Leading Ladies

A bumper feature filled with fabulous and inspirational Kiwi women  from a range of fields who share their philosophies on taking charge of life and career.

Jessie always wanted to start a business. Growing up she was fascinated by fashion and the arts, with an obsession with Alexander McQueen and Miuccia Prada (“still obsessed, to be honest!”). “Initially, I considered starting a magazine,” she tells Verve. “But at university, I made a leather bag for a project, and it all took off from there. So, I’m really living my childhood dream of combining business with fashion and culture.”

When did you realise you had leadership qualities?

I don’t think there was ever really a lightbulb moment, it grew out of my love of collaboration and working with people. That’s probably one of my keys to leadership, it’s not about you, it’s about your team. You must also play to your strengths, and recognise your weaknesses. I think anyone who’s a good team player can be a good leader.

Do women generally bring something different to leadership roles?

I think so. It’s somewhat of a generalisation, but there can be less ego, and more capacity to listen and trust. True leadership is about listening, communication, and empathy. Women have those values in spades.

Must fashion designers also have good business skills?

Definitely. Being a designer is as much about reading contracts and figuring out order numbers as it is choosing colourways and sewing samples. As your business grows, you need to either school-up on business or hire someone who gets it.

Have you had mentors?

I’ve been fortunate to have many wise women give me advice over the years. In particular, Sarah Wickens, the co-founder of Trilogy, has helped me out a lot over the past few years and we’ve really vibed. Karen Walker told an 18-year-old me at Christmas party “to be relentless”. It’s so true.

Which leaders most inspire you?

Mecca’s founder, Jo Horgan, has built an incredible business over 25 years and has such a forward-thinking outlook on how the retail will evolve. Closer to home, I’m inspired by the Sharesies co-founders, Brooke Roberts and Sonya Williams. They’ve built an incredible business with such grace and kindness.

Proudest achievements?

Not singular moments, but more so about coming into the studio every day and getting to work with a team that’s just humming. There are also the pinch-me moments, like when we opened our store in Newmarket. It’s five times the size of our Wellington lounge and was a real achievement for our team and the team at Knight Associates. The idea was to host our community in the space – not only Yu Mei collections, but work of artists and collaborators as well. Having a physical space that allows us to connect with our customers is pretty special.

Have you had mentors?

I’ve been fortunate to have many wise women give me advice over the years. In particular, Sarah Wickens, the co-founder of Trilogy, has helped me out a lot over the past few years and we’ve really vibed. Karen Walker told an 18-year-old me at Christmas party “to be relentless”. It’s so true.

Which leaders most inspire you?

Mecca’s founder, Jo Horgan, has built an incredible business over 25 years and has such a forward-thinking outlook on how the retail will evolve. Closer to home, I’m inspired by the Sharesies co-founders, Brooke Roberts and Sonya Williams. They’ve built an incredible business with such grace and kindness.

Proudest achievements?

Not singular moments, but more so about coming into the studio every day and getting to work with a team that’s just humming. There are also the pinch-me moments, like when we opened our store in Newmarket. It’s five times the size of our Wellington lounge and was a real achievement for our team and the team at Knight Associates. The idea was to host our community in the space – not only Yu Mei collections, but work of artists and collaborators as well. Having a physical space that allows us to connect with our customers is pretty special.

Natasha dreamt of being lawyer as a youngster, something her parents said she’d excel at as “I was an expert at having the last word and loved to debate, or argue, as a teenager – and probably still do now!”

What advice would you give to that younger you?

Gosh that’s an interesting one. I think be more comfortable in your own skin and try not to care what others think. Dream big and go for it. Don’t be afraid of failure – out of failure comes learning and resilience. Those two things have really helped me to become a stronger person and leader.

When did you realise you had leadership qualities? 

I’m not sure I realised at any point that I had leadership qualities. I’ve always tried to lead teams and people in a way I would like to lead or treated. To be a good leader, you need to be a good listener, treat people with respect, and set clear expectations and direction. You also need to walk the walk. People will mirror your behaviour so it’s important that whatever expectations and culture you’re trying to create, you bring those attributes yourself as a leader. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Be genuine.

Dream big and go for it. Don’t be afraid of failure – out of failure comes learning and resilience. 

Was it a deliberate choice to have a predominantly female team at the foundation?

I didn’t set out for that to happen! Generally, there are more females working in the not-for profit sector. I would love to have a more even split – but my team are a fabulous bunch of talented and passionate women. Females have a natural nurturing nature, the NFP sector is appealing to many who are seeking to give back. Having empathy is particularly important as our team works with people with disabilities and facing many challenges.

You’ve previously worked in Australia. How does New Zealand compare when it comes to women in leadership roles?

Overall, it is becoming easier for women to hold more leadership positions, but we still have a fair way to go. Pay equity and employers embracing more flexible work practices are two key areas for me. I’ve spent most of my career in Australia, and I did feel coming back home there were more opportunities for women in senior roles which was wonderful. New Zealand does have a higher representation of females in leadership positions than Australia, and is more progressive in embracing diversity.

