Speakers were Dr Samantha Holdsworth, the Hansen family and LeaderBrand’s CEO Richard Burke and founder Murray McPhail. A local farmer/grower panel was made up of Dan Griffin, Blake and Fraser Briant and Kerry Worsnop.
All that was followed by dinner and a fireside chat with All Black great Richie McCaw.
Dr Holdsworth from the Mātai Medical Research Institute spoke about her journey working alongside some of the brightest minds in the world during her 11 years at Stanford University.
She talked about the challenges in starting a not-for-profit research and innovation centre in Gisborne (being built in Childers Road), that has become a leading force in medical imaging.
“Her key message was the importance of showing up each day and riding the ups and downs and despite the ups and downs, turning up and being resilient and resourceful will ensure a general upward trajectory in life,” Mr Andrew said.
“When challenged as to why she chose to establish Mātai in Gisborne, she argued, ‘why not Gisborne?’
“She suggested Gisborne offers a unique setting for innovation with its distinct challenges and opportunities and the fact medical research happening in big centres often doesn’t translate to rural communities.”
Angus and Henry Hansen talked about Wisewool, the family’s start-up venture which takes the resilient, versatile fibres of strong wool and transforms them into non-woven textiles that grace high-end furniture and luxurious bedding.
The family has been in the wool industry in Tairāwhiti for almost 130 years.
The theme of their talk was looking to the future and they spoke about how that involved tackling challenges and learning from the past.
“Their message was if you keep doing the same thing, you cannot expect a different result.
“They emphasised the importance of working as a collective towards a common goal. They believe it is what the wool industry needs to do to be successful.”
Leaderbrand’s Richard Burke and Murray McPhail spoke about resilience from a personal, commercial and social perspective.
Mr McPhail started Leaderbrand from scratch in 1975. It is now one of the largest produce businesses in the country.
“Richard shared his thoughts on resilience and what that has looked like to him over his time with LeaderBrand.
“The key take-out from this discussion was the importance of relationships in challenging periods, and how it is important to have a strong understanding of what you’re doing, so you can make clear decisions,” Mr Andrew said.
“Murray’s thoughts on tough situations was to keep looking forward and not dwell on things that have already happened. Focusing on what you can control is vital.”
The local farmer/grower panel shared techniques and tips on things they have adopted post-cyclone on a farm and business level. They also talked about an opportunity that has excited them on a regional, national or international level.
“They all shared the importance of planning ahead and getting a good team around you who you can bounce off and can give you a lift in morale when it’s needed.
“The panel all shared passion for the industry they worked in and were invested in the region for the long term.”
Richie McCaw talked about adversity, tackling challenges, rebuilding, resilience and adapting as he recapped his career highs and lows.
“The key message to come from Richie was you either face the problem or run away from it.
“Anything worth going after will involve pressure and pressure is uncomfortable,” Mr Andrew said.
“Work at it and see where you can get to. Even if you fall down, keep getting up.
“His summary of good leadership was based on actions needing to speak first.
“Leadership when things are going well is easy; when it isn’t is where true leadership is measured.
“Leaders who are prepared to be at the front when it gets tough are the leaders that will be followed.”
Mr Andrew said feedback on the event had been overwhelmingly positive.
