The Class of 2024 Graduates: (left to right)
Back: Sam Kilgour (Prolife Foods), Karen Scott (Scott Solutions), Mark Clough (Fosters), Gary Smith (WCML), Ryan Smith (Schick).
2nd Row: Amber-Lee Elliott (Kiatipu), Andrea Elliott-Hohepa (Te Rūnganga o Kirikiriroa), Nicky Forsyth (ISS), Megan Campbell (Director), Pru Sheahan (Braemar Hospital), Natalie Brownlie (Te Tamawai Trust), Tracey Cameron (Habitat For Humanity), Amanda Shaw (Graeme Dingle Foundation).
Front Row: Murray Jorgensen (PPL Plastic Solutions), Chris Graham (Te Awamutu Youth Development Trust), Khane Kakai (WEL Networks), Kristel van Houte (Karioi Project), Fariya Begum (Shama), Jared Monk (Montage Group), Jason Smith (Golden Homes).
Photograph by: Barker Photography @barkerphotonz
A Transformative Journey
The Elevate Leadership Class of 2024 marked the end of their transformative journey with heartfelt reflections and a renewed commitment to creating positive impacts in the Waikato community and beyond.
Megan Campbell, an Independent Director, and Natalie Brownlie of Te Tamawai Trust, spoke on behalf of their Elevate cohort expressing how CELF has been truly transformative and life changing.
They said, “It is leading us to a dynamic future where together we will create positive impact in the Waikato community and beyond.”
Natalie Brownlie, sponsored by Montage Group, reflected on the past nine months, stating, “It’s been an absolutely incredible journey. CELF is a beautiful combination of for-purpose and for-profit leaders from the Waikato.”
Megan Campbell, sponsored by CELF, reflected, “Like the rest of the CELF class of 2024, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I figured it was an extension of a business course with some lectures about leadership theory. How wrong I was. Through CELF, I have accessed my courage again. I have regained my self-belief and abilities to think differently, lead with empathy, and bring others with me. My confidence to lead and be curious and courageous has transformed me into a better leader.”
Campbell continued, “And I am now armed with a purpose that ensures meaningful impact and change in our community. Quite simply, I can now contribute and lead at full capacity, always looking for that extra 4% to elevate further.”
Brownlie further emphasised the transformation within the cohort, “It has been fascinating to watch the Class of 2024 transform from leaders in their own rights into leaders with a superpower – CELF. Whether from for-profit or for-purpose, we grew to understand we share many of the same experiences and dilemmas of leadership. As a group, we were stronger and able to bring out the best in each other thanks to the brilliantly curated programme of learning, visits, experiences, and sharing.”
The journey has been unforgettable, with the cohort growing, learning, laughing, and crying together, forging bonds that will last a lifetime. As we graduate, we are armed with a wealth of knowledge and tools, ready to embark on the next steps of our leadership journeys.
On behalf of the 2024 class, Megan and Natalie, extended their gratitude to CELF, the founders, the Trust board, and the sponsors for making this journey possible. They also thanked the businesses and speakers who contributed to their learning experiences, including a memorable waka journey.
Special thanks were given to CELF’s team for their exceptional guidance. “You are so clever the way you weave the programme together. At first, we only saw the threads, but as we grew and the programme extended, we found we could join you in weaving a fabric of individual and collective beauty,” they expressed.
Lastly, to their CELF class colleagues, they shared a heartfelt thank you for being supportive, challenging, and inspiring, closing with a quote by Pericles, where they reminded everyone,
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others.”