How have our alumni been leading with what’s for Aotearoa to thrive in these times of disruption? JANE SHEETZ (Alum 2019) shares with us her journey and how her time on The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP) has influenced her leadership mahi since graduating.
What wisdom and tools from your NZLP experience have you added to your kete?
I feel the NZLP and the tools we have learnt has become my base in all aspects of life. The quality of the experiences, the knowledge and growth, responsibility and commitment, respect and friendships has strengthened the foundation of my purpose, goals, and vision.
Learning where you are in your journey and knowing and trusting that you can keep your mind and emotions in check, has enabled me to appreciate the things that matter the most.
This has empowered me to feel the greatness of insights learned and being part of an amazing and fun team from LNZ and the 2019 cohort.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing, or feeling the world?
I am a people’s person and I draw energy from people. I know the soul of life is people and their magnificence. To be able to draw on others’ strengths, knowledge, values, support, honesty, and differences. This in turn has added to the richness of my learnings and journey with new harmony and empathy.
If adversity comes your way, the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions, in a non-judgemental way, has been a transformational experience.
How has your leadership ‘shown up’ in this new COVID-19 world?
When COVID-19 hit it was a good time to count your blessings, regroup, take responsibility and lead by example. I have established my core values, and if I am not acting on them, they mean nothing, as authenticity is everything.
Integrity, honesty, respect, inclusion, health, community, endurance, resilience, and accountability are what I can call my own and it is what really matters to me.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
As a leader, I can now understand, before the NZLP, it was my desire to be always the controller. Now I can feel the joy of being able to let go and hopefully bring out the best in others, to discover, listen and learn from their values, ideas, skills, accomplishments, and sense of purpose. To have the freedom to create the magic with no boundaries.
If you had one piece of wisdom for future leaders, what would it be?
Be authentic, show humility and empathy and lead from the heart. Integrity and trust are at the centre of everything. You need to put people first.
JANE SHEETZ is Head of Development at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Did Jane’s story resonate with you? This is one of many courageous, enriching and impactful journeys on The NZ Leadership Programme.
Pūmanawa Kaiārahi 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 2023!
We warmly invite suitable leaders across New Zealand to apply now.