Working on a series of story books for children to help them sit with big emotions and learn to understand them, got me thinking about how such young minds and hearts can work through such complicated and heavy things. If a five-year-old can learn to understand grief, jealousy, and rejection, why do we get so bogged down with the complicated as adults? What if you worked through your next big work challenge like you were explaining it to a 5-year-old?

 

One of the most surprising aspects of the transition from early to mid-career is that some of the habits that once helped you get ahead can begin to hold you back. Drawing from personal experiences, conversations, and insights, I will reflect on how particular strategies and working styles that were helpful at early career stages may start to impact you differently in mid-career, necessitating a reassessment of your approach to work. Some strategies will continue to help you, some you may need to adapt, and some you may need to consider abandoning altogether. The transition to mid-career requires a shift in strategy, a recalibration of priorities, and a conscious assessment of the path you’re pursuing.

In this talk, I will share practical strategies to navigate this critical phase with confidence and purpose. Through personal anecdotes and real-life examples, I will illustrate how checking in with yourself and reviewing your strategy can lead to more intentional and fulfilling career growth. Additionally, I will emphasise the importance of whanaungatanga, the development of meaningful connection and relationships, which remains crucial at every career stage.

 

This talk will resonate with anyone looking to make the most of their career journey, aligning with our theme of elevation and the University’s commitment to fostering growth and excellence. On the day of the presentation, I will use PowerPoint slides to visually support key points and will engage the audience by asking questions. Join me for a dynamic session that will inspire reflection on this career transition, whether it’s upcoming or has already passed, shaped by my own experiences and conversations with peers.

There’s a simple activity which has been proven to improve memory, build resilience, eases anxiety and helps you to relax. It’s jigsaw puzzling. Every piece you place in the correct spot gives you a burst of dopamine, which provides feelings of satisfaction and pleasure.

 

It is also a great way to meet people. Puzzles are especially good for introverts to socialise as you don’t have to look at each other to collaborate on solving the puzzle. At Faculty of Engineering and Design, we held a Puzzle Jam for the Engineering Postgraduate Society end of last year, and it was a huge hit.

 

A lot of teams at the University have jigsaw puzzle tables. Jigsaw puzzles have come a long way since our grandparents’ time when the standard illustrations were landscapes. These days, illustration run the whole spectrum from abstract to calming scenes to challenging diabolical images. You can find images to suit any preferences. There are wooden puzzles, 3-D puzzles, shaped puzzles and puzzles in cardboard or plastic.

 

Most people are casual puzzlers who enjoy the slow and calming process. However, a new way to puzzle has grown significantly in the last few years. Speed puzzling is a sport where participants attempt to solve a puzzle in the shortest time. The New Zealand Jigsaw Puzzle Association was formed in 2024 to build a community and to develop Kiwi speed puzzlers. NZJPA runs community events, virtual and in person speed puzzle competitions.

What if your next career breakthrough isn’t out there — but right where you are? That’s the question I’ll open with in this six-minute talk, inviting our audience to consider how career growth can happen within their current role, through intention, visibility, and courage.

 

Before joining Waipapa Taumata Rau, I spent over a decade working in marketing and business development, both in New Zealand and internationally. I specialised in branding management, communications, and strategic partnerships, but when I took on a support role at the university, I effectively started over from the International Marketing position to rebuild my career. That role was never meant to be long-term. But I saw it as a platform — a way to reconnect with my strengths and contribute meaningfully from day one. Since then, I’ve worked across digital marketing, postgraduate programme strategy, and international engagement, leading student recruitment efforts across China, developing TNE (transnational education) partnerships, and co-driving a diversification plan to expand our reach beyond traditional markets.

 

When I joined my current fixed-term support role, I never imagined I’d one day help shape our international strategy, lead postgraduate recruitment trips across China, SA, SEA and beyond or co-create initiatives that influence our Business School’s future. My title didn’t change overnight — but my mindset, focus, and conversations did.

 

In this talk, I’ll share how I identified my strengths, crafted career conversations that mattered, and learned to make strategic contributions from “inside the system.” I’ll reflect on the value of internal networks, the power of delivering excellence in overlooked areas (like prospectus writing!), and the role of storytelling in raising both your profile and purpose.

 

This story embodies HIKITIA | ELEVATE — rising by building on what you already have, honouring what’s around you, and lifting others along the way. It speaks to the whakataukī Whāia te iti kahurangi…, and reflects values like manaakitanga (support), whanaungatanga (connection), and ako (shared learning).

 

I hope to leave the audience thinking: How can I grow, right here, right now? Whether you’re in a support role, facing career uncertainty, or simply wondering how to lead without a title, this talk will offer a relatable and uplifting perspective.

He aha te mea nui o te ao?

He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata

 

With this Learn Like Lightning, we will tell the story of our first year as GSAs and how relational bonding has enhanced our well-being and the disposition to be resilient amidst change and challenges across work and personal life.

We started working on the same day, 6 June 2024, feeling both excited and anxious – excited by the new environment, fresh opportunities, meeting new people, and taking on new responsibilities; and anxious because we are also full time PhD students balancing this 0.8 FTE role.

 

Our presentation will explore the beauty of relationship building as a key source of well-being, portraying our shared experience as two colleagues who have supported each other through the various stages and challenges of our first year as GSAs. We believe our topic will resonate with others as it reflects the importance of cultivating meaningful connections through thoughtful and respectful engagements at work. This relational approach is lived out through the care given in response to questions and tasks as well as our intentional interactions with our fellow GSAs, academic and professional staff. These everyday care-full and juan-derful moments and connections are an anchor to our well-being at work and a source of resilience for the daily hurdles.

 

The University is continuously going through significant changes in its organisational structure. These changes are not just technical, they have accompanying emotional shifts. We believe that a relational approach amongst colleagues is a key source of well-being, emotional support and resilience for the personal transitions associated with the changes.

Dodging a bullet has been a defining metaphor in my career, illustrating the risks I’ve taken to inform and connect with others. Before moving to New Zealand, I had a 15-year professional career, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I transitioned from academia to communications roles in academia, government, and non-profits. As a journalist for a prominent newspaper, I interviewed high-ranking officials and exposed corruption. At this juncture in my career, I experienced “Dodging a bullet”, literally. I also served as a consultant to a governor, a legislative officer for a senator, and a chief editor at a major university.

Despite my extensive experience, adapting to New Zealand’s job market was challenging. I had to prove my skills in English communication, relationship management, multitasking, and organisation. This was a lesson in humility. Sometimes, it felt like none of my past experiences and learning mattered.

But they do! My journey in New Zealand has been about adapting, persevering, and using my strengths and experiences to lead and mentor others. The whakataukī, “Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei,” inspires me to stay curious, keep learning, pursue my goals and elevate those around me. Dodging a bullet reminds me to persevere through adversity, draw on my strengths, and lead wherever I am.