What is your favorite travel memory?
One of my (many!) favourite travel memories is waking up in Butaritari (one of the outer islands of Kiribati in the Pacific) to a group of women peering down at my nose! They were fascinated by the length of my nose (I'd never even noticed I might have a long nose, but apparently I do!) and had all come to take a look while I was asleep. We laughed and laughed! It was a beautiful memory because it was such a funny moment that transcended language and cultural barriers and helped us form an instant connection. Although I've been fortunate to travel a lot, Butaritari will always be one of the most remote places I've had the chance to visit.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working at Victoria University of Wellington has enabled me to connect with some incredible students here in New Zealand and around the world. I have been really inspired by how motivated, authentic and appreciative our students are. I only started working here a few months ago so I wouldn't say I've changed much yet, but I'm certainly learning a lot about the world of international education.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
We hear so many great stories from our exchange students every day. They all make me happy, but I get especially excited when I hear how international education has helped make students gain new perspectives on the world and their place in it. Here's a great example from a recently returned exchange student:
"This experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and has given me a newfound sense of confidence and independence. As I boarded the plane back home, I carried with me not just memories but a transformed perspective, with a more inclusive worldview shaped by the people I met, the places I explored, and the lessons I learned."
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would participate in our Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP), which is available to all our students, including our Study Abroad and exchange students. It's such a great programme for learning about global issues and becoming a global citizen right here in Wellington, New Zealand. One of the highlights of our programme is our Diplomatic Dialogues where students get to meet Ambassadors from around the world and talk to them about their leadership journeys.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
One of the things that makes Victoria University of Wellington unique is our location in "the Coolest Little Capital" of the world (according to Lonely Planet). This is one of the reasons I chose to do my PhD in tourism management here - I loved being able to look out from my office and see the Beehive (New Zealand's Parliament Buildings) and also be so close to beautiful walks in the bush and along our waterfront.
The other thing that makes us unique is our people. My team is truly a dream team and makes me so proud! One example was when we recently hosted the Student Leadership Summit. The event was student-led and it was such a success! For example, one student said: "The 2024 Student Leadership Summit has had a lasting impact on me. It has made me a more confident, empathetic, and adaptable leader, ready to navigate the complexities of a diverse and ever-changing world".
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe there are three main factors behind any successful company. First, your company's people. Second, your company's purpose. Third, your company's values. If you have good people united by shared values and a common purpose, this will give any company the foundation they need to succeed. This is one of the reasons I love working at Victoria University of Wellington as we are fortunate to have this strong foundation.