SHARON WARD DUNCAN
SENIOR CONSULTANT
Accounting, Finance & Banking, Human Resources
Sharon began her career in Investment Banking. After graduating from the University of Waikato, she moved to Wellington, then spent five years in London, where a friend in HR suggested she try recruitment. That was back in the 1990’s so she has 30+ years’ experience in the industry!
Driven by people and relationships, Sharon found her niche at a specialist Finance & Accounting recruitment consultancy. Her proven results and leadership skills led to senior roles and a director appointment in London and later, on her return to New Zealand, she worked within two highly regarded executive recruitment firms, including being a shareholder and member of the senior leadership team for OCG Consulting.
Several years ago, Sharon chose to step away from leading teams and after 3 years with Sheffield Search she joined Momentum Consulting in 2016, focusing on executive search assignments and senior recruitment—both short-term consulting contracts and permanent searches, locally and Trans-Tasman.
Whilst at least half of her work is in People & Culture and senior Finance & Accounting disciplines, she enjoys helping clients recruit a variety of Executive and Senior Leadership roles working with a mix of NZX-listed companies, privately owned corporates, government agencies, local government, social services, and For-Purpose organisations.
Passionate about leadership, Sharon firmly believes people can make or break an organisation. She loves to be the ‘go-to trusted recruitment partner’ ensuring she understands the business needs. She will go the extra mile to help clients recruit the best people for their teams, utilising a combination of best practice executive search and selection methodologies, and guide them efficiently through a robust process and successful appointment.
FAQs:
What is your advice to progress a career in HR?
Building credibility in HR goes beyond qualifications and technical knowledge, it rests on the ability to be a trusted partner. HR professionals earn the chance to influence by developing strong business acumen when they demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of the commercial drivers of an organisation, including risk appetite, and communicating with clarity and confidence. Don’t assume this is only important to NZX listed companies and corporates, this applies to careers in Government Agencies and Not-For-Profits alike. When leaders and employees see the People & Culture function as a strategic partner rather than an administrative function, credibility follows. Equally important is an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity. HR often handles sensitive information and complex situations where confidentiality, fairness, and balanced judgement are essential. Maintaining consistency and transparency builds trust, positioning HR as a reliable voice even in moments of tension. A credible HR professional is one who can be counted on to advocate for people while aligning decisions with organisational objectives.
Workplaces are evolving quickly, shaped by technology, workforce expectations, and global trends. Those HR practitioners who stay curious, embrace data and analytics, and adapt to and lead change demonstrate lasting relevance.
What is the future for HR professionals as AI is increasingly being adopted?
As we lean into AI, replacing the admin side of our HR roles, we can redesign the future of HR roles with greater focus on our human-centred work and amplify our strategic influence and impact. Specifically with focus on...Wellbeing, Culture, Leadership development and Performance. Isn’t that HR utopia?
What's the market doing?
Currently it’s the slowest I have ever experienced, since 1991 living in London during a gruelling UK recession. The New Zealand market will bounce back, but it’s especially hard right now for young people, graduates, and those whose roles have been dis-established. I know many excellent candidates currently looking for a job and many people eager to jump into a new role but a lot of people are sitting tight. If you'd like a glimpse into what I'm seeing currently, give me a call!
