A unique partnership between NZ Chartered Accountants (NZ CA) and Outward Bound is injecting the human touch into a high-tech industry – and in doing so, is laying strong foundations for a new generation of leaders.
Since the two organisations teamed up five years ago, Outward Bound has delivered a bespoke professional development course ‘The Edge’ to close to 50 NZ CA members. The programme combines the quintessential Outward Bound experience with tailored professional workshops, and according to NZ CA Chair Matt Rogers, is a powerful way to equip members with the skills they need to lead.
“A partner in an accounting firm may have all the technical proficiency expected of them, but this does not always go hand in hand with people leadership,” said Matt.
“This programme explores how members can look after themselves and their team. If you don’t have a clear picture of who you are first, it’s hard to give your authentic self in a professional service business like ours.”
With all the hallmarks of an Outward Bound professional course - from sailing a cutter, traversing rock faces and camping solo, to professional workshops facilitated by skills coach Tania Gough – the programme enables participants to test their potential, and later reflect on it. But unlike Outward Bound’s standard courses, The Edge is delivered in two parts – the first a six-day programme and several months later another four days.
“The two-session model reinforces collegiality and enables members to return to real life and reflect on their course experience. They can apply learnings to their work and personal life, then return to Outward Bound to build on and adjust their new skills.”
Offered as a professional development ‘value add’ to NZ CA members, it’s designed to grow talented, great people within the sector and teach technical experts the human skills they need to deliver a great accounting experience for their clients.
“The Edge identifies our members with future leadership potential, and explores each member’s leadership style and nuance, providing them with the confidence to set goals and apply their leadership skills in their professional and personal lives.
NZ CA Chair Matt Rogers
“The Edge at Outward Bound is known as the group’s pinnacle leadership course by all our members. Outward Bound provide the scale and resources we need for the programme to be successful and sustainable.
I can’t think of any other third-party provider that offers the same level of customisation and authenticity in wanting to refine and enhance the programme. We can’t ask for more than that – Outward Bound is an amazing partner for us.”
For Outward Bound Professional Development Partner, Maree Hoare, The Edge is a shining example of the powerful impact their professional courses can have.
“Not only do the professional courses deliver learning that lasts a lifetime, it equips aspiring leaders with the resilience, confidence, adaptability and self-awareness that the business world is crying out for, now more than ever.”
Associate at Brophy Knight in Ashburton, Emma Hastings, completed The Edge in 2019 and is still reaping the benefits.
“The biggest learning I gained was to have confidence in my abilities and belief in what I can do,” she said. “The programme taught me that life doesn’t always go according to plan - but it’s the acceptance that we can adjust these plans, make the most of every situation and even enjoy it.”
These vital learnings were thrust upon Emma from the get-go.
“On the first day of the programme we got in a rowboat and rowed together for eight hours. I thought we were rowing to a lodge to spend the night in a bunk bed. We ended up sleeping in the boat that night, all ten of us, with our heads next to someone we’d never met before.”
She didn’t realise it at that time, but that was just the beginning.
“My biggest fear was spending one night alone in the bush, in the dark. I’d mentally prepared myself but felt tearful when I heard we’d have not one night but two on the solo expedition.
"I was so emotional when I arrived at my solo site, I asked myself ‘How am I going to do it?’ But I did. I was so excited to talk to my watch mates after it was over - the same people who were total strangers on that first day, I couldn’t wait to see them again!”
Challenging experiences such as these have been pivotal in Emma’s professional and personal growth. The Emma that embarked on the Outward Bound professional course was not the same Emma that returned from it.
She’s also found a work-life balance, discovered a love of the outdoors, and forged lifelong friendships with fellow watchmates.
“It brings me joy when I look back on all the Outward Bound memories. The hardest moments, like putting myself underwater in a kayak, were all times my watch mates saw me at my worst and also my best. Outward Bound has encouraged me to be who I am.”
Teaming up with Outward Bound has provided accountants like Emma with an unrivalled opportunity to reach their full potential, and Matt can’t wait to give more NZ CA members the chance to benefit from the programme.
“As an organisation, we’re 20 years old, and we want to make sure NZ CA’s foundations are strong for the next 20 years,” he said.
“In ten years, 100% of our future directors will hopefully have passed the programme and will have shared the camaraderie and momentous experience of Outward Bound. We’re excited to see this heritage and legacy grow.”
“Since Outward Bound, I now work from a to-do list and I’m working more efficiently. I’m more focused in my job and more confident in my ability to lead; I get more involved in general leadership and speak up at board meetings.”
It brings me joy when I look back on all the Outward Bound memories. The hardest moments, like putting myself underwater in a kayak, were all times my watch mates saw me at my worst and also my best. Outward Bound has encouraged me to be who I am.
Emma Hastings
