SIAN LEAN

Careers Consultant, Facilitator, Designer, Founder & Business Owner

My superpower is helping you find yours!

I am a results-driven, motivated and engaging careers consultant, facilitator, designer and business owner. What one person sees as a barrier, I see as an opportunity and challenge. I am resilient and will chip away until I get a result. I inspire those who work with me to do the same.

I am a creative professional and have expertise from working in several industries. This gives me profound insight into different industries, roles and pathways. It also means I have a very wide network of professionals with whom I connect. I am a people, projects and outcomes person.

I have project management expertise, experience working in government, at industry training organisations and at university. I have experience leading teams, managing budgets and developing strategies to engage audiences.

I am the founder of Zebra Career Consulting, a bespoke career support service providing customized CV's and cover letters plus career insights for jobseekers of all ages and backgrounds. My lateral approach to career discovery helps my clients shift industries and roles. I am there to support clients through challenging times by helping jobseekers access inner confidence and wisdom to move forward with a positive, growth mindset for the future.

I am the founder and director of Ahmedabad Silk Traders, a premium women's clothing brand, made in India. Ahmedabad Silk Traders' mission is to connect women makers, business owners and wearers with the world's most exquisite natural and recycled fabrics from India, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Ahmedabad Silk Traders promotes slow-fashion and has a waiting list for our small-batch production which is ethically done in India. Ahmedabad Silk Traders produces practical, loose and comfortable garments for everyday wear at home or work. Our garments are OSFM (One Size Fits Most) and are approximately around New Zealand size 18+.

We aim to draw awareness to mindful consumption and encourage the use of breathable, natural fibres such as cotton, linen, peace-silk and wool. We use recycled and vintage fabric where possible and work with producers to use re-milled surplus fabric scraps. We try to use plant or azo-free dyes where possible.

Our garments are for the adventurous at heart and for those whose travelling days are over but want to continue the story by connecting with wearable art. Ahmedabad Silk Trader garments showcase exquisite embroidery techniques, fabulous fabric and are unique, timeless and season-less pieces we encourage you to wear again and again, patch, re-wear and make them part of your story.

You can check out Ahmedabad Silk Traders on Instagram.

• Supported jobseekers in Wellington area: 2024 - ongoing
• Project managed jobs expo for clients with disabilities - 2024 - ongoing
• Owner and operator coach charter business, 2016 - 2019
• Launched brand, Ahmedabad Silk Traders, 2024
• Recipient, PPTA Teacher's Award, scholarship for postgraduate study at Massey University - 2006
• Led a musical performance at the Sydney Opera House

• Member of Hutt and Kapiti Chamber of Commerce

• Registered Teacher, NZ Teacher's Council, 2005
• Accredited Budget Advisor, NZFFBS, 2012

• Parkrun volunteer, Run Director 2016 - 2023, Kapiti

Available upon request