Tech entrepreneur Annette Presley spends more time on philanthropy and mentoring these days than day-to-day business.
Ms Presley started her first business at age 24 in 1988, then went on to launch her own IT recruitment company, Stratum. She co-founded CallPlus, made up of CallPlus Business, Slingshot, Orcon, Flip and 2talk, with her business partner and former husband Malcolm Dick. The company sold to Australia’s M2 (now part of Vocus) for $250 million in 2015.
After growing up in poverty in South Auckland, Ms Presley – who’s a member of the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women – understands how motivation and support can help people succeed in business and life.
In March, she held a fundraiser at her Takapuna mansion where more than $100,000 was raised for her charity – Elicit Dream Academy for Girls – which aims to inspire and mentor young women to success.
She also gives her time to several charities including Dress for Success, Manukau’s Kidz First Children’s Hospital and stepUP, which aims to inspire underprivileged youths to overcome their personal obstacles.