How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with SAPNA SAMANT (Alum 2009) to track her journey and unlock the ways her leadership mahi is making a difference in Aotearoa since graduating from The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP).
What wisdom and tools from your NZLP experience have you added to your kete?
Listening with an open mind and heart. To be full of empathy, aroha, humility and, most importantly for me, a sense of humour. Leadership should not be a burden.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing or feeling the world?
I graduated from NZLP 2009 and, more than ten years later, I still feel grateful for how the Programme has influenced my outlook. I was a thinker-feeler 50-50 (if there is such a term). Now, I feel more, or feel first, then think and analyse. I let myself feel sad, angry, happy, or any other emotion that comes up, I acknowledge that and only then move on to think why. It does not mean I am reactive. Rather, I try to understand the reason in a quiet way then figure out a solution or response. It is an ongoing journey.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
I have several avatars and of all, my activism is very much at the forefront today. Through this mahi I shine a light on the decline of democracy in India and how it affects the Indian community in Aotearoa. During NZLP I learnt to turn my brash self into a fearless person. This I carry into my activism. There are many vulnerable people in my community and many issues that are disguised under the model minority trope. The fearlessness allows me to create spaces for these people to speak up, to build capacity in them, and many times protect them because they fear for their existence here and their whānau in India. The fearlessness is also about being able to kōrero with the diversity of perspectives I encounter in the activism mahi. I think that this is the most profound impact on me therefore on all I do.
As a leader for Aotearoa, if you had one piece of wisdom for future leaders, what would it be?
Collaboration, cohesion, co-existence, kindness. The future is difficult. I am not being nihilistic but speaking the truth. The only way to get through is with each other, not against.
Dr. Sapna Samant is a GP, filmmaker, writer and Creative Head/Company Director, Holy Cow Media
Did Sapna’s story resonate with you? This is one of many courageous, enriching and impactful journeys on The NZ Leadership Programme.
Leadership NZ is on a mission to find the committed, visionary, brave leaders who can lead with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century. In this time of uncertainty and change, our purpose to catalyse leadership in Aotearoa as a force for positive change has never felt more important.
Are you a mid-level, senior or community leader in New Zealand who feels purposeful to evolve its leadership landscape? Do you know someone who is?
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We warmly invite suitable leaders across New Zealand to apply now.