It’s all about relationships
‘Diverse’ and ‘uplifting’ are two words Nadia Mclean uses to describe her new role as Group Managing Director for AbacusBio.
She said the focus on teamwork and culture has always been a foundational part of the company. One of the things she’s really drawn to, and proud of, is the flat structure, without unnecessary hierarchy.
“As we continue to expand and grow, it’s really important we maintain this culture and way of working, which can be a challenge as we grow, but this is also so important.”
Nadia started out with AbacusBio 13 years ago as a consultant, and 12 months ago stepped in as General Manager, following several months as Acting Managing Partner last winter while the then-Managing Director Peter Amer was on sabbatical leave. Nadia described them both as great stepping stones for taking on this responsibility and said numerous chats over the past 18 months about what the job would look like plus great engagement with the Partner team and Board have all been really beneficial.
“Having been part of the company for 13 years, you know the systems, teams and processes.”
In the role as General Manager, she led the management team, and now as Group Managing Director, the role involves more of a strategic focus, including serving as a Board Director and working closely with Regional Managing Directors in Australia, Canada and the UK.
“It shifts the focus outward, looking beyond internal matters to the bigger picture.”
Early in the job Nadia is enjoying taking the time to connect with the team.
“I’m enjoying chipping away and taking the opportunity to meet everyone in the team, hear more about the work they are focused on in the business, and the opportunities they see for AbacusBio.”
Of course, one-on-one meetings are often online, and juggling time zones will continue to be a regular feature of Nadia’s job as it is for many people in the business.
But this year she’s visited the UK and Canada, had a UK visit last year, and recently Australian colleagues have been here in NZ, which has all been really beneficial.
“We try our best to build that inter-office connection as much as possible.”
Invigorating is how Nadia has described her visits to the regional offices. She has thoroughly enjoyed those “less purpose driven” conversations, getting to know team members as a whole person rather than establishing a relationship purely around roles in the business.
Nadia’s role has been developed with her strengths in mind, with Peter Amer shifting to his new position as Chief Scientific Officer, tapping into his strengths.
“This creates new opportunities for the business.”
Collaboration is central to AbacusBio’s strategy, shaping its approach to engagement and leadership. This ethos underpins what Nadia describes as a “Clear Vision Approach” and a commitment to aligning scientific expertise with commercial realities to deliver meaningful outcomes.
The company’s ambition is clear, to expand its global footprint while staying true to its core identity as a leading agriscience consultancy.
Nadia says this vision is strengthened by innovative tools like DTreo Plants and DTreo Animals which allow data storage and management of performance and pedigree data to support breeding and decision making.
She said balancing scientific rigor with commercial drivers is not insignificant as a consulting business. Scientists value time and precision; consultancy requires agility and responsiveness. She admitted consultancy is not for everyone, and the combination of science and commercial business can be challenging.
“It’s about getting it to 98%, the last 2% rarely makes a difference to the outcome.”
Despite global challenges in recent years, Nadia noted AbacusBio’s client base has been fairly resilient, due to the growing awareness of food security and sustainable farming practices.
She said COVID prompted them to think how they might deliver things differently. Operating as an international business now means being adaptable and flexible, offering round-the-clock availability, while safeguarding work-life balance.
“We have to be adaptable and flexible.”
Nadia’s career began in Dunedin where she studied vet nursing before joining AgResearch soon after.
She had roles across various groups including the molecular biology unit, wool meteorology, meat quality, reproduction and animal genomics, providing a really broad scientific foundation.
“I’d quite happily throw my hand to anything; I started off as a maternity cover.”
She then went on to work for a large farming organisation for a couple of years before joining AbacusBio, where her passion for the rural sector and her ability to bridge science and business found the perfect fit.
“I’ve always understood scientists.” Nadia says crediting years of collaboration with high performing teams for shaping her leadership style.
Nadia describes her younger self as a tomboy, who loved spending time on the extended family’s farm in Central Otago.
Nadia believes success hinges on relationships.
“It’s about working with people, building on those connections, and using science to back it up.”
A busy family life keeps Nadia occupied when she’s away from work.
She and her partner, Luke, on their two-hectare lifestyle block on the outskirts of Dunedin have an eight-year-old daughter (Elsie) and five-year-old twin boys (Billy and Ted), and together enjoy family time holidaying in the Caitlins or lakes around Otago, where they like to explore the outdoors and go biking and walking.
Nadia’s medium-term plan is to get herself another dressage horse, but for now home life being “all about the kids” is what makes her most happy.
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