What people say
Notes, letters and messages people have sent Ned over the years, from national team coaches and sports leaders to the business owners and young professionals he has mentored.
“One of the top two, if not the best Board planning session ever attended.”
Marie Walters, Executive Officer, Sports Dietitians Australia, sharing her Board's feedback
“Your experience across all levels of basketball… is a wonderful asset and strength to the position and to the sport.”
John Wylie AM, Chair, Australian Sports Commission
“You have been a tower of strength for BA.”
Brian Delaney, former Basketball Australia Board Member
Leading Basketball Australia
“Your experience across all levels of basketball… is a wonderful asset and strength to the position and to the sport.”
Read it typed
Dear Ned,
On behalf of the Australian Sports Commission (ASC), congratulations on your appointment as Chair of the Board of Basketball Australia (BA).
It was great meeting with you and Anthony on Monday and I welcome you to the position of Chair of the Board. Your experience across all levels of basketball from participant, administrator and director at professional and volunteer levels is a wonderful asset and strength to the position and to the sport.
The ASC values and appreciates your dedication and significant contribution to basketball in Australia and we look forward to working with you and your board.
Kind regards, John Wylie AM, Chair, Australian Sports Commission. 21 February 2017.
John Wylie AM
Chair, Australian Sports Commission
Brian Delaney
Former Basketball Australia Board Member
“To have someone with your experience and entrepreneurial business brain together with your genuine passion for the sport is an absolute recipe for success.”
Read the full note
Huge congratulations are in order. Absolutely delighted for you personally and for all those in the basketball community. This appointment will be so well received as at last we have someone who has been exposed to every aspect of the sport… what joy!
To have someone with your experience and entrepreneurial business brain together with your genuine passion for the sport is an absolute recipe for success, and I know Rome wasn't built in a day…
Terrific communication strategy to start the re-engagement through your "Notes from the Chair". I thoroughly enjoyed learning what BA has been doing and what you see as your key focus points, coupled with the open door approach. To achieve change always starts with communication so you immediately get a shiny gold star from me!!
I will re-read your Notes again, a few times I am sure. In the interim, I will be forwarding your Notes around to some of the "lost souls" who once had the passion that still burns bright in you and me!!
Well done Ned, really delighted you have accepted this huge challenge (Hilary, take a bow too, as always a team effort!!).
Love Amanda
Amanda Gilbert
“I have just received and read your Notes from the Chair. I really just wanted to congratulate you as it was the most comprehensive and informative newsletter from a Chair that I have ever seen.
Well done! All the best and go the Boomers.”
Mark Sinderberry
Chief Executive Officer, UniSport Australia
“Please know I appreciate everything you are doing and the support you are showing to what I am doing.”
Larry Kestelman
Executive Chairman, National Basketball League
“I think you are doing a great job as Chairman of BA and under your leadership I believe we will make great steps forward.”
Read the full note
Hello Ned,
I have just received your note in the mail. Thank you very much for your kind words.
Looking back I have been very much involved in basketball for some sixty years. It has been a terrific journey. It has been a two way street in that basketball has given me so much in return so I see the slate as clean both ways.
I thank you for your words re my influence on you over the years. As I see it, my role in all my mentoring has been to give people the opportunities and to motivate and guide them. The rest is up to them.
Your contributions to basketball and your growth in basketball and life have been more than a great reward to me… a payback if you like. Your successes have been a result of your efforts, passion and hard work. My small part in that is my reward and pride in seeing all of you succeed.
I take great pains in telling people to tell/thank important or influential people in their lives that person's role in helping them. It is something we do not generally do well and sometimes we can regret not doing so. A small word here and there can greatly influence people's lives and also reward those who have helped. So I very much appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to thank me. It means a lot.
I think you are doing a great job as Chairman of BA and under your leadership I believe we will make great steps forward. I am only too pleased at any time to assist you or BA if I can.
Best wishes and thanks again.
Adrian Hurley OAM
Former Australian Basketball Coach
“You have enabled us to stabilise and grow to a stronger position.”
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Dear Ned, Anne and I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you for assisting and supporting Basketball NT. Along with the BA Board and the office team you have enabled us to stabilise and grow to a stronger position. We hope that you enjoy this dreamtime story ball as a small symbol of the contribution that you have made to basketball in the Northern Territory. Cheers, Kristie
Kristie Middleton
Former CEO, Basketball Northern Territory
“In my time on the Board there could not have been a person better suited to leading the sport in all of Australia.”
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Ned, thanks for that. I was planning to send you a personal note anyway.
I wanted to say how much I've admired your commitment to BA, the role of Chair, and to the sport in general.
You know better than me the difficulties in trying to knit this sport together and in my time on the Board there could not have been a person better suited to leading the sport in all of Australia.
