How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with JOHN SKURR (Alum 2014) to track his journey and unlock the ways his leadership mahi is making a difference in Aotearoa since graduating from The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP).
Since completing NZLP in 2014, where have you journeyed?
I have progressed through a few roles. After completing NZLP, I took on two stages of additional responsibility within PGG Wrightson. Firstly, I added the Fruitfed technical teams to my responsibilities. Then I increased my responsibility through also leading the PGG Water and Advanced Irrigation Systems businesses. Eight months ago, I was approached by Alliance Meats and I now lead the domestic business as General Manager - NZ Sales.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing or feeling the world?
One of the main drivers for me to join the Programme was to gain perspective from people of different backgrounds and cultures. I was raised as a single child on a farm in a predominately European community. From the Programme, I now have a far greater understanding of perspectives from people of diverse backgrounds. I take more time in decision making, I am far less judgmental and more open to alternative views.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
The NZ Leadership Programme gave me space to focus on myself and time to reflect on the opportunities out there and what those opportunities might mean for me personally. Like many of you reading this, I had completed many exercises on establishing my values. The Programme took that discussion to a deeper place. In retrospect, it was one of the drivers to my last role change. As a result of the Programme, I believe I am now a far more balanced, personally aware and resilient leader. I have a clearer understanding of who I am and what is important to me.
If you had one piece of advice for future leaders, what would it be?
I have more than one! These would be: Take time with your staff and understand what drives them. Your staff is your greatest asset. I love building teams of people who are more talented than I am; Enjoy learning something new every day; Create a framework and set a direction that both allow your staff to excel; Challenge them to be the best they can be - each and every day.
JOHN SKURR is General Manager NZ Sales at Alliance Group
Did John’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?
Applications are open for The NZ Leadership Programme 2022
We warmly invite suitable leaders across New Zealand to apply now.