When I first arrived in Aotearoa, New Zealand, as a Manaaki scholar from Nigeria, I was eager to embrace new opportunities, and the moment WILP was introduced during our pre-start program, I knew I had to be part of it. My WILP journey was so much more than just attending seminars and submitting reflections, it was a truly life-changing experience that opened my eyes to global perspectives, helped me grow as a leader, and introduced me to amazing people from all over the world.
Challenging assumptions
Through WILP, I had the opportunity to engage in discussions that challenged my assumptions and saw the world from a broader perspective. The seminars provided a strong foundation for this growth. The “Leadership for Sustainable Development” session prompted me to reflect on my core values and align them with my actions. The “Global Interdependence” seminar reinforced the interconnectedness of our world, reminded me of the importance of thinking globally while acting locally. The Charismatic Political Leadership seminar was a stark reminder that leadership must be guided by ethical principles to foster trust and create lasting positive impact, as every decision we make has the potential to affect others. These lessons have become my compass, guiding me in how I approach leadership every day.
Bringing leadership lessons to life
Beyond the classroom, WILP’s experiential activities truly brought leadership lessons to life. They showed me that leadership is not just about ideas and theories but about taking meaningful actions and making a difference, no matter how small. For me, one of the most transformative moments in WILP was participating in the Global Enterprise Experience. This experience was the highlight of my journey because I had the unique opportunity to lead a diverse international team in developing a business proposal focused on addressing UN Sustainable Development Goal 6—Clean Water and Sanitation, using limited capital. Collaborating with teammates spread across different time zones and cultural backgrounds was both challenging and rewarding.
The experience taught me to adapt, communicate clearly, and approach situations with cultural humility while balancing my academic work. It was a vivid reminder that leadership in a globalized world goes far beyond technical skills, but also requires the ability to embrace diversity, foster collaboration, and navigate differing perspectives with openness and respect. It’s a lesson that will stay with me for a lifetime.
Concluding reflections
We asked Olufemi to conclude with some reflections for other students and future leaders to consider. He recommends: “Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, lead with compassion and understanding, and continue to build bridges that connect cultures and communities. Remember, Leadership is a journey, not a destination, it is about the actions we take every day to make a difference. Keep building bridges, and lead with a purpose that goes beyond yourself.”
Learn more about our university’s leadership programmes.
