Why do organisations across Aotearoa commit to delivering leadership excellence through their relationship with Leadership New Zealand?
We spoke with VICKI CAISLEY to unpack why The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP) matters to Southern Cross.
How did Southern Cross’ relationship with Leadership NZ start?
Our relationship spans many years from the time our CEO Nick Astwick journeyed with The NZ Leadership Programme in 2010. My own involvement came about when Nick and I were deciding what my ‘one big development goal’ for 2019 could be and we landed on this Programme. This was partly for my own personal development, but also to gain insights into it to help inform whether it was something that could be included into the suite of development opportunities we offer our leaders at Southern Cross.
Why has Southern Cross invested in Leadership NZ?
Having strong leadership is an enabler for wellbeing. We’re with over 800,000 New Zealanders as they navigate their health and wellbeing journeys and, as an organisation, we support just over 600 employees – this is a responsibility we take very seriously. We need high performing leaders in our organisation, so we can prioritise the health and wellbeing of our own people and do our best to help keep New Zealanders at their best. Leadership NZ helps to grow and develop leaders who care, understand the value that inclusive and diverse thinking can bring to an organisation, and cleverly brings this together over the year-long programme within a New Zealand context.
In what ways has NZLP opened up more compelling internal engagement?
Taking part in NZLP helps to broaden your perspective on a diverse, inclusive New Zealand and empowers you to lead with authenticity and uphold the mana of others. This fundamentally changes the conversation inside organisations from being inwardly focused to applying a broad perspective to how you go about your business - both with your own people and for your customers. You will find yourself being transformed from the leader you think you’re expected to be, to a leader that is truly, genuinely you. We’re more determined than ever to be with our people so they can be with New Zealanders now and into the future.
What impact has NZLP delivered to your business?
Those in our team who have graduated from the Programme, including myself and our CEO, have been able to lean on the skills we learnt to effectively navigate, communicate and care for our employees during 2020. Some of our senior leaders across Aotearoa have taken part in Leadership NZ’s short programme Lead to Transform and found it extremely valuable to have the opportunity to reflect on their leadership and the footprint they leave on the world. No one could have foreseen the speed and impact that COVID-19 has had on the world. As well as responding to the pandemic, we also comprehensively transformed our operating model to scaled agile. This amount of disruption and change requires a certain amount of resilience - not just in our people but for those leading through the change.
Vicki Caisley is Chief People and Strategy Officer at Southern Cross and NZLP 2019 Alumna.
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 decision maker or key influencer in Aotearoa who is looking to support your organisation’s senior leaders with an immersive professional development opportunity?
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.