Navigating Change: Transformative Trends Reshaping New Zealand's Workplace

Join us for the next UC Business School Thought Leadership event on Navigating Change

In an era of unprecedented change, New Zealand's business landscape is undergoing a radical transformation. This high-impact panel discussion will equip forward-thinking leaders with the insights and strategies needed to thrive in the evolving world of work.

This panel discussion will discuss the trends that are redefining organisations and work in New Zealand today, and key learnings from how organisations have responded to these changes. From the rise of AI to shifts in workforce dynamics, our experts will explore how leaders can anticipate and navigate these changes to future-proof their organisations

Our Panel Members

Murray Strong, Independent Chairman & Director, Speaker and Board Advisor
Murray has served on 23 Boards of Directors, 18 as Chairman. Those Boards have been for companies, Crown entities, incorporated societies, large infrastructure projects, digital transformation programmes and statutory interventions as Crown Commissioner. He has served as a chair of boards of directors continuously since 2001.
His approach is characterised by recognising good practice no matter where it lives, and scaling it and replicating it. His style of leadership is to draw together seemingly disparate skills, functions, activities and resources to develop new ways of working. In addition this approach allows the development of elegant and practical solutions to seemingly complex problems and supports those with the executive responsibility to deliver on organisational strategies and plans.

Elsamari Botha, AI and Digital Transformation Specialist & MBA Director, UC Business School
Associate Professor Elsamari Botha is the MBA Director at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and an extraordinary associate professor at the University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa. With 15 years of consulting experience, and experience assisting from small businesses to large corporates, Elsamari’s research focuses on adopting and monetising new technologies in organisations and digital strategy development, focusing on Artificial Intelligence. With a PhD in Industrial Economics and Management from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Elsamari has published in leading international journals. She has also been recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in both Higher Education and Consulting, and has various advisory and governance positions.

Tracey Cotter-Martin, Associate Director: Futures + Insights, Datacom
Tracey is recognised for her expertise in bringing innovation and new ways of thinking to the workplace. With her extensive experience in strategy, consultation, and big-picture thinking, Tracey is uniquely positioned to share her insights on how harnessing digital disruption can ensure tomorrow’s workforce is future-fit.
Tracey’s passion for understanding the external factors that influence the way we work has earned her accolades, including the 2022 Reseller News Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) Innovation Award, she is committed to building empathetic working environments that enable individuals and organisations to thrive in today’s ever-changing landscape.

Carl Davidson, Head of Insights at Truwind | Research First
Carl Davidson is an insights professional with a social scientist’s heart. He is currently the Head of Insights at Truwind | Research First and he has over 30 years’ experience in the insights industry. In addition to this, Carl has written a number of books about research and applying evidence in decision making. He also works as a Senior Adjunct Fellow at the University of Canterbury’s Business School and as a presenter for the Marketing Association. In 2023 Carl was made a Fellow of the Research Association of New Zealand and named as a Global Insight250 Winner.