How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with MATALENA LEAUPEPE (Alumna 2018) 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 2018, where have you journeyed?
I changed roles from leading the Pacific Policy Team at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to becoming the Director for the Government Centre for Dispute Resolution. My new role has taken me closer to Te Ao Māori in ensuring that the Best Practice Framework we are developing for the Dispute Resolution system is responsive to the needs of Māori and honours the Treaty partnership. I have also dived deeper into my own cultural roots, as a Samoan woman, by getting my ‘malu’ Samoan tattoo for females.
In what ways have you found your ‘voice’ or shifted your perspective via the Programme?
The Awakened Leadership theme in 2018 helped clarify and ground my understanding of what my values are and how I can actively and purposefully use them to lead. I was invited a lot in 2019 by different government departments to speak about my experience in influencing change with limited resources and power and how they can improve their approaches to diversity and inclusion in the Public Sector. Having a values-based approach to leadership has helped me speak more boldly and clearly through these engagements and know where I stand and why I do what I do.
What skills did the Programme offer that you have used to create value for your organisation?
The Programme gave me the tools to develop a deeper appreciation of my own wisdom and leadership abilities. I was able to use these skills in the period following the Christchurch mosque shooting where I was able to help lead our group through a Māori cleansing ritual. This helped those affected by the attacks to have a process where they can grieve and begin a process of healing. This also became the start of a conversation for our organisation around staff members’ experiences of racism. I know that the tools I acquired through the Programme of deep listening, enquiry, and presencing have helped me stay grounded and calm during challenging times.
Leadership NZ’s 2020 theme was Transforming Leadership. What does this mean to you?
On a personal level, Transforming Leadership starts with my ability to continuously learn about what it means for me to be the best version of myself. One of my biggest challenges right now is learning from some of the negative constructs that I have normalised in my life. Those that have caused me to be stuck or fearful and therefore not to lean into experiences or difficult conversations that will ultimately contribute to a better understanding of and connection with others.
As a public service leader, if you had one piece of wisdom for future leaders, what would it be?
Do your work to know yourself, your values, your biases, what brings you joy and what drives you. Keep becoming that better version of yourself. This is your daily job that no one else can do for you.
Matalena Leaupepe is Director – Government Centre for Dispute Resolution – Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Did Matalena’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.