Developing Leadership, Resilience
and Personal Growth
Friday 7 May 2027, Auckland
Friday 21 May 2027, Christchurch
Latest Issue – Spring 2026
Imposter Syndrome, Mothers, Motorbikes and Steak
The day closed with Miraka Davies back in the MC chair, steering Sita Proud and Rosanne Graham through a conversation ranging from feedback and imposter syndrome to mothers, motorbikes and steak. Asked what had stuck with her from the day, Proud pointed to Andrew Nicol’s letter to his children. “I’m […]
Christine Kearney on Resilience, Leadership and Finding Opportunity in a Tough Economy
Long before boardrooms, Christine Kearney trained in ballet: a discipline built entirely on making difficulty look effortless. It’s a fitting origin story for a woman who has spent her career perfecting the same art in business. She cut her teeth in five-star hospitality, starting her hotel career at The Ritz […]
Leading in the Light
Jo Stansfield has the kind of CV that could make even the most accomplished leaders blush. Spark, PwC, Vodafone, Kiwibank, Auckland Transport, and Fortysouth, where, as Chief Operating Officer, she sits inside one of New Zealand’s most important behind-the-scenes infrastructure businesses. But the story behind it is not one of […]
Natasha Callister – Chief Commercial Officer at MTF
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? I believe strong leaders foster a culture of excellence, bring grit and unwavering determination and get everyone swimming in the same direction. You’ve got to be outwardly focused so putting the team and organisation above yourself. […]
The Power of Doing Less Better
Wendy Nowell-Usticke has spent long enough in beauty to know when an industry is overcomplicating things. In a world that thrives on excess, multi-step routines, endless launches and ever-changing trends, she has found herself moving in the other direction. That shift did not come from trend forecasting or a sudden […]
Vanessa Leishman – Chief Risk Officer at AA Insurance
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? My perspective on leadership has evolved a lot over time. Early in my career, I was focused on proving myself – delivering results, building credibility, and trying to be the smartest person in the room. It […]
Sharing the secrets of the most exclusive experiences. Sponsored by Spy Valley.
Honing Her Craft
Widely respected winemaker, Wendy Stuckey has spent years honing her craft and refining her gifted palate around the globe, and today can be found championing the Spy Valley Wines style deep in the Waihopa Valley as their Chief Winemaker. M2woman sat down with Wendy to get an insight into the […]
SPICY CHORIZO & LENTIL STEW
Another one-pot wonder! This dish is great with some buttery, crusty bread — we usually have a big green salad/slaw with it too. We also love it on toasted Vogel’s with fried or poached eggs for brunch or weekend brekkie. SERVES 6 2 tbsp canola oil 3 chorizo sausages, chopped […]
Unveiling the Perfect Blend at the New Zealand International Film Festival 2023
The Whānau Mārama NZ International Film Festival is back and bringing us another season of International movie magic. Adding more sparkle to this dazzling event is Spy Valley Wines, the official wine sponsor, back for another year. Spy Valley are truly a team of movie buffs, with some Spy Valley […]
Style
F Around And Find Out
Holly Howe didn’t take a traditional route to becoming one of New Zealand’s standout contemporary jewellers, but that’s probably given her an edge. Based in Dunedin, Holly has built her craft on curiosity, a willingness to embrace the unknown, and plenty of resilience. “Honestly, ‘F around and find out’ is […]
The Latest in Fall Fashion Must Haves
Found Treasures Discover the beauty of fluidity with Found Treasure’s fine jewellery collection, masterfully crafted by Auckland-based jeweller Naomi Lewis, including the Tidal collection, featuring organically-shaped pieces inspired by the ocean’s ebb and flow, or the Paua Shell, a precious bronze casting that can be used to hold small treasures […]
Going Plastic Free
If you’re anything like me, which I pray you’re not, then you think way too much about microplastics and our reliance on plastics in general. Thankfully we’re not alone in this worry and businesses are ever so slowly beginning to take note. Wellington based Kowtow has always had a mission […]
The inspiration you need for your next home.
Interior Inspiration – Romancing the Stone
A regular design fixture for years now, beautiful, elegant marble evolves yet again to be bolder and better with experimental silhouettes and statement finishes. Image of the Florence Coffee table by New Works, $1870 from Slow Store 1. Bookends, $32 from Paper Plane | 2. Coffee table by Normann Copenhagen, […]
Interior Design Inspo – Of The Earth
Nature knows best and what better way to embrace the seasonal shift than to look to pieces that draw inspiration from flora and fauna. Image of the Songbird wallpaper in Teal, $499 per roll from Emma Hayes 1. Resene She’ll Be Right, $5 from Resene ColorShops | 2. […]
Maximise your section’s potential – Andrew’s Experience
Renovating may not be the best way to improve your home. With modern building standards, renovating may be far from cost-effective with the unforeseen costs and hassle involved. Replacing your old place with a new home could easily be a smarter investment. Not only will you get the home you […]
Resilience, Leadership, Personal Growth and the Power of Staying Human
As the final keynote wrapped, MC Mel Homer invited three of the day’s standout speakers – Dr Alia Bojilova, Naomi Ballantyne, and Danu Abeysuriya – back on stage for an open conversation. “If there’s anything you think, gosh, she’s got to ask that and she hasn’t, let me know,” Mel […]
Building & Maintaining Resilience
Cynthia Hunefeld – Building Resilience Through Science, Humour and Purpose Cynthia Hunefeld, founder of Evithe Biotechnology and an award-winning scientist, has dedicated her work to creating groundbreaking plant-based treatments for inflammation. At the Journey to Excellence event, she stood before the audience and said, “I just flew back from the […]
How To Become A C-Suite Leader
Naomi Ballantyne – Defining C-Suite Leadership with Substance Over Status She opened with humour. “I’m retired, so this might be my last chance to speak to an audience like this before ChatGPT takes over from me,” she said. “I am also grateful for the chance to get out of jeans […]
Journey To Excellence Galleries
Friday 15 February 2019 Forum Gallery
Friday 15 February, 2019 Cordis Hotel, Auckland> The Panelists Vanessa Sorenson Enterprise Director at Microsoft Vanessa has more than two decades’ experience in the New Zealand tech sector. She joined Microsoft New Zealand in 2017 as Enterprise Director, overseeing a large portfolio of business customers and sales teams after a […]
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