How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with NICOLA BREHAUT (Alumna 2014) 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).
Since completing NZLP in 2014, where have you journeyed?
It would be fair to say that it took a while for the impact of the Programme to percolate and for my courage to build and translate into action. I reoriented my priorities towards my family and took the plunge, stepping out of a full time government role and into an intentional rhythm of a flexible four day working week. After a fabulous three month campervan holiday with the family through Europe in 2017, I had the opportunity to join Foundation North and enter the wonderful world of philanthropy.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing or feeling the world?
Completing NZLP and participating in Leadership NZ related activities in the years that followed (coaching circle with some of my 2014 cohort and the 2016 Alumni Retreat) massively enriched my understanding and acceptance of myself. I am much clearer on the value I have to offer and what’s important to me. Consequently, this has strengthened my ability to see the connectivity between things.
What wisdom and tools from your NZLP experience have you added to your kete?
Mindfulness, being more in tune with the messages my body is sending me, journaling (in particular noting what I’m grateful for) and a greater understanding of my own essence has helped me through transition and change.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
I’m motivated to make things better, at both a micro and macro level. Being an effective change enabler requires authenticity, curiosity, a partnering approach and taking a broad view. NZLP has helped me develop and enhance all these qualities.
As a community sector leader, if you had one piece of advice for future leaders, what would it be?
“It is no good looking ahead to the end. It is no good thinking about how life will get better once…you must stop hoping for change. You must simply be it.” From the novel, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce.
NICOLA BREHAUT is Strategic Advisor to the Chief Executive at Foundation North.
Did Nicola’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.