Don't take it personally says new businessperson

Emily Cooper

National president of Aiesec, an international organisation which runs an exchange programme for tertiary graduates.

Staff: 5 volunteers, 200 committee members

Age of organisation: 21 years in New Zealand, 51 years internationally.

What makes your day at work?

It makes my day when my team and I achieve a goal that we know will make a difference to our local committees, exchange participants and future national teams.

Someone once told me you can only call yourself a success when you leave an organisation better off than when you started.

This certainly holds true for Aiesec, where with a one-year tenure in most positions we need to constantly think about how we want to leave things for the next team.

How did you get where you are today?

I come from quite a medical family but when I was working part-time in a pharmacy I became interested in the sales and business management side of things.

I've completed three (out of five) years of a double commerce and science degree and became involved in Aiesec during my first year at Auckland University when a friend invited me to join. They were a very on-to-it group of people with a lot to offer and I got hooked.

What was the most important lesson you learned on the way up?

That you will achieve more if you draw on the strengths, ideas, motivation and passion of others as well as your own - a leader's success comes from bringing together these things within your team and from others.

No one person has the right answer, but everyone has a piece to add to the puzzle.

What pitfalls have you come across in your career and how have you dealt with them?

Tall poppy syndrome and personal differences superseding other issues.

Sometimes people get too personally involved and lose their perspective on what's best for the organisation.

Not taking things too personally, but listening carefully for genuine criticism, helps you remain positive and clear vision and goals allow you to rise above personal attacks and stay focused.

What advice would you give to a young person starting out in business?

Well, I am a young person starting out. Things clicked for me when I found an organisation and a purpose for my life that I was committed to beyond myself.

Having a purpose beyond simply making money or climbing a career ladder is more fulfilling.

What is the biggest challenge for your organisation in the present economy?

Getting businesses who are still unsure about the economy to take up the opportunities that we provide.

Not enough firms use our exchange programme to source graduates from around the world despite there being many ways that they can contribute to a company's activities and bottom line.

What one thing would you have done differently?

Everything you do has ramifications throughout your life and so I would be less impulsive, more patient and more thoughtful about what I did and the consequences for myself and others.

What ambitions do you have?

I want to lead a business that works to achieve some good within our communities. I find Dick Hubbard's example really inspirational.

I don't think the industry itself is an important factor, it's what you do with that business.

How do you relax?

Social time with my team and my friends. I have a strong network of supportive friends and mentors who give me plenty of ear-time.

My ultimate relaxation is sailing holidays with my father on his friend's boat. I find getting out of the city very good for my spirit, though I'm a city girl at heart.

* Emily Cooper spoke with Jo-Marie Brown.