Michael Hill the jeweller believes New Zealanders with the most potential were brought up on the land.
Speaking to invited guests of the American Chamber of Commerce in Auckland today, Mr Hill talked about getting the best potential out of his employees, at the launch of his new book Toughen Up.
Mr Hill was back in New Zealand after his recent trip to Monte Carlo, where he was among 50 finalists in the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
The top honour went to Chinese businessman Cao Dewang, chairman of Fuyao Glass Industry Group.
At today's launch at Auckland's Stamford Plaza, Mr Hill covered topics from his humble beginnings in Whangarei to the entrepreneur he has become today.
He also spoke about the inspiration he took from the other entrepreneurs he met on his trip to Monte Carlo.
"Each entrepreneur was a complete, fully-rounded, balanced person and not one of them had an ego.
"The contacts I made were amazing. It was truly an inspiration.
"Anyone who thinks they have the potential should just go for it and enter this competition. Being there for those days was truly something I'll never forget and it has changed me," he said.
Mr Hill added that he did not think young people in New Zealand really understood what tough times were.
"I think the core of this whole country is the farming community and the people who have been brought up on the land. They're the people that have got the spirit and they've learnt about life the hard way.
"They're not the people who look the flashest. They might be very ordinary looking, but they've got potential. If you can find that potential in people, you can do miracles," Mr Hill said.
Gerald Fitzgerald of Kensington Swan said everything Michael Hill did was about consistency of brand.
"It's a wonderful lesson for New Zealand business. How that consistency of branding provides opportunities to leverage the business. And with Michael Hill, I'm sure it's a case of watch this space.
"His book, Toughen Up, really highlights the value of people.
"It is full of stories about people who have worked for Michael and have realised their full potential," Mr Fitzgerald said.
