For SMEs, investing in leadership development is proving essential to overcoming today’s challenges and capitalising on tomorrow’s opportunities. With a range of learning opportunities available, we hear from leading education providers and their graduates about the transformative power of professional education.
The message from The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is simple: “Businesses that value learning are in a better position to survive and thrive.” So for those who have survived 2024 and are looking to thrive in 2025 – investing in yourself (and team) is a sure fire way to propel your business forward.
In New Zealand, SMEs are often described as the backbone of the economy, representing 97 percent of all enterprises, contributing 46 percent of total annual income, and employing over half the country’s workforce. Despite this critical role, SME owners face numerous challenges in steering their businesses toward sustainable growth. From managing economic pressures to adapting to technological advancements, the path to success is not an easy one.
Professional development and executive education have emerged as transformative tools for SME leaders, enabling them to navigate these challenges while equipping their businesses for the future. Institutions such as The University of Waikato, the University of Canterbury, and the Icehouse are leading the charge, offering tailored programmes that combine theoretical knowledge, practical application, and invaluable peer networks.
The University of Waikato’s MBA programme, now in its 32nd year, has built a reputation as a leadership incubator, producing alumni who have made significant impacts across industries. Christine Hall, CEO of Central Kids, and Glen Willoughby, CEO of Staples VR, are among its notable graduates.
Tamie Shewry, MBA Programme Director, highlights the programme’s unique design: “The Waikato MBA is crafted for experienced professionals as well as emerging leaders. It’s not about starting from scratch but leveraging their real-world insights to create actionable strategies that benefit their businesses and teams.”
The programme’s emphasis on leadership transformation is particularly beneficial for SME owner-managers. With many leaders entrenched in day-to-day operations, the MBA offers a chance to step back, refocus, and adopt a strategic mindset.
“Leadership and management trends are having a profound and far-reaching impact globally. The Waikato MBA programme helps small and medium business owners, along with other managers, distinguish which trends are truly significant and worth addressing, and which are just passing fads. In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, it’s more important than ever to cultivate purpose-driven, values-based leadership that encourages agile adaptation while remaining authentic and sustainable. This is no easy task, but we take pride in our strong track record of supporting business leaders throughout this journey, through our programme built around leadership, value creation and frameworks,” Tamie says.
Through courses like Competing in a Complex World, participants learn to align short-term decisions with long-term objectives. “It’s about moving from firefighting to future-building,” Tamie says.
This shift resonates with alumni like Olivia Buckley, owner of Eight Mile Farms.
“The MBA transformed my lens. It equipped me with the tools to reimagine our business model, focusing on resilience and diversification. It’s led to operational successes and a more engaged, motivated team.”
The Waikato MBA blends theory with hands-on learning, using real-world challenges as case studies. “We encourage students to think beyond traditional methods, exploring innovative approaches through frameworks like design thinking,” explains Tamie. This practical application is a foundation of the programme, enabling leaders to tackle complex challenges like resource constraints and scalability.
For Ariane Ormsby, owner of Ormsby Civil Engineering, these frameworks were transformative. “The MBA helped me identify what was working, what needed to change, and where new opportunities lay. It’s been critical in navigating a tough market,” she says.
Beyond individual growth, the MBA fosters a collaborative learning environment. “Our diverse cohorts create a supportive space where participants exchange ideas and perspectives,” Tamie adds. Ormsby agrees: “The relationships I built during the MBA have been invaluable. It’s like having an advisory board of experienced leaders to call on for advice and inspiration.”
For SME leaders unable to commit to in-person programmes, the University of Canterbury’s Tuihono UC | UC Online platform offers a flexible alternative. Michael Grimley, Dean of Future Learning and Development, describes it as “a lifeline for busy owner-managers.”
“Our courses are designed to fit into busy schedules, allowing leaders to upskill without disrupting their operations. Whether it’s during lunch breaks or weekends, learners can log on when it suits them,” Michael says.
Popular courses include Professional Project Management and Ngā Herenga, which focus on practical skills like delivering projects on time and fostering bicultural competence. For those seeking deeper insights, programmes like the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership provide tools for self-assessment, team motivation, and high-performance management.
“Organisations that prioritise development for their employees – and managers – draw top talent, increase retention and loyalty, and generate greater productivity from an engaged team with enhanced skills and knowledge,” says Michael.
