Board Member Profile – Muriel RoakeAh, what a challenge – following Kevin’s profile in the last Newsletter!
Donald Bowie introduced me to Rotary a few years ago. His daughter Michelle and my daughter Jenna were school friends and they also took dance lessons together, so Penny and I spent many hours transporting and watching them perform in Jazz dancing competitions across Auckland, and hosting sleep overs.
For many years I’ve had a personal goal of ‘giving back’, so I was a Board member and Chair of a not for profit for some years. About five years ago I stepped out of my corporate career, which included the role of General Manager at Air New Zealand responsible for leadership and culture development. What a privilege it was to work with the executive teams led by Ralph Norris after 9/11 and the demise of Ansett, and then latterly Rob Fyfe. I learnt so much and I absolutely loved the 11 years I spent there.
That work remains my passion and about 5 years ago I started my own consultancy designing and facilitating leadership and team programs, and coaching leaders at all levels within a diverse range of organisations, big and small. Because I started my business shortly after I joined Rotary St Johns I haven’t been able to contribute as much time and energy as I would have liked to club activities. During a quiet spell earlier this year I thought I would have the time to do more so I took on the Directorship of the International Community Service Committee portfolio, with Donald as my mentor. This was shortly before a hectic six week project materialised! Nevertheless I am looking forward to working more closely on some international projects with my fellow committee members and the rest of the community, learning more about Rotary and attending meetings whenever I can.
Phil my partner is a Civil engineer and we live in Stonefields. We always enjoy the camaraderie and inspiration at the dinner meetings. I also have a son Brett who is an Architect and on weekends I love entertaining and exploring outdoors in the Summer, and in the Winter watching rugby and much like Hugh, miniseries! We are heading to Japan for the RWC at the end of November.