Join us for an engaging conversation on leadership in a changing world.
As technology reshapes how we work, stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, and organisations navigate increasingly complex social, economic and workforce challenges, the demands on leaders are changing too.
Katie Bhreatnach, CEO of Global Women, Maree Thyne, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Commerce and Dean of the Otago Business School, Megan Crawford, General Manager of Dunedin International Airport, and Heidi Rautjoki, Partner at Deloitte, will share their perspectives on the future of leadership, building trust in an era of competing expectations, the value of diversity of thought, and the uniquely human capabilities that become even more important as artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday life.
Together they will explore what gives them confidence in the next generation of leaders, how organisations can create environments where people feel they belong and thrive, and what courageous leadership looks like in an increasingly complex world.
The event will feature a moderated discussion by Global Women Regional Lead Trish Oakley, audience Q&A, and time for networking and connection.
Your Panellists:
Maree Thyne: Maree is the Pro Vice Chancellor Commerce and Dean of the School of Business at the University of Otago. Passionate about student success, Maree is a respected leader and prominent academic. With over 20 years’ experience in consumer behaviour, in particular tourist behaviour. Maree brings expertise in fulfilment of tourists needs and wants through satisfying visitor experiences. With an extensive global network, Maree has led international research projects examining the impact of tourists interacting with other tourists; the changing nature of cultural tourists; and understanding cruise tourist motivations.
Megan Crawford: Megan is the General Manager Business Development at Dunedin International Airport. Returning to New Zealand after living abroad, she brings extensive marketing experience, insight and a strong passion for the region. She focuses on connecting people with place and fostering opportunities that support regional growth and development. Megan is a a director on the Tourism Waitaki Board and Otago Rugby Football Board.
Heidi Rautjoki: With more than 25 years of experience in Deloitte’s assurance and advisory practice, Heidi is a respected business leader with expertise in risk management, audit, and governance. She works across a diverse range of organisations, including FMC reporting entities, private companies, and public and not-for-profit organisations, helping clients navigate the audit process and deliver value. An advocate for women in the workplace, Heidi actively supports Deloitte’s commitment to advancing women within the firm. She contributes to a range of initiatives designed to foster leadership development, promote inclusion, and create opportunities for women to thrive professionally.
Katie Bhreatnach: Katie Bhreatnach is an experienced business leader passionate about the empowerment and advancement of wahine and Māori. She has a global perspective, gleaned from working and studying overseas, coupled with a drive for innovating for a strong and sustainable Aotearoa. Her executive career spans financial services, FMCG, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, and aviation. Katie is also an experienced Director and chartered member of the Institute of Directors, with governance roles including Dunedin International Airport, AMP, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and the College of Law.
Trish Oakley: Trish Oakley is a purpose-led governance leader who combines a people-first approach with strategic oversight to drive organisational performance and positive outcomes. She brings over 25 years of experience from the financial services industry, working across marketing, product development and people focused roles. She is Chancellor of the University of Otago. Trish is also a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD), Otago-Southland Branch committee member and President of the IoD’s National Council. She is a member of the New Zealand Lotteries Commission.