He goes on to say that having a team with a wide range of skills and qualifications may be surprisingly relevant to your SME – even if the type of development doesn’t strike you as relevant at first.
“Transferable skills are essential to anyone’s work toolkit. Group courses like project management, data ethics, and wellbeing can provide an employee with additional skills to complement their own work – and that of the organisation,” he says.
Tuihono UC also excels in fostering community among online learners. “Learning online doesn’t mean learning alone. Course forums and live sessions create a cohort community, enabling participants to grow from each other’s experiences,” Michael says.
He says that UC’s unique team of developers for each course or programme means you’re getting industry-leading, research-first knowledge from academic experts and industry leaders. “This gives SME owners the skills they need to succeed in their responsibilities – not just another line for the CV.”
The Icehouse has been a cornerstone of SME development in New Zealand since 2001, offering workshops, advisory services, and the transformative Owner Manager Programme – and has seen many notable business alumni through its doors over the years.
CEO Olivia Blaylock identifies several challenges SMEs currently face, including economic pressures, workforce shortages, and scalability issues.
“Our programmes tackle these issues head-on. For example, our Financial Skills Workshop equips owners to manage cash flow more effectively, while our Sales Skills Workshop addresses the challenges of finding value-driven clients,” Olivia says.
The Owner Manager Programme is a standout, spanning five months and diving deeply into each participant’s business. Using their business as a case study, participants develop practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Olivia also highlights The Four Circles, a framework integral to the Owner Manager Programme. “It recognises that successful businesses thrive when their core elements – ‘You,’ ‘You in the Business,’ ‘The Business,’ and ‘You in the Community’ – are in balance,” she explains.
The tangible benefits of professional development are evident in the outcomes reported by participants. According to the Icehouse’s 2023 Impact Report, 87 percent of businesses noted valuable changes in financial performance, and 83 percent saw improvements in personal wellbeing.
One standout example is Israel Rangitaawa, Managing Director of Coastwood Homes. “The Owner Manager Programme brought significant changes in business, my home life, and my community. It helped me rethink my leadership style, allowing others to grow and thrive,” Rangitaawa shares.
As digital transformation and sustainability reshape industries, professional development programmes are adapting to equip leaders with future-ready skills. Waikato’s MBA incorporates innovation management, helping leaders leverage emerging technologies, while Tuihono UC is developing courses on generative AI and inclusive leadership.
Olivia advises SMEs to embrace technology and nurture a growth culture. “Invest in AI, build a scalable organisational structure, and focus on team engagement,” she says.
One of the greatest benefits of these programmes is the network of peers they create.
Alumni from Waikato’s MBA and the Icehouse often describe their cohorts as lifelong communities.
Olivia Buckley emphasises the value of these connections. “Our Waikato MBA network spans sectors, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation. It’s a community that continues to inspire and support each other.”
The Icehouse alumni network, linked by the Icehouse Central App, facilitates fast communication and collaboration. Annual alumni events further strengthen these bonds, fostering a culture of shared learning and growth.
Professional development doesn’t just benefit businesses – it also impacts wider communities. The Icehouse’s Four Circles framework encourages leaders to consider their roles beyond the workplace, fostering initiatives that address local challenges and environmental issues.
Olivia Blaylock notes, “Alumni often extend their impact through partnerships and employee benefits, creating a ripple effect that enhances communities.”
Professional development is no longer a luxury for SME leaders – it’s a necessity. Programmes such as the above mentioned and the countless others offered by other reputable education and training providers provide the tools, networks, and strategies needed to thrive in a complex business landscape.
As Tamie aptly puts it, “Leadership isn’t just about running a business – it’s about creating a vision for the future. When leaders invest in themselves, the impact extends far beyond their organisations, shaping industries, communities, and lives.”
Future-proofing SMEs
Olivia Blaylock offers advice for SMEs looking to scale through professional development:
- Invest in leadership across levels: Develop not only senior leaders but also middle management, teaching delegation and preventing burnout.
- Embrace technology: AI tools can streamline operations and reduce pressure on teams.
- Build strategic networks: Collaborating with other business owners provides invaluable insights and opportunities.
- Create a growth culture: Celebrate team milestones, encourage innovation, and ensure open communication.
This article was originally published in the December 2024 issue of NZBusiness magazine. To read the issue, click here.
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