Congratulations to our Xero Leadership Scholarship winners

Our passion for helping Kiwi businesses grow drives us and many of our initiatives. We want to continue to help small businesses unlock their full potential by giving them the skills to succeed and grow. With this in mind, we recently offered two small business leaders the opportunity to win a scholarship for the Xero leadership development programme run by The Icehouse. 

The Icehouse Leadership Development Programme

“The programme in a nutshell? Real skills. Development. New opportunities. A challenge. Refreshed perspective. Significant changes. Better results.” – The Icehouse

The lucky winners of the scholarship will attend two 3-day sessions and one 1-day session over the course of three months. The programme has been designed specifically for managers in privately-owned businesses who want to:

• Develop a better understanding of the challenges of being an owner-manager
• Learn how to think strategically to contribute to the growth of the business
• Improve their leadership, communication and management skills
• Build strong networks with other senior leaders from a range of industries
• Learn in an environment that combines practical learning, academic expertise and real-world experiences.

As part of the selection criteria, applicants were asked two questions: 

• What are some key challenges and opportunities facing you and the business?
• How can the Xero Leadership Scholarship help you and your business?

And the winners of the Xero Leadership Scholarship are…

Kate Hall – Ethically Kate 

Kate is an eco-living educator, influencer, writer, journalist, and activist. She’s passionate about sharing ideas from her own life to teach people how to live life more lightly on the planet. She’s a brand ambassador for many small to medium eco-focused businesses across New Zealand. Furthermore, she writes and manages blogs and social media platforms for companies.

“I’m a consultant around sustainability. I educate in high schools about ethical fashion amongst various other public speaking events, and write for places like Stuff News Hub. I generally say “yes” to anything that allows me to spread the message about living life while respecting people and the planet.” 

Kate’s business has grown organically from a hobby to sharing her expertise as an eco-living educator across New Zealand. She’s connecting with small businesses and individuals who are interested in living sustainably.

“I believe we need a partnership of individuals, businesses, and governments to make small and BIG changes to benefit the future of our planet. My aspirations are to be the positive light that connects us all – become an ambassador for New Zealand speaking on these global climate crisis topics, and encouraging the world to do their part.”

How will the programme help?

Kate needs her work to be sustainable by learning where to put her energy. One of the biggest challenges she faces is being pulled in lots of different directions – as a freelancer, a digital communications specialist, a writer, a journalist, a brand ambassador, and a public speaker. “I need to refine my WHY, and work out what makes me most happy. In addition to understanding what’s profitable, and what will make the greatest impact to our land, country, and people.”

Kate has created a platform to educate her network on sustainable living. The Xero Leadership Programme will now help her hone her leadership skills and business strategy. Ultimately, taking her business to the next level. 

Joan Wickham – KPT Group

KPT (Karaka, Pokeno & Takanini) Group works towards maximising health outcomes of South Auckland populations. 

Joan currently works as the interim Practice Manager motivating and empowering staffing groups at the group’s three locations. She provides staff with support to ensure they are able to perform their daily tasks to the exceptionally high standards required. Joan also coordinates subsidiary walk -ins and specialist clinics, and is actively working towards cementing her position as Practice, Business and Operations Manager of this collective group of medical clinics.

How will the programme help?

Like many businesses, managing exponential growth with limited resources and time constraints is a constant challenge. Therefore, Joan is looking to develop KPT Group’s marketing strategy and the opportunity to further develop her leadership skills to fast track her career.

“Effective leadership is integral to establishing a culture of excellence, hard work and transparent communication. Fine-tuning my leadership skills will be invaluable to the realignment of all employees to the Group’s overall business objectives. As well as drive my own personal and professional growth.”

Congratulations to our two winners of the Xero Leadership Scholarships! We can’t wait to follow your growth journey.

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Source: Xero Blog