Leadership Development | Ngā Whakahautūtanga
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CEOs in the charity sector often receive significantly less investment in professional and personal development opportunities than their counterparts in other sectors. Despite facing similar demands and challenges, this underinvestment perpetuates a cycle of development starvation, hindering their ability to effectively lead their organisations.
To help close this developmental gap, we partnered with Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust to offer a fully funded course specifically designed for not-for-profit (NFP) CEOs and charity sector leaders. While on course, participants experienced five days of immersive learning, pushing their limits and gaining new insights into their leadership styles.
One of the participants who attended the course was Shae Ronald, CEO of Youthline, an organisation offering a free helpline service, face-to-face counselling services, youth mentoring, and programmes in schools and communities. For Shae, the course was life-changing.
“This course, amazingly, has helped me to see things that I had not seen before about the way I operate in the world and how I am in a leadership role. It's like the course mirrors what actually goes on out in the world. So you see up front and close your own behaviours and attitudes and you get that feedback from your peers. And because it's practical, it's sort of happening. It's not theoretical, you're not thinking it, it's actually playing out.”
After five days in Anakiwa learning and growing together as a team, participants left with improved self-awareness, more effective leadership, and a better understanding of their own resilience. The cohort will meet three more times throughout the year to cement their learnings through facilitated sessions.
Charities play a significant role in driving social impact, and we believe leaders in the NFP space deserve equal leadership development opportunities. The benefits of this course are far-reaching, fostering personal and professional growth among participants and enhancing their ability to drive positive change within their organisations and communities.
“We are delighted with the innovation and leadership provided by the Outward Bound NZ team and are much encouraged by the initial feedback from the course participants.”
- Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust
Whakatipu: to grow, cherish, bring up, raise.
This year, we partnered with the Auckland Business Chamber to create an opportunity for young people from South Auckland to attend an 8-day Whakatipu course. This collaboration, aimed at fostering leadership and career readiness among young people, underscores the critical role our community partners play in shaping future leaders.
Utilising their key relationships with secondary schools throughout the Tāmaki Makaurau region, the Auckland Business Chamber invited nominations from South Auckland educators, resulting in a diverse group of 14 students who demonstrated potential and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
As with all Outward Bound courses, students on course navigated challenges in the outdoors. They learnt resilience, teamwork and leadership skills, but the real impact of this Whakatipu course lies in its focus on developing essential soft skills for young people. These skills – such as communication, adaptability, problem-solving and teamwork – are critical for future employment and personal growth. By the end of the course, students emerged with a greater understanding of how to collaborate effectively, lead with empathy, and navigate the complexities of their future careers.
In addition to the 8-day course, the Auckland Business Chamber has committed to a mentoring programme for students. This mentorship is crucial in helping cement their learning and integrate their new skills into future career paths. The Chamber guides mentees in developing plans for employment or education, and assists them in obtaining a driver’s license, a big barrier to employment for young people. The Chamber also arranges site visits with employers, allowing mentees to experience potential careers firsthand.
Leah Gates, General Manager – Employment Auckland Business Chamber says “We are proud to partner with Outward Bound to support these young people to cement their learnings on Whakatipu as they transition from school into further education and employment. Ongoing mentoring is designed to build skills, explore career possibilities, make meaningful connections with employers and stand these young people up to make a positive contribution to their future and whānau.”
This programme is the first of its kind, created in partnership with a community-led organisation committed to providing the wrap-around support needed to ensure our students are successful in the next phase of their journey. We’d like to express a big thank you, ngā mihi maioha to the Auckland Business Chamber for their dedication to the success of these young people.
