Upskills New Board Chair

Upskills new Board Chair reckons there’s something to learn from everyone at work, even if it’s what not what to do!

Nicky joined the newly formed board at Upskills because “I’m passionate about the importance of the workplace as a site of learning, the value of workplace literacy and numeracy, and keen to give back to the sector.”

From experience in clerical and accounts, parenting, university study and vocational education, Nicky is most proud of her achievements as Programme Manager at the Skills Highway and her mahi on the Ako Aotearoa research project, Hinātore which identified the success factors in workplace literacy and numeracy programmes around Aotearoa New Zealand.

“The biggest opportunity for workplace learning right now is connecting it even more strongly to productivity and innovation,” says Nicky.  “And alongside this, learner agency is one of the most important skills of the modern workforce.”

Nicky hopes to make an impact as Board Chair at Upskills by keeping an ear to the ground, making connections and being sounding board.

We put a few classic quickfire questions to Nicky:

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Work for the people, not an organisation (I gave this advice to myself LOL)

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

Clerical cadet at the Valuation Department in Dunedin. It taught me that I need to be busy – boredom and Nicky do not go well together

What’s a book, podcast, or movie that has inspired you?

Hmmmm not sure…but one of my favourite movie scenes of all time is the lighting of the beacons in The Return of the King. Showcases our stunning county and highlights the importance of asking for help.

What’s your go-to way to unwind after a long day?

I’m going to say my garden but we all know it’s really a glass of wine…

Most inspiring role model when it comes to leadership?

Hmmmm – I think I’ve learnt a little from each person that has ‘led’ me – including sometimes what not to do. But in terms of a person, Elizabeth the First – negotiated a long and successful reign despite being surrounded by powerful and sometimes quite nasty blokes.