Our Approach
Polish is founded by Melissa Frerk — a senior executive coach and learning designer with over two decades of experience helping New Zealand leaders navigate complex change. We believe that AI transformation is fundamentally a human challenge, not a technology one.
Three Programmes, One Mission
Leading Through AI-Driven Change
Half-day online workshop
Builds confidence and clarity around AI-driven change — reducing fear, improving communication and empowering teams to use AI responsibly. Participants develop a personal action plan during the session and receive a live Action session afterwards to put their learning into practice.
What you'll achieve
- Reduce fear and resistance to AI-driven change
- Communicate AI change confidently to your team
- Empower responsible AI use across your organisation
- Leave with a personal action plan ready to implement
Suitable for: Businesses focused on sustainability, resource management and leadership.
Investment
NZ $995 + GST per person
50% co-funding available through the Regional Business Partner (RBP) programme.
Hiring in the AI Era
Workshop
Rethink your talent strategy. Identify AI-ready competencies and build a future-fit workforce.
Building an AI-Ready Team
Workshop
Develop the mindset, skills, and culture your team needs to work effectively alongside AI.
Why Polish
Built for leaders, not technologists
Strategic focus on leadership impact over technical complexity.
Grounded in real NZ context
Specifically designed for the unique New Zealand business landscape.
Blended learning
Flexible formats that fit into the busy schedules of modern executives.
Measurable outcomes
Practical tools and frameworks that deliver immediate value to your organisation.
About Melissa Frerk
Two decades of leadership development experience
Melissa is a senior executive coach, facilitator, and learning designer who has spent over 20 years working with New Zealand business leaders on the human side of transformation — communication, culture, psychological safety, and change readiness.
She brings a nine-pillar framework for human-centred AI leadership — built on the conviction that deep leadership work stays human, while AI automates the repeatable. Her programmes are grounded in real organisational contexts, not theory.
Melissa works with business chamber networks, RBP-eligible companies, and individual organisations seeking a trusted partner for their AI leadership journey.
Services
Beyond our core programmes, we offer bespoke solutions tailored to your organisation's specific needs and culture.
Common questions
Everything you need to know about Polish
What is Polish?
Polish is a New Zealand leadership development company founded by Melissa Frerk. We help leaders, teams and businesses across New Zealand and Australia build the human capability needed to lead through AI-driven change — focusing on leadership impact, communication and culture, not technical AI skills.
Who is Melissa Frerk?
Melissa Frerk is a senior executive coach, facilitator, and learning designer with over 20 years of experience working with New Zealand business leaders. She founded Polish to address the human side of AI transformation — communication, culture, psychological safety, and change readiness. She brings a nine-pillar framework for human-centred AI leadership.
What AI leadership programmes does Polish offer?
Three core programmes: Leading Through AI-Driven Change (half-day online workshop, NZ $995 + GST); Hiring in the AI Era (rethinking talent strategy for AI-readiness); and Building an AI-Ready Team (mindset, skills and culture for working alongside AI).
Is Polish's training eligible for RBP co-funding?
Yes. The Leading Through AI-Driven Change workshop is eligible for 50% co-funding through New Zealand's Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network, reducing the cost to approximately NZ $497.50 + GST per person for eligible businesses.
Where does Polish operate?
Polish is New Zealand-based, working with organisations nationally and across Australia. Melissa works with business chamber networks, RBP-eligible companies, and individual organisations seeking a trusted partner for their AI leadership journey.
How is Polish different from other AI training providers?
Polish is built for leaders, not technologists. Our programmes are grounded in real New Zealand business context, delivered in formats that fit executive schedules, and designed to produce measurable outcomes — not just AI awareness.
Ready to talk?
Whether you're exploring a programme, looking for coaching, or want to bring Melissa in as a speaker — we'd love to hear from you.