Vantaset’s High-Performance Platform Set for Global Rollout in Five Eyes Nations

Elite Athlete Research from Vantaset Spurs Workplace Transformation for Police and Defence Forces

A pioneering workplace performance system from New Zealand is drawing international interest from law enforcement and defence agencies across the Five Eyes alliance.

The platform, developed by New Zealand performance strategist Craig Steel, uses decades of research into the psychological breaking point of elite athletes to improve workplace performance. Already used by the New Zealand Police, the model is now being explored by police and security agencies in North America and the United Kingdom, including organisations affiliated with the FBI and World Policing, a UK-based governance advisory group.

From Olympic Mindset to Operational Success

Developed over seven years at a cost of $7 million, the framework has evolved into a scalable platform-as-a-service (PaaS) model designed for government and corporate clients. The system was created by Vantaset, whose team includes a former All Blacks manager and Olympians Moss Burmester and Anthony Moss.

By reverse engineering the moment when elite athletes psychologically collapse under pressure, Vantaset created a repeatable performance framework. The original sports version helped New Zealand athletes win over 20 world titles and achieve personal bests in 87 percent of Tier 1 events, compared to the international average of 8 to 10 percent.

Craig Steel says what began as a high-performance system for athletes is now changing the way organisations engage and develop their people. Vantaset is working with police leaders across North America who are seeking a solution to plummeting staff engagement and retention.

Transforming the NZ Police and What Comes Next

The framework was previously credited by former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush with supporting one of the most successful public sector transformations in recent history. The system helped the Police increase public trust, boost internal engagement, and reduce crime by more than 20 percent.

Steel says several North American agencies have identified Vantaset’s platform as the most promising tool they have seen to address widespread challenges in workforce engagement and leadership.

A New Model of Human Performance

The Vantaset platform helps organisations shift from a risk-averse mindset to a performance-driven culture. Steel says the system is designed to amplify potential, not just manage risk.

“In elite sport, the objective is to produce something exceptional. Most performance management systems in business are focused on controlling issues instead of enabling top performance. Vantaset flips that script by embedding principles that help people operate at their best.”

The digital platform enables leaders to codify elite performance at scale, unlocking the capability already present within their workforce. Over 100 organisations and 30,000 employees have benefited from the system to date, with Vantaset now preparing to expand into Five Eyes countries.

Strategic Focus on Trusted Allies

Vantaset has chosen to work exclusively within Five Eyes nations to maintain alignment with key national security partners. Steel says avoiding partnerships with non-aligned countries ensures the platform remains trusted and eligible to support the most sensitive government environments.

“We’re focused on building long-term trust with agencies where performance has national consequences,” he says.

Accelerating Global Growth with Distribution Partners

Vantaset is also forming partnerships with major international consulting firms to support global expansion. Its new digital delivery model makes the system suitable for frontline, corporate and public sector applications alike.

By focusing on performance, not just compliance, Vantaset is helping organisations unlock their full capability, one individual at a time.

National Interest Signals Global Momentum for Vantaset

This announcement has attracted widespread national media attention, reflecting the significance of Vantaset’s performance platform for both public and private sectors. The story has been featured by leading broadcasters including RNZ and Newstalk ZB, with in-depth coverage appearing across major regional and metropolitan newspapers throughout New Zealand. The strong interest highlights the relevance of Vantaset’s elite performance methodology to current challenges in leadership, workforce engagement, and organisational transformation, particularly within police and defence agencies.

The momentum from this coverage is expected to accelerate Vantaset’s conversations with international stakeholders across the Five Eyes alliance, reinforcing the platform’s credibility and strategic potential.

As the appointed communications partner, Impact PR is proud to support Vantaset in sharing this world-leading New Zealand innovation with global audiences. Through our expert corporate communications services, we help brands build influence, manage reputation, and engage meaningfully with stakeholders at home and abroad.