Did becoming a mother affect how you approach leadership?

In some ways. I started a business in Melbourne dedicated to getting employers to offer flexible work practices to mothers so that they could return to a fulfilling career rather than take roles just because they provide child-friendly hours. Now, my team works flexibly – this was in effect before Covid-19 and will continue. I feel strongly about the importance of a work-life balance, not just for working parents.  I missed out on some of the early years with my son because my employer was not flexible, those are years you can’t get back so I do really encourage my team to think about how flexible working can benefit them. 

Have you had mentors throughout your career?

I can’t say I’ve had many mentors. I’ve worked with some great people who have given me advice. Probably the biggest influence would be my brother. He helps put things in perspective, and because he’s my brother, is always brutally honest!

Proudest achievements?

I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved at the foundation since joining in 2018. I’ve had other career highlights, but this is such a personal journey for me because of my own hearing loss, my mother being deaf, and having cochlear implants, that it just feels so much more rewarding. I know the work we are doing is having such a big impact, particularly our Hearing Screening programme in secondary schools. It’s an initiative I am passionate about as the rising levels of youth hearing loss continue globally, and the fact that I was diagnosed with my hearing loss at high school, I know the challenges. In 2019 we started with five schools, and now even with Covid-19, disruptions we’ll reach 42 schools this year. It’s vitally important we can get donations to continue this programme with around 20% of children we screen retuning an abnormal result. We have been directly responsible for picking up undetected hearing loss in several children to date so the programme has meant they get hearing aids and hopefully their hearing loss won’t affect their educational outcomes.

How do you switch off outside of work?

Spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. Moving back to New Zealand means we’re always outside and doing things together.

Pam believes it essential that leaders find their own style. “Also, I’ve realised over years that there are certain leadership traits that are especially important,” she tells Verve. “A good brain, integrity, high-quality relationship skills, a particular strength or expertise, strong work ethic, humility, and a good dose of humour.”

Can anyone develop these skills?

Good leaders have a clear vision and an ability to execute that vision whilst bringing people with them. I totally believe you can learn how to be a leader and practise the skills necessary. I was incredibly lucky to have parents who had high expectations of us and who supported us. Even if we did not achieve what the goal was, it was important that we tried our best.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To back myself more and to trust my instincts and judgement more. I’ve always been supportive of young women leaders, and competence and confidence is more important to nurture than anything else.

What were your earliest dreams?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school, but I didn’t want to go to university. I’ve always been extremely envious of others who have experienced a deep calling. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities within the public sector, commercial roles and now not-for-profit, that I’ve enjoyed, able to build my career focused on those areas. Needless to say, I did find I wanted higher education, and completed my Bachelor of Business Studies early in my career.

Is leading an NFP different to corporate leadership?

A challenge of the NFP sector is having far fewer resources. Often there is a belief that you have the normal business ability to invest in capability and capacity. The privilege of Make-A-Wish is that it allows me to really focus on our mission to create wishes for critically ill children, bringing joy, hope and strength to them and their families. That’s a stronger motivation than creating shareholder value for a commercial organisation.

The Make-A-Wish team is predominantly female, was this a deliberate? 

It wasn’t deliberate. My preference is that teams have balance as there is a different energy that comes from a mix of genders that’s useful. The right mix of skills and personalities that are all committed to the mission is what’s most important.

Is it becoming easier for women to succeed in business? 

More women are attaining CEO and senior roles, but we must continue to protect those gains. Changing expectations of women senior leaders who also carry most of the work at home is outdated. Men need to shoulder more of the parenting and home-based work that enables a family to function. We need to measure and expose ongoing pay equity issues and challenge the ongoing lack of women visible in senior leadership roles. Good corporates are now actively setting targets for shifts in this space.

What’s been some of your most memorable advice?

I’ve been truly fortunate to have had the advice and support of many mentors. My very first being a community development officer, Patsy Rei, with Māori Affairs Wanganui. I learnt the importance of service – that when you truly have the interest of your people at heart you learn to concentrate on doing what’s right, regardless of the difficulties.

Who are your heroes? 

My mother for her resilience and her commitment to us as children. To all the Rangatira (chiefs) in my whakapapa (ancestry) of Nga Ruahine me te Te Atiawa toku iwi who have led the way for our people.

Proudest achievements? 

Difficult to say. My aspiration has always been to make a difference wherever I’ve been employed or in whatever I’ve volunteered to do. I’m extremely proud of the work the team and I do at Make-A-Wish. It’s wonderful to know every day we make wishes come true for children who have critical illnesses.

How do switch off away from work? 

I’m fortunate to have a broad range of interests. Hockey has been my sport of choice and my go-to for fitness and engaging with a people outside work interests. It can be very cathartic, hitting little white balls around!

