Alumni connections
Leadership NZ’s
sphere of influence… The success stories of Leadership NZ alumni are an enduring testament to the value of the programme. On the following pages several alumni reflect on the ways their lives have been influenced by their connection with Leadership NZ. Tim Hamilton and Penny Hulse talk to journalist Verity Johnson; Craig Churchill and Peter Fenton are interviewed by SkillsBank director Judy Whiteman; and Hilary Sumpter and Ngaroimata Reid offer personal reflections.
Tim Hamilton
CEO Netball Waikato-Bay of Plenty zone Kingdom: Hamilton/Tauranga Couldn’t live without: All my family Inspiration as a kid: Countless sports stars and of course my family Written by: Verity Johnson
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ince graduating from Leadership NZ’s class of 2008 Tim Hamilton has been busy. Fresh out of the Leadership NZ programme, in 2009 he achieved his goal of becoming CEO of a national sporting organisation, taking the helm of Basketball NZ. After two and half years with Basketball NZ, he set up his own business, worked as a consultant and then in December became CEO of the new Netball Waikato-Bay of Plenty Zone. It’s the sort of energy you expect from a sports enthusiast. For Tim there’s no two ways about it; the Leadership NZ experience was the most significant learning period to date for him. The experience didn’t just offer the usual gems of improved listening, reflection and team work skills. It also helped break that comfort zone conundrum. “I was comfortable in my bubble; I was confident in what I was doing and how I worked in my space. The programme took me to the edge of that comfort. I thought ‘far out, wow, this is challenging!’ In a good way of course! I think people can get a bit too comfortable.” Throughout the programme, Tim found that his perspective on the world broadened. He became more interested in the problems faced both in New Zealand and on a global level. Most importantly, it showed how he could step up in his leadership role. After all each leader performing to their best is how the world is changed.
WINTER 2013
Not only that, but the personal insights Leadership NZ prompted also confirmed to him that he was doing the right thing. It cemented his personal values and helped him become more forthright in standing up for his beliefs. All these traits have come in useful for Tim in helping to build strong business relationships, and in a space such as his, these are the heart of the company. Furthermore, “unknowingly I’d formed my own values but learning to express them was something that Leadership NZ developed. Now in my discussions and interactions, I know my values are there. So now I’m conscious of how I can contribute to good decisions in my business setting.” Tim is also living out Leadership NZ’s emphasis on community involvement through his determination to foster the volunteering spirit in young people. “I really worry about communities in the future as I think volunteers are aging and that the younger generation is not fronting up to the challenges that will be even more demanding in the years to come. We have to think broadly about the future of sport and how both current and future volunteers relate to that.” Luckily, the most important thing Leadership NZ has provided Tim is strength in his vision and values. So he’s well equipped for the fight for sport, and leadership’s, future. 19