Where are our alumni now and how are they leading for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand? We shine the spotlight on 2014 Alum Kaye-Maree Dunn, and share how her time on The NZ Leadership Programme (NZLP) has influenced her leadership journey since graduating.
Where are you at now in your lifelong leadership journey?
I am now leading my Indigenous social impact firm — MEA — Making Everything Achievable, doing what I love the most — working in partnership with Iwi/Māori and First Nations Communities to make what they need achievable.
How does your leadership stand out in the mahi you are currently undertaking?
I have tried my upmost to elevate the importance of fostering relationship building, connection and empathy in relation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori, Technology and wealth creation.
What does 'leadership' mean for you in relation to life, work and community?
Leadership in life means self leadership, to be in alignment with values, passion and dedication to achieve what is needed to be accomplished.
Leadership in mahi means constantly showing up, moving along the spectrum of nurturer, arse kicker, cleaner, worker, strategist, driver and knowing when to be what, at the right time and where.
Leadership in community is being dedicated to doing your very best, to deliver on what you say and doing our upmost to use our influence to heal, restore and uplift community a best as we can.
How did your time on the NZLP impact or influence your leadership, communities, and how you interact with the world?
NZLP connected me to individuals I would never have ordinarily worked with, I had to dive deep into the deep recesses of my mind to heal and develop part of me that needed work and I saw parts of Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu experiencing leadership from so many different perspectives — I became a more conscious leader as a result.
What is one key learning you took from the NZLP?
Take time to understand, do not be quick to judge and love with wild abandon.
What is one key piece of wisdom you want to pass on to future leaders?
Be ruthless with your time, let go of anything that doesn’t lift you up and focus always on what matters. Leave the rest.
KAYE-MAREE DUNN is Director at Making Everything Achievable.