About 3 Big Things
Changing minds, lives and workplaces for the better
3 Big Things is a New Zealand psychology and wellbeing practice, led by registered psychologists.
Our story
We started 3 Big Things to change the conditions, not only treat the individual.
3 Big Things began in 2022. We had spent years inside New Zealand’s psychology and wellbeing services, including leading the country’s largest private psychology practice. We saw the same pattern everywhere: good support for people once they were already struggling, and very little attention paid to the design of the work that put them there.
So we built something different. A practice that brings clinical depth to how work is designed and led, and still provides real support to the people who need it now. The belief underneath it is simple: New Zealanders deserve better access to meaningful psychological support, so they can be clear and at their best in every part of life, not only at work. Meaningful because it’s evidence based, easy to understand, and makes a practical difference for individuals, families and businesses. We turn common sense conversations into lasting change, because when people are at their best, they can meet any challenge with clarity and strength.
Why 3 Big Things
Mind. Body. Environment.
Wellbeing rests on three things: your mind, your body, and the environment around you. That means how you think and feel, how your body is holding up, and the conditions you live and work in. They lean on each other, so when one is under strain, the other two feel it, much as Te Whare Tapa Whā reminds us that a house stands on more than one wall.
We also believe in focus. Not everything at once, but the three things that would make the biggest difference right now, for you as a person or for your business. Name them, get them right, and the rest tends to follow.
Our Co-CEOs
Led by two registered psychologists.
3 Big Things is led by two Co-CEOs, both registered psychologists, supported by a team of more than 40 psychologists, social workers and counsellors across Aotearoa. Every service we deliver is led by registered practitioners, not generalists.
Co-CEO · Registered Psychologist
Chris Scott
I start from what good feels like. When work is designed well, you see it quickly: clearer thinking, steadier teams, and workplaces people actually want to be in. Helping leaders, managers and individuals find meaning and connection in their work and life is something I have done as a psychologist for more than 25 years.
I co-founded 3 Big Things in 2022. I trained in Scotland and have practised across Scotland, the United States and Aotearoa, from frontline work to leading psychology services. I coach executives and leaders who want to perform well without running themselves or others into the ground, and I help organisations design work so wellbeing is built in rather than bolted on. I am especially interested in workplaces that fit the full range of talent and needs, because the changes that help neurodivergent people tend to help everyone. I trained at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dundee, and have completed the Institute of Directors’ Company Directors’ Course.
Co-CEO · Registered Clinical Psychologist
Sean Versteegh
I lead with a simple observation: people do their best work when three things are true. They are supported to do it well, they have real say in how it gets done, and they feel connected to the people around them. Competence, autonomy, connection. Easy to name, harder to build, and the most strongly evidenced foundation for engagement and performance at work, yet rarely the thing leaders are deliberately building for.
I am a registered clinical psychologist and a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists. Before 3 Big Things, I spent two decades in clinical psychology and leadership, including as General Manager of New Zealand’s largest private employer of psychologists, leading more than 250 professionals nationally. That role taught me something I keep returning to: most people want to do good work, and the real question is whether the conditions let them. I work directly with executive teams, and bring a clinical lens to psychosocial risk, leadership and culture.
Governance
A board with governance, legal and financial depth.
Our clinical work is led by psychologists. The discipline around it — in governance, risk, finance and strategy — comes from a board with deep experience across the public and private sectors.
Justine Gilliland
Director
LLB · BA (Hons)
Justine is a professional director and strategy and engagement consultant, with governance roles across health, environment and energy, including UniMed, Toitū Envirocare and NZ Offshore Wind. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the University of Otago, and brings a strong background in public sector strategy and stakeholder engagement.
Ngila Bevan
Director
LLB · MScEcon
Ngila is a barrister and professional director, with governance experience across health, Māori and community organisations, including Tū Ora Compass Health and Raukawa Whānau Ora, and chairing audit and risk committees. She trained in law in the United Kingdom and has completed the Institute of Directors' Company Directors' Course. She brings legal, audit and risk expertise to the board.
Dean Riley
Director
LLB · BCom
Dean is a Chartered Accountant and senior finance executive with extensive experience in financial services and insurance, having held senior roles in the Kiwibank group, PwC and as Finance Director of UniMed, a mutual health insurer. As a Director of 3 Big Things, he contributes expertise in governance, strategy, risk management and commercial leadership.