In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Graeme Clegg, the Executive Chairman and Founder of the New Image Group, embarked on his path to success in the world of health and nutrition. Join us as Graeme shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets New Image Group apart from other companies, how Graeme navigated challenges, and his aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Graeme’s journey as Chairman and Founder in his relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of health and nutrition.
Introduction and Background
Graeme Clegg’s journey began in 1984 following his experience as a sheep farmer in Masterton, New Zealand. It was during that time that he discovered the incredible health benefits of colostrum, nature’s first food, which is packed with bio actives, antibodies, antioxidants, and prebiotics that enhance the immune system. His passion for natural health intensified when he lost three family members to cancer, motivating him to create a company that would help people live longer and healthier lives. Determined to break the cycle of illness, Graeme founded New Image Group to harness the power of colostrum and develop innovative health products. Over the past 40 years, New Image Group has grown into a global enterprise, improving the lives of millions worldwide while maintaining Graeme’s unwavering passion for health and innovation.
Vision for the Future and Goals
Graeme Clegg’s vision for New Image Group has remained steadfast since its inception—to deliver the best health and nutritional products to help people live better quality and healthier lives. Today, the company operates in more than 20 countries across four continents, with new markets recently opened in South Korea and Greece with India to follow. New Image Group’s product line has expanded from colostrum-based health supplements and weight management to skincare products, serving over 1.5 million customers daily. Looking ahead, Graeme is committed to expanding into further international markets, investing in research and development, and advancing colostrum science. He personally dedicates time to the company’s Innovations Division, ensuring continuous breakthroughs in colostrum research and clinical studies to maximize its potential for global health.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout his career, Graeme Clegg has navigated numerous challenges, from the 1997 Asian financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that challenges present opportunities for growth and innovation and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a resilient mindset. Graeme leads by example, fostering a company culture that encourages collaboration and diverse perspectives to solve problems effectively and be innovative. He also believes that strong leadership requires passion and purpose, ensuring that his team shares his vision for improving lives through health and nutrition. Celebrating New Image Group’s 40th anniversary is a testament to the company’s strength and ability to adapt through times of uncertainty.
Future Opportunities and Market Trends
As global demographics shift and the aging population grows, the demand for wellness and preventative health products is increasing. Graeme sees this as a significant opportunity for New Image Group, as he strongly believes in proactive healthcare rather than reactive health systems practiced by many countries today. The company’s focus is on prevention rather than cure. New Image Group’s recent expansion into South Korea highlights its commitment to meeting the rising demand for premium health supplements. Graeme is determined to continue pioneering advancements in health science, ensuring that New Image Group remains at the forefront of the wellness industry. The Covid epidemic created public awareness about mutating viruses and the need for robust immune systems. Colostrum’s most powerful influence is strengthening natures first line of defence as the ultimate protection.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Graeme Clegg recognizes the power of strategic partnerships in driving growth and innovation. In 2022, New Image Group acquired the Iconic Nutrimetics skincare and cosmetics business from Tupperware, a move that complemented its health and nutrition portfolio. Additionally, the company’s acquisition of Food Waikato, a premier innovative spray-drying facility in New Zealand, allows New Image Group to further commercialize scientific breakthroughs in health and nutrition. Through these partnerships, Graeme ensures that New Image Group continues to be a world leaders in the development of evidence-based, high-quality, scientifically validated products that improve people’s well-being.
Exciting Technological Advancements
Graeme is passionate about colostrum research and is proud of New Image Group’s patented Alpha Lipid™ Technology, which enhances the absorption into the cells of colostrum’s bio actives. This breakthrough ensures maximum health benefits for consumers. Looking ahead, New Image Group is actively researching an enhanced bioactive colostrum product, aiming to further harness nature’s therapeutic potential. Robust immune systems enabled our ancestors to survive through many plagues and epidemics prior to vaccines and antibiotics. Graeme remains committed to researching and discovering many Bio actives in colostrum that help reduce many of the lifestyle diseases that are proliferating today. He believes that all disease and even aging is the result of dysfunctional immune systems. Mother natures colostrum is the only substance that can influence and restore maximum immune function. Colostrum is truly “The Gift Of Creation”
Ethical Considerations and Sustainability
Integrity and ethical responsibility lie at the heart of New Image Group’s operations. Graeme is unwavering in its dedication to product quality and animal welfare, ensuring colostrum is sourced exclusively from grass-fed cows without the use of supplemental feeding, antibiotics, or hormones. The company enforces rigorous ethical standards, mandating that all farmers provide newborn calves with the vital first few litres of colostrum that transfers the mother’s immunity, before any collection takes place. This ensures the sustainability of the dairy industry.Through this steadfast commitment to these principles, New Image Group’s upholds its dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices.
Significant Achievements and Business Impact
New Image Group’s success story is built on four decades of continuous growth, expanding its range to over 33 products all developed for prevention and to promote better health. The company’s direct selling model empowers individuals to build businesses while sharing the benefits of New Image Group’s products. As a testament to its impact, New Image Group has received numerous international awards and has been featured on the Direct Selling News (DSN) Global 100 list since 2014. In 2023, the company ranked #26 worldwide, with USD $489 million in revenue, making it the only New Zealand-based company in the top 100. Graeme is proud of these accomplishments and remains dedicated to achieving even greater milestones in the future. The company, its products and distribution system are attracting much media and public attention internationally.
Lessons from an Entrepreneurial Journey
Graeme Clegg believes that entrepreneurship is a calling that requires passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to act on their ideas without hesitation, emphasizing the importance of hard work, discipline and adaptability. While challenges are inevitable, Graeme sees them as opportunities for growth and transformation. His journey exemplifies how vision, determination, and purpose can create lasting success in business and personal fulfilment.
Education and Empowerment for a Better Future
New Image Group prioritizes education and empowerment, recognizing that knowledge is key to fostering healthier communities. The company invests in training and development programs for its independent distributors, equipping them with the tools to build successful businesses. Graeme believes in creating a supportive community that values learning, recognition, and personal growth. By educating individuals about the benefits of proper nutrition and immune health, New Image Group is driving a movement toward a more informed and health-conscious society.
A Vision for the Future
Graeme Clegg envisions a world where natural health solutions are widely embraced, reducing preventable illnesses and improving overall well-being. His mission is to blend modern scientific advancements with time-honoured holistic ingredients like bovine colostrum, ensuring that effective wellness solutions are accessible to all. At 85 years old, Graeme remains an early riser, driven by purpose and passion. He believes that having a strong sense of purpose extends life, and his commitment to health and innovation is a testament to the power of his vision. As New Image Group continues to grow, Graeme is excited about the future and the positive impact his company will have on global health and wellness.
In conclusion, Graeme Clegg’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving global health and well-being. From his early days as a sheep farmer to building a multinational company that pioneer’s colostrum-based health products, Graeme has remained dedicated to his mission of helping people live healthier and longer lives. His passion for research, commitment to ethical business practices, and emphasis on empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship have solidified his legacy as a leader in the industry. As New Image Group continues to grow and innovate, Graeme’s vision for a healthier future remains the driving force behind his work, inspiring countless individuals around the world.
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