Congratulations on all that you have done, and for all that you will doubtless continue to do in leading the organisation and the sport of basketball.
It's been great fun, and very interesting, working with you and David and Brian and the rest of the gang. I'll be following the future developments with keen interest.
Best wishes.
Ian Silk
Basketball Australia Board Member
“Thanks for all you give and do for the ‘game’ Ned Coten.”
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Dear Ned,
I sometimes wonder if I would "still" be in this role if I did not have your support and guidance… you remain a constant in propping me up. Thank you.
Ned, your work ethic is no doubt equalled by a work load that others would drown under, YET you live by the ethos of Martin Luther King Jr who said: "Life's most urgent question is what are you doing for others".
Thanks for all you give and do for the "game" Ned Coten. Your footprint is a legacy to many who are both inspired by you and who admire you immeasurably.
Take care, Jan
Jan Stirling
Former Australian women's basketball player and coach
“The important thing is that I see you strong and optimistic.”
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Dear Ned,
First of all thank you for sending me this report. I interpreted it as an exhaustive work of investigation of the reality of Australian basketball and sport in general. I very much agree with your conclusions because the same thing happened to us from experience in my country.
I see you very close to your team and that is what is important to achieve the necessary objectives to continue growing as you are showing. I also saw it important to find new members to help those goals. In my country we only managed to be closer to other sports but we had to keep growing with each individual's drive as you say.
The important thing is that I see you strong and optimistic.
Big hug and greetings to all your team.
Horacio Muratore
Former President, FIBA
“You are providing tremendous leadership for the organisation and I'm grateful for all you do that enables me to simply get on with my job.”
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Thanks Ned,
I appreciate the message and your continuing support. You are providing tremendous leadership for the organisation and I'm grateful for all you do that enables me to simply get on with my job.
This cohort of athletes are an absolute pleasure to work with and I'm grateful for being given the privilege to be their coach.
Plenty of work still to do, but we do need to recognise and celebrate some of the success along the way.
Andrej Lemanis
Head Coach, Australian National Team
“Your leadership and influence in Basketball has been so refreshing and impactful.”
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Hello Ned,
Just wanted to say thank you so much for your note recently.
I have really valued and enjoyed the opportunity to engage with you and BA. Your leadership and influence in Basketball has been so refreshing and impactful, so congratulations to you.
Interestingly, one of my last formal activities as AIS Director was to assist with launching the NBA Global Academy. This is such a terrific initiative, so congrats to Anthony and the Team for getting it delivered.
Matthew Favier
AIS Director, Australian Sports Commission
Lauren Jackson AO
Opals player, Australian women's basketball team
“Thank you for going the extra mile for all of us in basketball. You are a great leader!”
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Ned,
I want to commend the way that you have strived for the good of basketball in Australia over the last week.
You have been EVERYWHERE promoting basketball and engaging with the rank and file of our participants of late.
I have seen you make numerous speeches and shake 1000 hands. You have spoken with everybody from our Federal Minister for Sport to the floor sweeper at Adelaide… and then spent a whole day of NBL engagement with our CAMs.
Well done. Thank you for going the extra mile for all of us in basketball. You are a great leader!
David Reid
Deputy Chair, Basketball Australia
“I would like to recognise your wonderful input into our Basketball Meeting on Thursday 22 June. Your support, insights and wisdom helped us to have an enormously productive day.
I look forward to working with you to ensure Basketball in Australia is a dynamic sport available to all.”
Bill Hains
Chairman, SSV Basketball Sub Committee
The singlet
When young basketballer Raphael Hadfield was injured, Ned sent him a letter and an Australian team singlet signed by the national team's players. Raphael and his mother wrote back.
Hi Ned, Sarah and Australian Basketball Team. I would like to express my sincerest thank you to you all. We received the package last Saturday. You have gone overboard. Raphael was almost in tears when he read your letter and when he saw the singlet signed by the biggest players in Australian basketball.
Your letter delivered a lot of inspiration and encouragement. His spirit was already lifted up. He talked about a lot of positive thoughts when he gets back to basketball. Like what you suggested, he will try his best to stay focused on improving his condition to the best that he can.
As a parent, there's nothing more rewarding than to see your child smile and be filled with joy. This is what you have done. Congratulations for such an amazing thing you have done.
Tetchie Hadfield
Raphael's mother
Dear Ned, Thank you for everything. I'm very surprised that you would even send such a thing since you're such a big team and have more important things to get done. Thank you for going through all that effort to get the signatures of Australia's best players just for me, it really means a lot.
You have boosted my spirit and now I can't get over the fact that I have a new jersey signed by the best players in Australia. You have really inspired me and motivated me to become stronger and made me realise that I can get over this challenge. I'm prepared to work for my future and I'm looking forward to it.
