The December issue of NZBusiness dives into the leadership skills that matter most for business leaders in 2026 and beyond. A theme that feels especially timely as we close out another year of challenge, change, and recalibration across New Zealand’s business landscape.
If 2025 has taught us anything, it’s that the most important investment a leader can make isn’t in new software, systems, or even market expansion, it’s in themselves. Time and again this year, in conversations with founders, CEOs, and emerging leaders, the same message has surfaced: Capability, resilience, and emotional intelligence are becoming the real competitive advantages.
In this issue, Sharesies’ co-founder Brooke Roberts, Boma’s Kaila Colbin, and others share powerful insights on emotional intelligence, courageous leadership, and the ROI of professional development. We also spotlight innovative MBA programmes and speak with SME owners about how upskilling has transformed their businesses.
As we look ahead to 2026, this issue aims to inspire business leaders to carve out time for personal development, however that looks – a course, a coach, a new mentor, or simply the space to reflect and reset. Because strong businesses don’t happen by accident.
A must-read as you prepare for a new year of growth.
Contents
2 – NZB online
6 – Business briefs
10 – In conversation with… Frances Valintine
12 – When educators become entrepreneurs
16 – The ROI of leadership development
18 – Opinion: Leading with purpose
20 – MBAs reimagined
24 – Brooke Roberts on investing in yourself
26 – Opinion: Why AI upskilling is your most important leadership move in 2026
28 – Different paths: How four business owners invested in themselves
32 – Beyond the boardroom: Leadership, the work beneath the work
Other Articles
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