John Miles

Overview

John Miles is a keynote speaker, author and CEO of the New Zealand Marketing Association. He has more than 35 years’ experience across marketing, leadership, education and organisational change. His speaking is about the skills that will keep people valuable in the age of AI, and about the one he believes matters most: the ability to make a decision. His book Sod It, Just Do It (2026) sets out his practical system for beating overthinking. It gives conference audiences a simple, memorable way to back themselves, make the call and get more done.

Who is John Miles?

John was born in Newcastle, England, and moved to New Zealand at the age of six. His career has taken him from international sport to marketing beer. Along the way he launched New Zealand’s first Film and TV export group and launched more than 20 brands in the New Zealand market. He also held executive roles in international education, including chief executive of SP Jain School of Global Management. He became CEO of the New Zealand Marketing Association in September 2019. Since then he has taken the organisation from a local player to an association with international recognition. His philosophy is simple: innovate, innovate and innovate again. Usually followed by Sod it, just do it.

Career Highlights

CEO, New Zealand Marketing Association (2019–present)

35+ years across marketing, leadership, education and organisational change

Launched New Zealand’s first Film and TV export group

Launched more than 20 brands in the New Zealand market

Former chief executive, SP Jain School of Global Management, and business development director, Laureate International Universities

Created the MA tagline “Helping Marketers be Brilliant” and helped in the relaunch of the YouTube New Zealand Marketing Awards

Built partnerships with Google, YouTube, TikTok, Spark and Westpac

Creator of the Advanced Marketing Leadership programme, Think Again and Top Talent programme

Spoke at the African Marketing Federation Conference and signed an MOU with the Asian Marketing Federation (2024)

Author of Sod It, Just Do It (Sod It Publishing, 2026)

Represented New Zealand in badminton

Key Speaking Themes

• The Future Professional: the skills that make you unignorable in 2030

• Decision-making and the Sod It, Just Do It framework - beating inertia and getting more stuff done

• 50 Years of Great NZ Advertising: the traits of truly exceptional campaigns

• The Art of Making Things Happen - How change helped an association located at the bottom of the world become a global benchmark

What Your Audience Will Gain

John’s keynotes give audiences a simple decision-making system they can use straight away. They learn how to cut through overthinking with tools like the pub test, and they learn which human skills will matter most by 2030. Audiences also leave with a clear understanding that indecision has a real cost. Funny, direct and practical, John sends people away ready to back themselves and make the call.

Ideal For

Corporate conferences and leadership events

Marketing, brand and communications teams

Industry association and member events

Future-of-work and AI-focused events

Sales kick-offs and team offsites

Emerging leaders and graduate programmes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does John Miles speak about?
Decision-making, future skills, leadership, beating inertia, building communities and great marketing.

Is John Miles currently CEO of the New Zealand Marketing Association?
Yes. He has been CEO of the New Zealand Marketing Association since September 2019.

Has John Miles written a book?
Yes. Sod It, Just Do It: A practical guide to making decisions and getting stuff done was published in June 2026. An international edition is in development.

What is the Sod It, Just Do It framework?
It is John’s seven-step decision-making system for beating decision paralysis. It uses common-sense checks like the pub test and questions such as “What’s the best possible thing that can happen?”