I really look up to the Australian players, especially Matthew Dellavedova because we play the exact same positions. You have helped me to see the bright side of things. I can't thank you enough.
Raphael Hadfield
Boards and strategy
“He truly guided us to see bigger and clearer.”
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The Sports Dietitians Australia Board was very fortunate to have Ned facilitate a crucial planning session to kick-start SDA's next 3 year strategic cycle. Ned invested significant time ahead of the session to really get to know the business, understand our values and what drives the organisation to be what it is in order to maximise the outcomes of the session. Ned was very focussed on ensuring that the session wasn't a 'one-hit-wonder' but something that resulted in an impactful, sustainable, lasting call to action for the organisation.
The key take home message for us was to have the confidence to focus on one major project and do it extraordinarily well rather than a lot of small projects that don't significantly change or add value to the business.
At no time did Ned tell us or dictate to us what we should do but likewise didn't shy away from sharing his views on how something could be approached. He truly guided us to see bigger and clearer and has a delightfully personable way to help keep discussions in the strategic realm! Ned's strong commercial background combined with an intricate knowledge of the challenges involved for the sporting/not-for-profit sector was invaluable.
I cannot recommend Ned highly enough to anyone looking to engage him for their organisation. The feedback from our Board was extremely positive and included "one of the top two, if not the best Board planning session ever attended".
Marie Walters
Executive Officer, Sports Dietitians Australia
“What a powerful investment with an incredible return.”
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Thanks so much, Ned, and props to you for such a brilliant idea.
I'm so impressed by how much value the retreat brought and so quickly.
The sharing of intel and vision for the future has already been recognised by many, and the sense of connection and belonging to a great team where individuals are truly valued created such a successful weekend with many obvious benefits.
What a powerful investment with an incredible return.
Viv Gibson-Thomas
Head of Strategy, The Contenders
“I very much appreciate your assistance.”
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27/10/17. Dear Ned, Thanks very much for being available and willing to assist with the nominations process for Squash Australia. I very much appreciate your assistance, and Gary's too of course, which has led to an outcome, even if it isn't as perfect as we'd all have liked.
Margot Foster AM
Olympic medal-winning rower
“Good to ‘see’ you again today.
I wanted to say I'm really enjoying your contributions to the meetings. Your input is very incisive and practical. I've certainly learnt a lot from listening to your style and of course content.”
Martin Coote
“It was great to see your presentations and energy lift the room.”
Tal Karp
“Thank you for your time yesterday. Both Fraser and I are looking forward to working with you, learning from you and excited for the positive impact your experience, energy and style will bring to our business.
Your communication is fabulous. Sending it out now to the team, many thanks.”
Tanya Hall
Tuff Turf
Speaking
“The students were able to connect with you through your enthusiasm, honesty and humour.”
Read it typed
23 October 2017. Dear Ned,
Thank you for your outstanding presentation at our Year 12 Presentation Evening on Friday, where we had 104 students completing their secondary education, joined by family, friends and community members to celebrate this significant milestone.
Your engaging and motivational speech played a significant role in the success of the evening. It was wonderful to hear how your time and education at Narrogin Senior High School has positively impacted your life and career, and how your country education has been substantial in building trust and relationships in your business interactions.
I believe the students were able to connect with you through your enthusiasm, honesty and humour, and that they will carry your message with them going forward.
Thank you once again Ned for your valuable contribution to our Presentation Evening, and sharing your time and experiences with us.
Yours sincerely, Mrs Kristy Johnson, Year 12 Leader
Kristy Johnson
Year 12 Leader, Narrogin Senior High School
“You reassured our parents and students that they have not been disadvantaged by attending their local school.”
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Hi Ned,
It was a pleasure to have you at our Year 12 presentation night. Students, parents and staff all enjoyed your address and valued the messages that you delivered.
This is a great school and you reassured our parents and students that they have not been disadvantaged by attending their local school.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule, it is very much appreciated.
Steve Quartermaine
Principal, Narrogin Senior High School
“I found your presentation to be very informative and inspiring.”
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Hi Ned,
It was indeed lovely to meet you and I found your presentation to be very informative and inspiring. The comments from both yourself and Jon further enforced my belief that all that we wish to achieve in SSA is not just our blue sky vision but a wonderful future of endless possibilities.
I look forward to our paths crossing in the future as I have now met you after hearing so much about you from so many others in my network.
Thank you for being a part of our 2015 conference!
Jo a'Beckett
SSA Education Manager, Sport Star Academy
“I thought you were sensational again. I love the way you challenge the way people need to be thinking and I really like the topics you cover, e.g. time management.
