How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with MARK WILKSHIRE (Alum 2015) to track his journey and unlock the ways his leadership mahi is making a difference in Aotearoa since graduating from The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP).
What wisdom and tools from your NZLP experience have you added to your kete?
Really, has it been six years? My personal journey changed after my NZLP experience. Our theme that year was ‘Fearless Leadership’ and I think that stayed with me to have the conviction to follow your path and make changes. Most recently, I have shifted from Suncorp NZ to be Chief Executive of The Co-operative Bank. I keep my faith with learning, where I can both find renewed energy and be able to offer more.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing or feeling the world?
The single biggest shift was an insight about sharing more of my own story and sharing your vulnerabilities, and don’t we all have those! It’s an openness to being more comfortable in my own skin and seeking greater feedback from others on what you can do better. I often think of those guest leaders who came and spoke at NZLP, what made them interesting was the personal lens they shared that shaped them and their outlook. I also had an awakening that everyone has their own story and, if you are genuinely interested, that can lead to rich and interesting conversations. I think I’ve shed a lot of corporate language, and I am much more comfortable to express what I feel. For me, being able to offer what I think is the right thing to do can be rewarding, when you are open to appreciate that others will see things differently - and that is okay.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
The skills I learnt were how to be a better leader. I should say that is a bit like trying to stay fit, you can never say you are finished, and there are times when are more on track than others but you have the awareness to know the difference. The skills I found most valuable was an approach that is not ‘hero leadership’ but is enabling leadership that is part of our New Zealand style. There have been dramatic changes since 2020 that have tested people’s resilience. Large organisations had to shift quickly to different ways of working. You just never know what is around the corner as there is no playbook to cover all of these crazy situations, but NZLP has the leadership wisdom and tools that enable you to handle these better.
If you had one piece of wisdom for future leaders, what would it be?
My one bit of advice would be to care enough to take the time, be more present and keep working at it.
Mark Wilkshire is incoming Chief Executive (from January 2022) at The Co-operative Bank
Did Mark’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.