People change organisations. 

Our History

Vargo + Lewis, founded by Shary Vargo and Sally Lewis, provided management consulting services with a focus on people, functions, learning and development, and organisational development. After many successful years supporting ongoing and new clients, Vargo + Lewis now has a new direction in the shape of UPPO. 

What started as a Christchurch based business established in 2006, has now grown into a national business. UPPO now services iconic New Zealand businesses, local government, large businesses, smaller operators and everyone in between. 

UPPO aims to unlock the potential in people and organisations by understanding human behaviour, leveraging neuroscience, and addressing challenges for collective success. By understanding the brain and how our `why’ is cultivated through stories, experiences, and our past, we start to better understand ourselves, the value in each other and our differences, and how we contribute to the whole picture.  

So, while UPPO is a new step in the future of Vargo + Lewis, we take with us great learnings and a solid foundation built on relationships. UPPO recognises that while we are all similar, we are also unique, and by unlocking individuals the collective thrive. 

What we stand for

We stand for Unlocking the Potential in People and Organisations. We use an empathetic and mindful approach to expand confidence, wellbeing, and resilience.   

We challenge thinking, contest traditional ways, and use specific tools to create bespoke packages. We level up individuals and organisations through empowering, educating, and releasing people’s potential. 

Our UPPO consultants look at business from a people perspective by applying our diverse experience, neuroscience training, research, and a firm understanding of human behaviour to our highly successful programmes.

  • We are People Consultants. 

  • We help people to be successful. 

  • We help people and organisations to navigate change smoothly. 

  • We partner with organisations to help them thrive.  

What We Value

Authenticity

Authenticity is the driving force behind everything we do. Why? Because authenticity builds trust and fosters genuine connections – the very base of our business. By being authentic, we create an environment where people feel seen, heard, and understood; it allows space to stand tall with integrity and transparency. It fuels innovation and empowers individuals to bring their authentic self to work, unlocking their full potential. It’s the UPPO way. 

Balance

Balance brings harmony and stability to our work and life. Striking a balance, however that looks for each of us, allows us to effectively manage our resources, time, and energy, maximising the positive and minimising the negative. It ensures we remain agile, adaptable, and resilient in the face of challenges. It is not just our value; it is what we strive for to embrace both growth and wellbeing.

Success

Success inspires us to dream big and challenge the traditional, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We celebrate success, reward hard work, and admire dedication. Success enables us to make a meaningful impact, not only within our organisation but also in the lives of our clients, families, and communities. Success breeds confidence, creating a positive feedback loop that ignites a culture of ambition, satisfaction, and achievement.