Standing up for women in leadership 

For Executive MBA student Jennie Smeaton, the chance to empower other women through her story is vital.   

Jennie Smeaton leading a meeting in a room overlooking the Beehive

Jennie believes inspiring other women into seeing leadership roles as a viable path for them is essential, and something she thinks the Executive MBA helps with.

“We need to see women in leadership succeeding, so being highlighted as a female leader in this space is so important to me. Women getting to see women in leadership roles, and particularly Māori women in leadership roles is of huge value, and I personally believe that an Executive MBA can contribute to accelerating that leadership journey.” 

Jennie was drawn to the Executive MBA by the generalist and broad nature of the learnings which she felt would be invaluable as she moved into a role in senior leadership.  

“I wanted to gain insight into a number of areas that are relevant for working in that space. It was really good to get that general overview of what's required. I came into it knowing that it would be really challenging, but a good challenge in terms of the outcomes that I was aiming to achieve, and the relationships that I would get to establish as part of the programme.” 

For Jennie, she was pleased that the programme provided her with the wealth of knowledge needed for senior executive roles and stepping into governance. “Understanding the theory gives you more of an understanding and the ability to participate in conversations more confidently.” 

Jennie Smeaton leading a meeting writing on a glass wall

“The learnings I’ve gained from the Executive MBA have also given me a lot of confidence.”

Jennie Smeaton having a meeting over coffee
Jennie working on post it notes

“I have a greater understanding of how the mechanics of organisations operate, and what you need to know to operate them in a safe way,” explains Jennie. “That’s beneficial. Having the opportunity to dive deep into my own organisation through some of the university assignments has been really rewarding.” 

Jennie is able to apply her learnings in the real world, as well as bring her experience and examples from working back into the classroom. “I work for a Māori organisation, and being able to share the journey that we’re on as an organisation to re-indigenise our space, gave me a greater understanding of how to apply and test certain things in my work context. It’s been a big and beneficial challenge.” 

Another benefit Jennie has found in her time studying the Executive MBA is the opportunity to leave the workplace and focus on something else. “In class, you don’t have to be the leader. You are not setting the direction,” she says. 

“It can feel like a break from work, a chance to step back—with the bonus of contributing to your career development.” 

The location of the Wellington School of Business and Government in the heart of the nation’s capital was a key reason Jennie chose to study in Wellington. “That proximity means you are granted access to great people. For the Economic Analysis for Business Decisions paper, we were taught by Dr Alan Bollard. It was great having access to him and the insights he was able to share. Being able to learn from someone of that calibre is hugely beneficial,” she says. 

The other students on her course were also a major highlight for Jennie. “It is the different backgrounds that bring different knowledge into the classroom space. Working cohesively as a team with people you might not normally pick was a huge takeaway,” she explains. “You pull on your own inner skills so that you can proactively work with anyone. This is a good skillset to take to the workplace. We should be able to work with whoever is available and make something good from it.”  

The course has already helped her make vital work connections outside of her organisation. “Justine Thorpe, CEO of Tū Ora, a Primary Health Organisation in Wellington, is someone I’ve started working with closely. We met through the programme.” 
 
Jennie is a firm believer in continued education throughout your career. 

“You must continue your learning and studying in this space because as you advance in your career you must keep learning. The Executive MBA is quite broad, so you develop several skillsets of value and use as a leader. In that sense, it is the perfect path of study.”  

Jennie Smeaton is an Executive MBA student and Pou Ratonga – Chief Operations Officer at Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, the mandated iwi authority for Ngāti Toa Rangatira.