Executive search and leadership consultant

"I work as a consultant at Kerridge & Partners, an executive search and leadership consultancy firm renowned for appointing senior leaders, CEOs and board directors across New Zealand.

"My role entails leading search assignments, researching and interviewing candidates, and providing strategic advice to our clients regarding the best cultural fit and right talent for their organisation.

"Our clients include some of the key organisations in the country — ranging from Air New Zealand, Fonterra and Fletcher Building through to local and central government.

"Given that I studied Art History, I have really enjoyed leading searches in the galleries, libraries, archives, and museums (GLAM) sector. I have been involved in appointing leaders at Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira, MOTAT, and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

"My work on GLAM-sector recruitment appointments has been underpinned by my postgraduate study in Art History, and the scholarships I received at the University of Auckland gave me the necessary experience in international cultural institutions. The Wright Family Scholarship allowed me to work at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy and the Faculty of Arts Masters Thesis Scholarship and Research Grants funded my study in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and White House Historical Association.

"My Arts study taught me critical thinking skills, how to research and write, how to meet deadlines, how to articulate and communicate effectively, and most importantly, it connected me with the people who will be my professional network for years to come.

"The private sector is increasingly valuing talent with creative and innovative ideas and completing an Arts degree gives you this edge in the commercial and corporate sector."