Written by Damian Vaughan, Recorded Music NZ
As I write this, I am listening to our NZ Leadership Programme 2020 Spotify playlist (a snapshot of personal and meaningful music selected by our Cohort: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2i4PiJF2sAGJKBgsVSg9iF?si=CQwf0JEiTjO6W92KgCdWWA) whilst reflecting on the conversations and discussions we had on Retreat 4: Governance & Global Issues. It has been a strange (and challenging) environment we have all been living in these past months. This shared experience has taken us down unique paths and in new directions. Understanding, absorbing and responding have guided us all on an exceptional leadership journey.
What was immediately impactful on our cohort was the swift adjustment we had made to video conferencing - to continue the retreats, our progress and share our experiences together. This shift in communications was certainly not unique for our Cohort, as all of us were adjusting, privately and professionally, to working and connecting remotely.
The tech meant our cohort could stay together, reconnect with each other and incorporate the digital experience as part of our journey for the year. Whilst the adjustment proved successful, and many of us were privileged and experienced enough to be able to make that change easily, technology across Aotearoa is not always available to everybody, and it is clear that the digital divide will be increasingly problematic if not addressed as a society and community.
I entered the retreat with a slight trepidation and concern - not only for how our cohort was adjusting and journeying, but what the next few days would bring. What I welcomed again with our Retreat, despite the disruption, was a respite from my day-to-day concerns and an opportunity to listen, share and learn with everyone.
We heard from thought leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds and some very real and live experiences from members of our cohort. All of this challenged our perceptions, our experiences and our thinking. How do we work as communities and whānau together? This led me to more questions: What does it mean to be a leader through this unsettling time? What perspectives are missing from our conversations? How can creativity help our communities? How do we build a better future together? There has been so much to process, unpack and question and we are still living through this unique environment every day.
When prompted to describe myself in a few words in our usual ritual at the beginning of the day, I surprised myself by saying that I was “optimistic and optimistic”. And that remains true now. Our conversations are vibrant and real, and I personally valued those special moments where we could discuss art and creativity together. I can’t wait for that in-person connection soon, so we can continue on this special path together.
Did Damian’s story resonate with you? This is one of many courageous, enriching and impactful journeys on The NZ Leadership Programme.
Are you a mid-career, senior executive or community leader in New Zealand who cares for the future of our nation? Do you know someone who is? Applications for our 2021 Signature Programme are OPEN NOW: https://www.leadershipnz.co.nz/programme/applications-faqs