Written by Rebecca Savory
In 2006, Alistair Kwun was trying to understand who he was as a leader. The NZ Leadership Programme was the perfect combination of “right place, right time”.
During that year of soul-searching, the Programme equipped him with the vital leadership wisdom and tools that supported him to find his ‘voice’.
“It was very much a catalyst that helped me to unlock my identity,” said Alistair, acknowledging his journey on the Programme as a core component to helping him also navigate a chaotic present and confusing future.
“The NZ Leadership Programme was a gift, and a very generous one. I had no idea what leadership really meant until I completed it.”
Alistair left the Programme with a newfound sense of confidence and commitment to lead with more purpose and kindness in the world.
“At the core of the Programme is a drive to create authentic, resilient and courageous leaders that care for the future of our nation. My time on the Programme gave me that impetus to dive into ‘servant leadership’ - by way of giving back to my communities of interest.”
Furthermore, the experience pushed him outside of his comfort zone and sharpened his capacity to listen, reflect and learn. Through this, he has become better skilled in holding spaces for people to be themselves.
This also inspired Alistair to lead a number of “passion projects” outside of his career as a marketing and events professional, through which he was curious to exercise leadership as a Chinese New Zealander.
“At the core of the [NZ Leadership] Programme is a drive to create authentic, resilient and courageous leaders that care for the future of our nation.”
He started to serve the New Zealand Chinese Association, leading the marketing and PR for its annual NZCA Leadership Development Conference.
Driven by his own experience of discovering his identity through The NZ Leadership Programme, he wanted to ‘pay-it-forward’.
“I feel humbled to be giving back like this. It brings to life Leadership NZ’s vision of enriching this country through active leadership. My community outreach has helped others to navigate their identity and leadership potential.”
In addition to his mahi with the NZCA Leadership Development Conference, he also led the marketing and public relations for Going Bananas, a cultural storytelling platform to share Chinese stories of failure and success with all New Zealanders.
“Much of the cultural storytelling is celebrated within Chinese communities (something I call ‘cultural bonding’). The environment we’ve created also invites non-Chinese to come and learn with and about us (‘cultural bridging’). Through that, we’re building a compelling intercultural dialogue and stronger understanding around belonging and inclusion.”
Following on from this came Future Dragonz, a nationwide movement of Chinese young professionals who connect regularly to explore professional development, personal growth and social networking opportunities.
“There’s disruption happening. The contemporary young professional mindset diverges from traditional/OG (older generation) attitudes - a modern lens is shining through.”
“Those stereotypes which we’ve carried from a young age…we’re challenging now. We’re all about disrupting stereotypes, uplifting the mana of our members and exploring courageous conversations about our place and role as 21st Century leaders in Aotearoa,” shared Alistair.
Alistair hopes that leaders in New Zealand’s Chinese communities who also care for this country and aspire to grow into more influential and effective leaders will recognise this priceless opportunity to take part in The NZ Leadership Programme, just as it was recommended to him by 2005 Alumna Gia Nghi Phung.