From the MTG: Remembering a great leader, Thérèse Angelo MNZM

Laura Vodanovich

Leadership comes in many forms: great people leaders, organisational leaders, inspiring leaders.

Leadership can also be shown by individuals at any level of an organisation, those who lead by example in how they treat others, maintain values, how they behave, how they follow, and how they help an organisation to achieve its goals, hold its head high and have a supportive culture.

Every now and then there's also a leader who has a positive influence across an entire industry.

Sadly, this week we lost one of those leaders, with the death of Thérèse Angelo MNZM on Monday.

Thérèse was director of the Air Force Museum in Christchurch from 2002–2018. In her time in the role, Thérèse not only led and directed the museum, she spread a value of support and nurture to other leaders and individuals in the industry throughout the country.

I first met Thérèse more than 10 years ago and she quickly became someone I looked to for advice.

One of the many things I admired about Thérèse was that she didn't expect anyone to be perfect, she saw people's flaws yet always believed in them. I last spoke to Thérèse about four weeks ago and will miss her terribly. She was a very special person and I feel lucky to have had the privilege of knowing her.

Thérèse went out of her way to encourage and support people, she never interfered but always provided valuable advice when requested and was there to lend a guiding and helping hand. She served as chair of the Museums Aotearoa Board for six years and was instrumental in helping museums and galleries affected by the Canterbury quake.

And the industry recognised and celebrated Thérèse's work and spirit. She was awarded an individual achievement award in 2010 acknowledging her work support and developing staff, in 2012 she received a special award for the support and leadership provided after the Canterbury quake.

In 2015 Thérèse was made a Fellow of Museums Aotearoa, again acknowledging in particular the role she played in developing people within the sector.

I found a quote from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield which I think fits Thérèse well: "Ultimately, leadership is not about glorious crowning acts. It's about keeping your team focused on a goal and motivated to do their best to achieve it, especially when the stakes are high and the consequences really matter. It is about laying the groundwork for others' success, and then standing back and letting them shine."

We all need great leaders and I will forever be thankful to Thérèse for being part of my life.

Upcoming events

• Hawke's Bay Arts Festival - Finding My Way Home (Readers & Writers). Today, Saturday October 20, 10am-11am in the MTG Century Theatre. Information and tickets: http://www.hbaf.co.nz/

• Hawke's Bay Arts Festival - Between the Lines (Readers & Writers). Today, Saturday October 20, 12pm-1pm in the MTG Century Theatre. Information and tickets: http://www.hbaf.co.nz/

• Hawke's Bay Arts Festival - The Shrieking Sisterhood (Readers & Writers). Today, Saturday October 20, 3pm-4pm in the MTG Century Theatre. Information and tickets: http://www.hbaf.co.nz/

• Hawke's Bay Arts Festival - White Night. Tonight, Saturday October 20, 7pm–10pm. Delicious Paella-A-Go-Go on the beautifully lit forecourt, Esk Valley wine, an interactive giant marble run in the front foyer and curators on hand throughout the evening. Free entry.

• Hawke's Bay Arts Festival - MAMiL (Remounted). Sunday October 21, 7.30-9pm & Monday October 22, 4pm-5.30pm in the MTG Century Theatre. Information and tickets - http://www.hbaf.co.nz/

• House of Webb Embroidery Tour. Tuesday October 23, 11am-12pm. Free public programme. This tour is currently full, to go on the waitlist please contact the MTG reception, email info@mtghawkesbay.com or phone 06 835 7781.

• Havelock North High School Sleeping Giant Showcase. Wednesday October 24, 7pm-10pm in the MTG Century Theatre. Original live performances by year 11-13 musicianship students. Information and tickets, phone 06 877 8129.

• Jane Doe. Thursday October 25, 7pm-8pm in the MTG Century Theatre. Information and tickets - http://www.hbaf.co.nz/

*Laura Vodanovich is the director of the Museum Theatre Gallery (MTG)