Before co-founding her revolutionary eponymous skincare brand, Emma had a senior role in a global tech company where, she believes, she had to “work twice as hard” as her male counterparts to reach the top. “But I knew I deserved to be there,” she tells Verve. “I was often the only female in business meetings, but I never felt I didn’t belong there. I don’t believe gender equality is an industry-specific issue, it’s a systemic bias, and recognising and unlearning this bias must be the first step.”

What were your earliest dreams?

For as long as I can remember I’ve had a curiosity to find a better way. I was raised to believe that no dream was too big. I’m wired to challenge the status quo, which my parents found challenging at times. I’ve also always had very strong values and knew that when I shaped my own business it would be one that held people, planet, and performance equally. Kindness and respect are assets, not vulnerabilities in business. My ambition is to build something that I’m proud to leave behind.

What would you advise your younger self?

Stay true to yourself. Never feel as though you must mould yourself to fit what’s expected. Your value is in your uniqueness. If you believe in something, fight for it. Our deeper purpose is what makes our lives complete, so find this, as it will be your greatest motivator.

What does leadership mean to you?

Great leaders come in many shapes and forms. I’ve led by my values and what is important to me. Treating people with kindness, fairness and respect is at the heart of how I lead, and every decision I make. 

Do women offer something different to leadership?

Absolutely, but, different to what? Traditionally – and still – leadership roles have been dominated by predominantly white men. Women, like any other group, bring something different because they have different life experiences and unique points of view. These must be valued, and I hope we continue to see exponential improvements in the representation of not just women in leadership roles, but of all previously excluded and under-represented groups.

What advice has stuck with you?

I’ve had several mentors throughout my career and the advice that’s stuck with me the most is always around work ethic. My co-founder Kim and I worked every evening, weekend, and holiday, on top of our day jobs, for three years to launch Emma Lewisham. Having a strong work ethic has played a huge role in where I am today.

Which leaders most inspire you?

Jane Goodall and Michelle Obama are two women who really inspire me. They’re down-to-earth, kind, intelligent and uncompromising when it comes to standing up for what they believe in.

Proudest achievements?

My family and my business. I’m proud of the loving, supportive and respectful home we have created, the wonderful partnership I have with my husband and my beautiful daughter. And I’m proud of building a business that balances purpose with profit, helping to solve problems for a better future. 

Any books or podcasts you recommend?

Books I recommend are Net Positive by Paul Polman, and the autobiographies written by Michelle Obama and Jo Malone. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez is a powerful book about the gender data gap and the impact it has on women. 

I listen to podcasts when I run, some of my favourites are the Tim Ferriss Show, Oprah’s Super Soul Sessions, and the BBC’s Desert Island Discs. I love learning about people and what drives them.

How do you switch off outside of the office?   

Family time is a big one for me. I love being at Lake Tarawera, where we have a family home. Running and meditation are also really important parts of my life that help me unwind. 

Jess wanted to be a vet when growing up, but her grades weren’t good enough. She didn’t think she had the ability to make it as an extreme skier either, she admits with laugh over the phone from Canada, but she’s sure proved herself wrong.

Is mental strength more important than natural ability?

One hundred percent. The mental game is the biggest part, the biggest barrier. I still work past it, every day. There were long periods growing up where I didn’t allow myself to improve – skiing with guys, they’d do something that I didn’t believe I could do because I was a girl. But that’s a narrative that women battle from childhood. A girl getting out and doing some jumps in the park, no matter her ability, should be celebrated. When signing young girls’ posters, I always write supportive messages of encouragement.

Any memorable mentors or advice that you’ve received?

Sam Lee has been a huge mentor, especially during the qualifying days. From the get-go, my mom and my sister have been really influential, really strong women. Mum and dad always sad the world is your oyster, and if you want something, work for it. I’ve really looked up to people like Janina Kuzma who is another freerider who used to compete in the Olympics. She’s been a huge help to over the years. 

Freeriding looks pretty dangerous; how do you prepare?

Regarding competitions, you don’t get to ski the face first, so there’s a lot of photography and looking across the valley through binoculars. You must have a strong sense of finding landmarks. A lot of visualisation is required. You look for take-offs and landings to put a run together the evening before. It’s a calculated risk whereby you push yourself to the edge of your ability. Often, I’ll attain a ‘flow state’, whereby I’m fully focused. There are times when you’re not in the right headspace and that is when it can feel scary.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

I have a particular pair of underwear and socks. If I do well in a certain thermal top I try to wear it for the rest of the competition – but I do wash it! In my backpack I carry a harmonica, given to me by a musician friend, his first one; an evil eye, which is a type of protection charm, given to me on a flight by a Middle Eastern lady who had cancer and was travelling to all the places she wanted to visit; and a poker chip found on the slopes by some American friends that helped me out massively during a really difficult time of my life. 

Can you play the harmonica?

No, I’m quite useless!

What do you get up to when not on the slopes?

It depends on the time of the year, but if not skiing in New Zealand, I’ll usually be biking or taking a random surfing trip. Overseas, I’ll chill with friends who make me happy and do whatever activities are available at the time.