and culture as key to competitive and sustainable businesses.
Her passion for purpose drives her interest in empowering women. She was the founding Chair of DLA Piper’s Leadership Alliance for Women and is the current chair of Women in Super and co-chair of the Financial Services Council’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion committee – a founding member of both initiatives. Tracey mentors and regularly presents at financial services industry conferences, providing tailored training to clients and Boards.
Cassie Kennedy
Cassie, our versatile Business Development and Operations Manager, brings a wealth of experience in marketing, project leadership, and business strategy to Grounded Governance.
With a deep understanding of both the creative and operational sides of the business, Cassie plays a key role in driving our growth and ensuring we deliver impactful, high-quality services to our clients.
Starting her career as a self-taught photographer, Cassie transitioned into marketing, where her holistic approach and strong communication skills have fostered inclusivity and collaboration. Her diverse background, which includes work in community-based organisations, has enriched her strategic insight and ability to connect with different audiences.
Outside of work, Cassie is committed to building community in Wanaka through events and is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys biking, climbing, and snowboarding.