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News, Profiles and Latest Blogs

Growing Into Purpose-Driven Leadership

When Adam Findlay joined CELF’s Leadership Waikato Programme, he had recently been appointed Construction Manager at Foster Group Ltd, navigating the demands of leadership while raising a youngRead more

Leadership in Action

How CELF Sparked Change Industrial Site Services (ISS) began in 1991 when Scott and Shani Forsyth set out to provide safe, reliable access solutions for New Zealand’s heavy industry. Now led byRead more

Celebrating Leadership That Inspires

On Friday 14 November we celebrated the spirit of leadership that runs through the Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation (CELF) alumni community, by recognising an Alumni Leader of theRead more

Celebrating the CELF Class of 2025

Last Friday, the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts was alive with energy as we celebrated the graduation of CELF’s Class of 2025. This milestone marks ten years of the Leadership Programme, andRead more

New Trustees for CELF

We’re pleased to introduce you to  two of our newest members of CELF's Trust Board – Carmen Jacobsen and David Wiles. Both bring deep expertise, fresh energy, and a shared passion for growiRead more

Leadership for Good

Seventeen years ago, Gary and Trina White began Waikato Construction Management Limited (WCML) as a modest shed-building venture. Today, WCML stands as a respected provider of design and build servicRead more

Leaning Into Authenticity

When Heidi Gleeson joined CELF's Leadership Programme in 2023, she was stepping into uncharted territory. Two years into her role at True Colours Children's Health Trust, she was preparing to succeedRead more

A Decade of Leadership Impact

The Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation (CELF) is celebrating ten years of strengthening leadership across Waikato. Our celebration event honoured the vision and commitment of founders,Read more

New Co Chairs for CELF

Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation Welcomes New Co-Chairs The Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation (CELF) is proud to announce John Adams and Megan Campbell as its newRead more

Norm Hill - Alumni Leader of the Year 2024

Pictured above:  Norm Hill – CELF Alumni Leader of the Year & Dr Peter Sun Photograph by:  Barker Photography @barkerphotonzRead more

Class of 2024 Graduates

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-LeeRead more

Rethinking Waste

On Tuesday, November 12, Sustainability Walk The Talk (SWTT) visited saveBOARD’s Hamilton plant  where we saw how waste soft plastics and composite  packaging are transformed into viable andRead more

CELFie Spotlight

Transforming Lives through Sports: Thomas Nabbs and The Waterboy's Inspiring Story

Lots of Little Fires is thrilled to share the remarkable story of Thomas Nabbs, the founder and director of The Waterboy with Lugtons and Taku Wairua.

The organisation aims to provide equitable access to sporting opportunities and personal development for young individuals who face challenges due to their environment. This heart-warming story highlights the transformative power of knowledge, identity, and support in shaping the lives of young people.

"By passing down stories and lessons from one generation to another, we can help young people develop a sense of pride in their heritage and build a strong foundation for their future."

Brett Maber: Power Farming

Discover the story behind Power Farming's evolution from traditional roots to a beacon of innovation under Brett Maber's leadership. Witness how embracing core values of hard work, respect, and collective effort can lead to a legacy of reliability and trust.

Kylie Leonard: Tompkins Wake

Kylie Leonard's journey through the Elevate Leadership Programme was sponsored by Tompkins Wake in 2019.
Her progress since then has been nothing short of inspirational. Kylie Leonard, Class of 2019 & CELF Alumni Leader of the Year 2022, shares her leadership insights.

Podcasts

Join us, as we engage in candid conversations with leaders from a diverse range of business and enterprise.  Alongside this we have selected a range of other podcasts where leadership is the common theme.  

Pat Peoples, Managing DirectorSchick Civil Construction,one of New Zealand's largest privately owned civil infrastructure companies, joins Heather Claycomb, Managing Director - HMC, an award-winning New Zealand PR agency and Tania Witheford, Executive Director of the Community and Enterprise Leadership Foundation to discuss the impact of "Living your why,  leading with and communicating purpose." 

Pat candidly shares his leadership journey and the evolution of Schick Civil Construction over his 20 plus years at the helm, where they have doubled size every five years and where his team remain the number one priority.

Central to this there are some great lessons about how to truly live your organisation's "why" and how to communicate purpose and values throughout an organisation, whilst rapidly expanding and where the landscape is constantly changing. 

Pat reflects on his time in high-performance sport as an Olympic rower in the 1990's and how he has applied some of these learnings to his business.

The Story Hub

Cathan Bowler speaks to Kiwi professionals of the careers, experiences, lessons and leadership moments.  Among these are interviews with some of our CELF alumni; Leonard Gardner - Foster Construction and Pat Peoples - Schick Civil Construction.

Enjoy - thank you Cathan.

 

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