Where are our alumni now and how are they leading for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand? NZLP Class of 2009 Alum KARANINA SUMEO shares her whakaaro on leadership, and how her time on The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP) has influenced her leadership mahi since graduating.
Where are you at now in your lifelong leadership journey?
I am honoured to serve on the Board of the Human Rights Commission (NZ) as one of its commissioners. I lead human rights work for the benefit of all New Zealanders and those in service of our nation's interests (e.g. workers in NZ on short term visas, international students), working with business leaders, academics, unions, advocacy groups, politicians, the public service, and communities in all their diversity. I have come to realise that one of my best traits is that I like to speak plainly.
How does your leadership stand out in the mahi you are currently undertaking?
I have been told I provide clarity regarding purpose, objectives, who (benefits), and that I have the ability to bring together people, culture, heart and mind. I like to think this was true, and importantly that I serve with respect, alofa, courage, light and persistence.
What does 'leadership' mean for you in relation to life, work and community?
Leadership is purposeful action prompted by aspiration and vision, shaping the realisation of a state of being or better life for you, your household, family, business, community/ties, nation, and wider collective humanity. Leadership is not an individual pursuit but a series of people, movement and events over time, towards the realisation of the shared interest.
How did your time on the NZLP impact or influence your leadership? Your communities? How you interact with the world?
I never considered myself a leader prior to attending the NZLP programme because I thought 'leadership' meant 'manager' and formal authority.
I learnt so much from listening to fellow participants and invited leaders (including ex-mayors, CEOs, people who had led international companies, and public service leaders) talk about their families, leadership, insecurity, suicide, anxiety, accepting their flaws, challenges and success. We visited farmers and farms, different regional locations, and heard from leaders from different ethnicities and industries.
I realised I had been guilty of stereotyping and making too many assumptions about people due to my own lived experience of racism, sexism, ageism, religion, migration, hardship, education and bureaucracy. I left the programme feeling challenged, visible, inspired and spiritually strengthened somehow.
What is one key learning you took from the NZLP?
Leaders can't always be spotted, genuinely listen, want to understand, are ok with not having all the answers, and care deeply about their causes.
I met fellow participants from 'humble' beginnings i.e. not born into families with lots of material wealth, and survivors of life events that led to a deep commitment to a purpose, dignity, fairness, decency and justice. I realised that, despite my limitations, I had cultural and professional knowledge, experiences, competencies and insights that others resonated with and found some value in.
What is one key piece of wisdom you want to pass on to future leaders?
A good leader helps clear the mist so the collective purpose is clear. It is also important to know when to share attention and power, and when your part and time is complete.
SAUNOAMAALI’I DR KARANINA SUMEO is Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission.