How are our Alumni leading with what's needed for Aotearoa to thrive in the 21st Century? We sat down with DAN NEELY (Alum 2018) 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?
“At the centre of every conflict is an unmet need." When I am confronted by some sort of tension at work, home or in myself, I often reflect on this insight that NZLP Programme Director Louise Marra shared with us in 2018. It's a perspective that opens the door for me to be curious about what else is happening below the surface and think about the issue from different perspectives before taking action.
In what ways has NZLP elevated your way of thinking, seeing or feeling the world?
NZLP helped me better understand who I am, why I navigate the world like I do and what I really value. These insights have reshaped how I interact with others, largely because I've become more empathetic to the life journey we are all on and supportive as a result.
What impact has the Programme had on your organisation or community?
I've become a much stronger advocate and practitioner of wellbeing in the workplace. I work in a sector that has traditionally taken a 'just deal with it' approach to high-stress situations. The NZLP has provided a different frame for me to view the importance of genuinely caring for others in the short and long-term. When the people in our organisation are healthy, they can better serve their communities and customers.
If you had one piece of wisdom for future leaders, what would it be?
Unwanted change and disruption is the new normal. Factor this into all of your planning and build your internal systems around taking care of your team first and foremost so they are in a position to cope with this change as best as possible.
Dan Neely is Manager - Community Resilience + Group Recovery Manager for Wellington Region at WREMO
Did Dan’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.