Case Study: Kim Metcalf from Wynn Fraser Paints

To see businesses operating more effectively because they are developing their leaders, not just at the top but at all levels is rewarding, especially when our post-programme feedback continually highlights a significant upward shift in confidence for alumni.

Although we are far from an equal gender split on both our owners and leaders programmes, we are seeing healthy investment in female leaders with a 400 % increase on the Leadership Development Programme, aimed at mid to C-Suite managers, since 2006 and a 50% increase on the Emerging Leaders Programme (EMP) which launched in 2021. Hawkes Bay has its own leadership programme which consistently attracts a more equal gender split.

The EMP, for managers new to leadership, is an option as in-house customised training for larger businesses or as a stand-alone programme offered in different locations – see dates here for Tauranga, Auckland and New Plymouth.

 | Read more on EMP and Kim Metcalf from Wynn Fraser Paints.

The Emerging Leaders Programme (EMP), for managers new to leadership, is an option as in-house customised training for larger businesses and as a stand-alone programme. Last month we saw the Auckland cohort finish on a high note, with owners joining their team members for the final session.

Kim Metcalf is the branch manager at Wynn Fraser Paints in Whangarei and made the fortnightly trip to attend the EMP sessions, no easy feat given the closure of the Bryndrwyns at the time!

Owner Allan Gray had seen the potential in Kim and was determined to help her gain the confidence to see her capabilities.

“I need confident people in the business so I can get out and work on it. Kim is new to management but has so many skills, she just needed the confidence and the learning to be able to implement those skills into the business.”

For Kim, getting into the Programme has been eye-opening.

“I was nervous going into it but I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only one new to management. The learning was so valuable particularly as we went away from each session and put that learning into practice and we all came back with results to share.

I’ve learnt how to prioritise and “eat the main frog first” which has really helped to stop feelings of being overwhelmed. I’m passing the skills onto my 2IC and seeing great outcomes including a new positive culture in the office and we are boosting off each other.”

Kim comments that being able to discuss work challenges with the group was a real help which just isn’t possible back in the office.

“There was that feeling of absolutely no judgement and no dumb questions, and the facilitator Kim Hill is such an awesome woman who we could all relate to.”

Emerging Leaders Programme – See Dates

Leadership Development Programme – See Dates