Our co-founders.

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Mahesh Vallabh

A trusted operating model design and transformation expert with a strong reputation and wide multi-sector network in New Zealand. Co-founder of Ahu Jobs, Inside Consulting, and Talent Echo, Mash brings deep experience in talent strategy, operating models, and change management.

Mash’s credibility and connections enhance Hawthorne-Ventures’ relevance and reach, ensuring our tools and services meet real needs and solve the problems he sees leaders face every day.

Business co-founder headshot. Man with glasses wearing a dark green polo shirt standing against a plain background.

Nick Walshe

A technical and strategic HR systems lead with experience in recruitment, people analytics, and HR technology. Nick brings hands-on expertise in building scalable tools and integrating HR systems, with strong skills in Python and AI.

Nick is leading product architecture and data integration for Hawthorne-Ventures, beginning with Modus, our AI Organisation Design tool.

Business co-founder headshot. Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a black cardigan on a plain background.

Olivia Burrell

A business change expert with broad cross-industry experience covering strategy, HR, change management, and operating model design. A thoughtful communicator and storyteller, she works closely with senior leaders to shape strategy and lead business transformation.

Liv’s ability to bridge technical insight and human understanding gives Hawthorne-Ventures’ products and services a cohesive identity, ensuring they connect meaningfully with the people who use them.