Welcoming Communities and Business South are calling for applicants for the next leadership scholarships.

Two Central Otago newcomers were awarded scholarships to attend the Business South Leadership Academy in 2023, the second year of the scholarship.

Mactodd Lawyers property and commercial lawyer Caitlin Laurenson and C&R Insurance broker Dewald De Beer attended the Leadership Academy in Cromwell last November.

This initiative is a partnership between Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Welcoming Communities and Business South and aims to support newcomers in the business community. 

Caitlin, who moved to Cromwell in 2020, said the most useful part of the academy was learning that leadership styles are individual, and - as a result - she has signed up for the business mentor programme.

She said she is “looking forward to implementing some of the tips and tricks for team building and engagement” within her workplace.

Dewald, who moved to Central Otago with his family from South Africa in 2017, reflected that learning about the variety of leadership approaches in business was invaluable, with every speaker providing meaningful information to apply to his own business development.

The pair encourage newcomers to consider applying for future scholarships. 

Cailtin said the speakers were “inspiring”, and it was an amazing networking opportunity. 

Dewald said newcomers may feel vulnerable, but by being “bold” and stepping out into the business community, newcomers will be able to “share and connect . . . and ask for help”.

The next leadership academy will take place in Cromwell on Wednesdays, from September 4 - 25, 2024. Applications close 30 June 2024.

For more information contact Welcoming Communities officer [email protected].