Taking women’s leadership to the next level

As co-owner of Woodhouse Farm Organics, and with 25 years’ experience in administration, Joanne Turner has a diverse range of skills, and it was to hone and enhance these that she took part in the Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) six-month Next Level leadership and governance development programme.

By Elaine Fisher

Operating a small horticultural business can sometimes be isolating, says Joanne, who with her husband Greg, runs their Demeter-certified berry farm near Palmerston North. There they grow raspberries, boysenberries and blackcurrants along with orchard fruit and vegetables which they sell at local markets and to retail outlets in the lower North Island.

“Sometimes my horizon is only one to two days ahead, as with perishable crops we are always looking for the next rain or sun event, when to apply compost or other day-to-day tasks. Taking part in the course was an opportunity to look further ahead and build a long-term strategy.”

One module looked at governance which, having come from a management role, I found very useful

Joanne is also a member of the Biodynamics New Zealand Council which is the certifier in New Zealand under the Demeter certification trademark, registered in 1984. For three years she was council secretary, and it was in this role that Joanne decided to enhance her leadership and governance abilities and step up to become a council member.

Joanne Turner, co-owner of Woodhouse Farm Organics

Initially she applied for the AWDT’s Escalator programme, but such was the demand from women in the industry to take part, that the trust established the Next Level programme. It is designed for change-makers and aspiring leaders across the sector, from farmers and growers to women in support and service industries, communitybuilders and executives.

The programme combines individual learning and support from professional facilitators and coaches, with the power of a cohort-for-life – a group of like-minded women who grow to trust and support each other throughout the programme and beyond. “I wanted to understand what a good leader was and to reaffirm that the council’s function is different from management. We are a small not-for-profit council and it’s hard not to try to do everything. Recently we have secured funding for extra staff time so we can now concentrate on governance, not day-to-day management.” Establishing exactly what the difference between management and governance is, was one of the strengths Joanne gained from the Next Level programme. “One module looked at governance which, having come from a management role, I found very useful. “I thoroughly enjoyed the programme. All the presenters were excellent and generous in giving their time and expertise. I also now have the support of a network of lovely women from different backgrounds and experiences. I would thoroughly recommend the programme to other women in horticulture.”

The Next Level course aims to help participants break through internal barriers to find confidence and courage; develop a mindset for leadership; find their way to motivate and lead; develop the ability to positively influence others; build communication skills; learn to stay cool under pressure; connect with like-minded, supportive women and create a personalised plan of action, including a governance CV.

There are still spaces available for South Island Next Level programmes:

To find out more go to:

https://www.awdt.org.nz/ programmes/next-level/

I wanted to understand what a good leader was...

Christchurch

Registration closes 13 April

Dunedin

Registration closes 23 March