Call-out for the next newcomer community leaders
Welcoming Communities and Business South are calling for applicants for the next leadership scholarships.
Last year, for the second year running, two Central Otago newcomers were awarded scholarships to attend the Business South Leadership Academy. Caitlin Laurenson, a property and commercial lawyer with Mactodd Lawyers, and Dewald De Beer, an insurance broker at C&R Insurance in Alexandra, attended the Leadership Academy in Cromwell during November.
This initiative, which is a partnership between Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities and Business South Inc., aims to support newcomers in the business community.
Caitlin, who moved to Cromwell in 2020, said the most useful part of the academy was learning that leadership styles are individual, and - as a result - she has signed up for the Business Mentor Programme. Caitlin is “looking forward to implementing some of the tips and tricks for team building and engagement” within her workplace.
Dewald, who moved to Central Otago with his family from South Africa in 2017, reflected that learning about the variety of leadership approaches in business was invaluable, with every speaker providing meaningful information to apply to his own business development.
Dewald and Caitlin both encourage newcomers to consider applying for future scholarships. Cailtin declared that the speakers were “inspiring”, and it was an amazing networking opportunity. Dewald acknowledged that newcomers may feel vulnerable, but by being “bold” and stepping out into the business community, newcomers will be able to “share and connect … and ask for help”.
The next Leadership Academy will take place in Cromwell from 4 - 25 September 2024 (on Wednesdays).
Applications close 30 June 2024.
To apply go to: Leadership Scholarship - My CODC (datascape.cloud)
Contact: Welcoming Communities Officer: Heather.Harries@codc.govt.nz.
Read about last year's leaders: Newcomer Leadership Scholarship Recipients Announced - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz).
