As applications open for the second intake of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme in 2024, we share the experience of Nicholas Jolly, B+LNZ's Senior Trade Policy Advisor, who successfully completed the programme in 2023.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme is aimed at people passionate about developing as a leader of change within New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.
The 18-day, in-person programme spans six months, designed to accommodate work and family commitments, providing strategic, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Applications are open until 14 April here.
Wanting to gain leadership experience, Nicholas Jolly, Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Senior Trade Policy Advisor, completed the programme in 2023.
"The Kellogg Leadership Programme sparked my interest because it is so highly regarded and offered an opportunity to build my leadership skills, meet other young people passionate about New Zealand’s primary industries, and help with my career progression," says Nicholas.
“The programme was excellent. I really enjoyed the three in-person sessions (two in Lincoln and one in Wellington) focussing on different aspects. The diverse presenters were all very engaging and provided different perspectives on leadership. On top of the formal learning, there was also plenty of time for socialising and discussing what we had learnt that day.
“The best part was meeting a great bunch of new mates! I also learnt a lot and it was very rewarding completing the project. The fact that you can get a formal qualification - the Postgraduate Certificate in Commerce from Lincoln University – is also a cherry on top.”
Nicholas chose to explore the next steps for modernising New Zealand’s policy framework for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in his report. He says, “This was something that I didn’t know a whole lot about but was interested in and is topical at the moment due to changing perceptions globally and within New Zealand.” You can read his report here.
“Whilst writing the report took a lot of time, I found it really rewarding. It allowed me to dive into a topic that I was passionate about. I was also surprised at the people that were keen to be interviewed for my project and how freely they gave their time. Talking to them enabled me to go into depth and they provided perspectives that were extremely helpful,” he adds.
The group presented their reports at the final in-person session. B+LNZ encourages you to check out the presentations on the Kellog Rural Leadership Programme website.
For those considering applying, Nicholas says, "Definitely do it! It is a bit of a time commitment, but well worth it for the people you meet and what you learn."
Learn more about the programme and how to apply here.
B+LNZ is a strategic partner of New Zealand Rural Leaders which encompasses both the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and the Nuffield Farming Scholarship. Learn more about how B+LNZ is helping facilitate the development of rural leaders within the broader food and fibre sector through our personal development programmes.