upskill boosts

SAM BUTCHER is a Business Analysis

The Ben Gough Family Foundation Leaders Scholarship programme was launched in 2021 in partnership with the University of Canterbury Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. The annual scholarships have this year been awarded to Sam Butcher, Gareth Bruce and Julie Hands, all high achievers in their fields.

They will receive a programme of learning and support, including a substantial contribution towards their University of Canterbury MBA course fees, bespoke leadership coaching from Leadership Lab, an Outward Bound leadership experience, and mentoring with a highlyexperienced business and community leader.

Ben Gough Family Foundation trustees and local business leaders Ben and Penny Gough have curated the scholarship programme, alongside the University, to accelerate the scholars’ professional and personal development

Through their relationships and networks, they connect the scholars to a mentor who can provide exclusive insights and guidance during their MBA studies.

Ben Gough says the pandemic-related upheaval of the last few years has demonstrated the need to be responsive, agile and dynamic in business.

“We are excited to be a part of the scholars’ journey and to see them develop these capabilities as they rise through the scholarship programme and the academic challenges of their MBA studies at the University of Canterbury,” he says.