Boys' School symposium teaches 'Every leader starts somewhere'

It's hard to picture where you might be in five, ten, or twenty years. But hearing from people who have already walked that path has a way of opening your eyes to what’s possible.

On 15 May, our Year 8 boys gathered for a Leadership Symposium that brought together an impressive lineup of guest speakers, each offering a window into where leadership had taken them. Student leaders from surrounding schools, including our own Girls’ School, joined the cohort for the day.

Keynote speaker Heather McRae, former principal of Diocesan School for Girls, addressed the group in the morning. Drawing on an international career that included leading schools in China, she spoke about the value of cultural diversity and why seeing the world through different lenses makes for better leaders.

A memorable speaker for the boys was Olympic gold medallist Alicia Hoskin. She used her experiences in the K4 kayak as an analogy of a successful team moving at full speed, “not with strength alone, but in complete synchronisation.” Hoskin’s reminder that the people around you shape your direction landed with the group. “Show me your friends and I will show you your future.”

In between sessions, the boys took to the gym for a Taskmaster challenge. The fast-paced exercise put their teamwork, communication, and listening skills to the test in a way no speaker slot could.

Fearghal O'Connor of Vessev showed the boys what innovative leadership looks like in practice, building electric hydrofoiling boats through complex problems and tight collaboration. Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson brought a civic perspective, while cyber security specialist Dermot Conlon and sports leadership expert Mike Elliott of Sport Auckland rounded out a diverse speaker lineup. 

Head Prefects from surrounding schools joined the symposium after lunch, interviewed by Head of Chaplaincy Rev. Reuben Hardie. They spoke on everything from their leadership philosophies to commitment management, giving the students much to think about in their own school aspirations. Jude Walter from Brainfit closed the day with a different kind of lesson, that leading well starts with looking after yourself.

As Year 8 students Andrew Skilton and Christian Smidt reflected, “Every leader starts somewhere.” For this cohort, that somewhere looks promising.