Great catching up with you again. I hope our paths cross again soon.”
Chris Browne
Mentoring and business
“I don't doubt your advice helped me win that.”
Daniel Bonnadio
“WOW! Ned, I am ever so grateful at the effort you have made to help us with our marketing plan. So insightful, informative and professional. You set a very high bar for our future Marketing and Events Manager!
I really look forward to our next session.”
Belinda Adams
Director, OSCAR Hospitality
“Your help has allowed me to grow here in Australia.”
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03/05/2018. Ned, A year ago you answered my message on LinkedIn and today I'd like to thank you for the support you gave me. I really appreciate your help as it has allowed me to grow here in Australia. Jesica.
Jesica
“This small but extremely kind gesture says everything about your good self.”
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Hi Ned,
A quick email to say thank you for your handwritten note and kind comments. I was most touched by the thought and effort you took in sending, considering everyone is time poor these days. This small but extremely kind gesture says everything about your good self.
It's been great getting to know you and I love the professionalism and energy you bring to the industry.
Thanks again for your letter.
Andrew Eastwood
“You two are really the best.”
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Good morning Ned,
I have received your gift just now. Thank you very very much as I really appreciate it. The shirt with the signatures of your Australian players and your letter was the best. I won't wear the shirt but instead I will display it so that it reminds me that I have personally met my boss, which other PH online freelancers didn't, and that makes me very happy and proud.
Sarah, thank you also for making this personal meet-up happen.
"You two are really the best."
God bless you both and really hoping and praying to work with you more.
The lucky one, Michelle
Michelle Africa
“Thanks Ned.
Might I just say a big thank you for your efforts, mate. You're a top mentor and we're lucky to be in your group. You go the extra mile for us.”
Jonathan Green
“It's funny when someone else can help you see it because you are so entrenched in what you do you don't see how simple it can be.”
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Hi Ned,
Thank you so much for your time in clarifying things, and your encouragement. I really do appreciate it.
It's started to make more sense, and it makes such sense it's funny when someone else can help you see it because you are so entrenched in what you do you don't see how simple it can be.
I've started mapping things out on my wall and will complete the modules.
Thanks again Ned.
Alice Clark
Director, Oomf for the creative
“Thank you for your generosity, and your enthusiasm. It's infectious! I'm setting a single minded plan that will clearly position me, and Herbert Peabody as well.
I'll send through my work and look forward to our next catch up.”
Bianca Ross
“Once again I would like to thank you for taking your precious time to meet up, and I'm very impressed with your honesty and your valuable advice.
We may not have any business relation at the present moment but do keep in touch as we never know what happens next.
I will keep you posted on the progress and definitely can meet up for coffee anytime.”
Christopher Cheng
O'Life Pty Ltd
“Your energy and passion to continually strive for bigger and better things is contagious.”
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Thanks Ned for your kind words, it means a lot and always puts a big smile on my face.
It's great to continually know that we complement each other with our strengths and weaknesses. I think we make a great team and you are very easy to work with, even with the number of balls you juggle on a daily basis.
Your energy and passion to continually strive for bigger and better things is contagious and makes it a pleasure to work with you to achieve these things.
I am so glad that I have been able to be a listening ear and help you to strategise the way forward. As always I am happy to help in any way I can.
Once again, I sincerely appreciate your kind words. Onwards and upwards!
Sarah Butler
Game Plan Marketing
“I have learnt and grown so much while working with you.”
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Hi Ned!
I wanted to thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you, even though I did not have any work experience at all before. I have learnt and grown so much while working with you. I would have never lasted this long if I did not have a client like you. You're the best!
It was such a pleasure working with you. Thank you for choosing me to be your Virtual Assistant! I will forever keep the memories we've shared near and dear to my heart.
Thank you so much and we'll keep in touch!
Nicalyn Castro
Marketing Virtual Assistant, Emprevo
“Hope all is going well. Just officially thanking you for your generous time and insights offered regarding my MBA Final Project.
I received a High Distinction which blew me away to be honest. I don't think that would have been attainable without your assistance that inspired the direction I ended up pursuing.”
Leigh Herbert
Dave Whitehead
“Thank you so much for today, it was a really valuable experience and I can walk away from our meeting feeling confident and eager to work harder from your advice.
I also want to thank you for taking the time out of your day to come and meet for a coffee.
I look forward to speaking again soon.”
Daniel Augoustakis
Ash Carey
“Thanks for the email and well wishes. Your facility has been great and I really appreciate your help over the past year or so.
We have too much stock now so need to find something a little larger.
Thanks again.”
Brad Opray
BoyzToys
Want to work with Ned?
Ned reads his own email and replies as quickly as possible, generally within 24 hours.