MICHELLE HANCOCK Aeronautical Business Improvement Manager Auckland Airport After gaining my degree in economics and finance at the University of Waikato, I have had the opportunity to work in a number of sectors, including government, telecommunications, dairy and finance. During this time I have continued to indulge my passion for learning, earning the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and obtaining a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. For the last 18 months I have been working for Auckland International Airport. Auckland Airport is a fantastic place to work and I am lucky to have a great team around me who share the ambition to create a world-class gateway into New Zealand.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the Leadership NZ programme and join the wider Leadership NZ community. Connecting with other passionate New Zealanders who want to make a real difference has been a rewarding experience. I have found the programme to provide a safe and supportive environment in which to reflect on my own strengths and weaknesses. It is a rare privilege to listen to the leaders who have shared their thoughts and experiences with us. Some of these speakers have had a profound impact on me and I have great respect for their strength and wisdom. I have also gained a broader understanding of the major issues facing New Zealand. I feel challenged to reflect on the role I can play in ensuring that New Zealand is a place that I am proud to call home and that provides opportunities for our future generations.
ANGELA HASSAN-SHARP Programme Director Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade I came to New Zealand a dozen or so years ago for what was originally a short visit… and never left. Over the years I’ve become part of an amazing little nuclear family of five, fallen in love with Wellington, and become an unabashed patriot – I love my family, my city and this country, warts and all. I have worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for over a decade in various roles associated with the management of New Zealand’s Official Development Assistance to developing countries to help end the scourge of poverty on this planet and foster economic growth.
The opportunity to be a part of the 2013 Leadership NZ programme came about at the perfect time. 2012 was a year of significant milestones for me – I celebrated turning 40, my 10-year anniversary working in the public sector, and my youngest child being pottytrained! For the first time in a long while I found myself standing at crossroads fairly unencumbered and seeking new adventures. The programme has provided me with the time, tools and relationships to pause for a moment, reflect on my leadership journey to date and figure out where I might want to go next. That’s a pretty amazing space to be able to inhabit. Most importantly, the programme has provided me with a new and diverse network of talented and visionary New Zealanders, all looking to make a positive difference in the lives of the communities that we belong to and serve.
MURRAY HICKMAN Artistic Director/General Manager Strike Percussion A founding member of Strike Percussion, I am currently the Artistic Director and General Manager of the group. As a fulltime percussion ensemble we perform throughout New Zealand and around the world in a range of settings with a diverse array of other artists. Our work straddles the creative arts, education and not-for-profit sectors, with our projects ranging from collaborating with some of the world’s leading performance artists, to our Batterie100 programme which sees us working with groups of 100 underprivileged youth in a longterm music mentoring and performance programme. I am fortunate that my work takes me into many environments – from the Rugby World Cup final to offshore arts festivals to decile one schools – and allows me to meet and gain insights and experience from people from all walks of life.
Leadership NZ has come along at the perfect time in my career. As a performing artist, my journey into leadership has been somewhat accidental – a by-product of my success as a musician rather than any conscious decision to lead. As such it has taken me time to fully realise the leadership role I can play in the development of our great country. Leadership NZ has taught that great leadership comes in many forms, across the entire spectrum of human endeavour, and can come from the most unlikely of places. While the skills and tools I have learnt are providing enormous practical assistance, it is the conversations, speakers and exchange of ideas with fellow participants that have really broadened my knowledge of my environment, my country and myself. The range of ideas and viewpoints, the information, and the problems and solutions presented and pondered have provided me with inspiration and impetus to seek out my sphere of influence, challenging me to create positive change in those areas where I can make the most difference. The true value of the programme is in the people, so I would like to express my eternal gratitude to Louise for her insightful guidance, the entire Leadership NZ organisation for the incredible opportunity, and my amazing 2013 Leadership NZ class for their inspiration, support and guidance.
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