An international development methodology, delivered in New Zealand
SMI develops people through structure, application and reinforcement — an approach built over decades and delivered here by SMI New Zealand.
Success Motivation International
Built on the work of Paul J. Meyer
Paul J. Meyer founded Success Motivation Institute in 1960 with a belief that people could develop the attitudes, habits and skills needed to achieve more of their potential.
His own journey shaped that belief. From an early career in sales, where goal setting became central to his approach, Meyer went on to build a body of personal and professional development work centred on turning goals into practical action.
His approach was not simply about knowing what to do. It focused on structured development, application, reinforcement and the repeated behaviours that help create meaningful change over time.
That philosophy became the foundation of Success Motivation International and its development programs, reaching people and organisations internationally.
Meyer’s legacy also extended beyond business. Together with his wife Jane, he established the Paul and Jane Meyer Family Foundation in 1984, supporting charitable organisations and community initiatives.
Today, the principles at the heart of his work continue through SMI: helping people clarify what they want to achieve, develop themselves intentionally and turn goals into action.
Why SMI development is structured the way it is
Long-term personal and professional development, built on application, reinforcement and measurable behavioural change.
Structured development
Material is worked through in a deliberate sequence rather than delivered as a one-off event.
Application
Each stage is applied in the participant's own work and life, not left as theory.
Reinforcement and accountability
Development is revisited over time, with accountability that keeps progress visible.
Bringing SMI development to New Zealand
SMI NZ delivers SMI's development programs to individuals, leaders, teams and organisations across New Zealand.
Its work brings SMI's structured approach into practical personal, professional, leadership, management, sales and business development.
Beyond its development work, SMI NZ values connection with organisations making a positive difference in New Zealand communities, including I Am Hope Foundation NZ.
Roger Evans
SMI New Zealand
Roger Evans leads SMI New Zealand, bringing both business experience and a deeply practical approach to personal and leadership development.
His own journey has shaped the way he works with others. After building a life and career in Zimbabwe, Roger went through the experience of rebuilding in New Zealand. That perspective has given him a very real understanding that progress is rarely a straight line — and that knowing what to do and consistently doing it are two very different things.
Roger was already a goal setter before becoming involved with SMI, but his experience with the SMI methodology changed the way he approached goals, time and personal development. What had often been shorter-term goals and activity became a more deliberate focus on longer-term outcomes, structured action and continual review.
Today, Roger works directly with individuals, business owners and leaders through SMI New Zealand. His approach is practical and conversational. He asks questions, challenges vague thinking, recognises progress and brings the conversation back to application and accountability — helping people turn what they know into what they actually do.
Start a conversation with SMI NZ
Tell us what you'd like to achieve and we'll talk it through.