Talofa Lava, Tena Koe
Our leadership theme of 2018 has been “Awakened Leadership In the Future of Work”.
Thought leader Rob Campbell describes it this way: “I believe that our purpose in life is to overcome problems and thinking that hinder our success. Buddha was once asked: “What are you? Are you a man? Are you a God? Are you a King?” Buddha said: “I am none of those things. I am awake.” By helping people to be better leaders also helps me to be a better leader. At any level of management that helps guide one’s actions. To be an “awakened leader” is most apposite today.”
Some of the leaders we have journeyed with this year share how they see awakened leadership through our programmes and events and you can read more below about their experiences.
The theme resonated deeply with graduates of the NZ Leadership Programme 2018 as they wove their experiences together in a unique korowai. From Sandra Alofivae and Anya Satyanand:
“….Awakened Leadership therefore was about aligning our “head knowledge with the heart knowledge.” An intelligent (head knowledge) leader can achieve much through persuasive arguments and articulate strategies but an intuitive (heart knowledge) leader can influence their environment far more profoundly through their natural ability and learned skills to understand intangible factors and work with them to accomplish leadership goals. An intuitive leader will do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do for the greater good.”
And our Mana Moana Experience 2018 navigators awakened to the wisdom of our Pasifika ancestors discovered how we can lead from that with confidence and strength:
“We lead not from head knowledge or book knowledge, but from a place of deep connection and understanding, based on our own struggles and experiences while trying to make a living in this new place, that we call our home away from home. Let our own stories of struggles help us lead our people and to meet them where they are at… So much has been said and told about us – it’s time, that we be the authors of our own stories. Let us weave our own baskets (so to speak) using our values, our protocols, our language, our traditions, our way of being, our faith and our stories to bring about change for our communities.”
In our Dinner with a Difference we focused on the opportunities facing us in the work of the future, and explored how we respond/adapt/drive change in the face of digital disruption (AI, automation) environmental, political and social challenges. And then in The Reeves Lecture, one of this country’s most awakened and authentic business leaders, Simon Moutter shared how Spark is transforming into a company that is heart-led, responsive and truly inclusive focussed on helping all the people of New Zealand grow, stand strong and thrive in a digital world.
It certainly has been another massive year of change, disruption and evolution for leaders, organisations and communities. We are very grateful for the continued support and aroha of our partners, sponsors, speakers and programme contributors, alumni, and friends-in-leadership across Aotearoa.
We’d like to especially acknowledge Beverley Lady Reeves (Patron of Leadership NZ) for the past 6 years. She has decided it is time to step down. We have really valued her commitment, energy and support of our leadership kaupapa, and will miss her joyful presence, mana and humour at the many occasions she has shared with us.
Beverley, Lady Reeves with Peter Garnett and Simon Moutter at The Reeves Lecture 2018. Photo Credit: Fata Tuialii Photography
Our office will be closed: Fri 14 Dec 2018 – Mon 7 Jan 2019.
We hope you get some well-deserved rest and relaxation over the summer with your loved ones, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Arohanui