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Connected Leadership is a vibrant women’s leadership group in New Zealand, dedicated to uplifting women to lead with purpose and impact. Focused on increasing diversity and representation in leadership roles, the group brings together women from across industries, offering them a platform to learn, grow, and collaborate.
Through a range of programmes, events, and peer support, Connected Leadership equips women with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to drive meaningful change in their organisations and communities.
Led by women with extensive experience in CEO, and governance roles, the group is committed to fostering a new generation of dynamic, purpose-driven female leaders who are shaping the future of Aotearoa.
Who are We?
What Can We Do For You?
Connected Leadership is a transformative community designed to uplift women in leadership roles or those aspiring to lead. It provides a rich network of support, offering tools, resources, and expert advice that are essential for growth and success.
Through connections with like-minded women, participants gain valuable opportunities for networking and mentorship, while being continuously challenged to evolve and lead with greater impact.
The Community and Programmes foster a sense of belonging, offering inspiration and nourishment for both personal and professional development. Whether you’re seeking support, looking to create change, or understand and recognition,
Connected Leadership equips you with everything you need to excel in your leadership journey.
Our Experts
Meet the women behind Connected Leadership, our team of experts who are dedicated to making a positive impact in Aotearoa. With a diverse range of skills and experience, our purpose-led team is committed to increasing the number and the diversity of women leading us towards a better Aotearoa New Zealand.
We firmly believe in the power of peer learning, where your experience and insights are as valuable as the expertise we provide. Our programmes are developed & run by women with CEO and governance experience.
Dr. Sue Watson
Founder, Programme Director and Coach
Tēna koe, nau mai haere mai
Ko Whanganui te awa
Ko Ruapehu te maunga
Ko Tangata Tiriti ahau
E noho ana au ki te Motu Arai Roa, Ko Waiheke te motu
Ko Piritahi te marae
Ko Sue Watson tōku ingoa
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe
Sue Watson is a purpose-driven director, experienced chief executive and leadership development specialist, with years of experience in senior leadership roles. Sue is passionate about empowering women leaders and supporting them to develop and succeed as leaders. She works directly with women in senior leadership roles, and helps them achieve their goals and improve their professional lives.
Together, we will work towards your leadership aspirations and ensure you emerge as a confident, capable, and influential leader in your chosen field. Your success is my ultimate goal, and I'm here to provide the support and guidance you need to achieve it
Pat Mitchell
Founder’s Table Programme Director and Leadership Coach
Patricia Mitchell is a strategist, facilitator, and governance advisor who helps leaders bring clarity and connection to complex organisations. Her work spans governance, leadership development, and strategic transformation — always grounded in purpose, people, and practical results.
With more than 25 years’ leadership, governance and business experience across health, community, and technology sectors in Aotearoa and the UK, she brings a rare blend of business acumen and human insight. Patricia frames leadership as enabling others to succeed through people, principle, performance and progress.
She is known for her calm, thoughtful presence and for helping leaders navigate uncertainty with integrity, curiosity, and confidence.
Maikara Ropata
Kaimanaaki
Ko te kai o te rangatira he kōrero
(The food of chiefs is communication)
Tēnā Koutou katoa,
Ko Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa ōku iwi. My strength in Te Ao Māori is from whakapapa-genealogy that allows myself to stand firm. I am a sister, mother, aunty, cousin, friend, teacher, learner and grandmother. Each of these roles continuously create experiences that enrich my understanding of myself and my world in Te Ao Māori
My focus is always about the wellbeing of tangata through education. This has allowed me to be a tuakana- teina, advisor in ngā mea Māori, tutor, advocate, composer, writer, wisdom keeper and kai karakia within my Māori world.
Mauri Ora na Maikara Ropata
Together, we will work towards your leadership aspirations and ensure you emerge as a confident, capable, and influential leader in your chosen field. Your success is my ultimate goal, and I'm here to provide the support and guidance you need to achieve it
Alexia Walsh
Chief Marketing Officer
Meet Alexia Walsh — the marketing muscle behind _By Friday, a consultancy helping small teams and scaling businesses get the Marketing strategy, structure, and support they need — without the extra headcount.
Through _By Friday, Alexia brings decades of brand, campaign, and customer insight experience to ambitious teams who need sharp thinking and creative delivery that actually gets done.
From defining the strategy to building the plan and systems for delivery, she helps businesses connect the dots between what they want to achieve and how they make it happen — so their message lands and their brand stands out.
Anna Worobey
Business Operations Manager
Kia ora, I'm Anna Worobey, a Business Development Manager with a passion for helping entrepreneurs and professionals achieve their goals. I support backend processes, client relations, event planning, communications and programme assistance for Connected Leadership. It's very likely you'll hear from me if you'd like to learn more about our leadership programmes and coaching offers. I believe in the power of mindset and strategy to drive success, and I look forward to being the link between you and the team at Connected Leadership.
Services We Provide
Programmes
Uplift women with skills, support, and connections to lead confidently and create lasting impact.
Community
Building a stronger community of women in leadership for advice, growth, training support and lots more.
“Sue and I worked together for 6-months with the goal of getting me C-suite ready. Her balanced approach to pushing my thinking and her elevated perspective on what really matters (and what doesn't), is unique. There is no sugar-coating or wrapping in cotton - it's rip the bandaid off and let's do the mahi. Very soon after this time together with Sue, an opportunity presented itself and I successfully landed my first Executive role. Sue and I continue to work together and her deep insights continue to have a profoundly positive impact on my life."
Dina Hay, Strategic Leader in Digital, Data & Innovation
Alberts is our event space, our home, and the heart of many Connected Leadership programmes. Located in central Auckland, it offers a premium environment for connection, reflection, and leadership in action. As a valued partner, Alberts extends a special membership offer to Connected Leadership members looking for co-working, meeting, or event space in the city.
Alberts -
New Zealand’s national body for workplace diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re proud to partner to deliver in-house leadership programmes.
Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion
Property Council New Zealand
Together with Property Council New Zealand, we deliver an industry-specific Connected Leadership programme designed to support and elevate women leaders in property and development. Tailored to the realities of the sector, this programme creates space for strategic growth, peer connection, and confident leadership.
https://www.propertynz.co.nz/Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion
Belong Aotearoa
We’re proud to partner with Belong Aotearoa, whose mission is to create equitable opportunities for former refugees, migrants, and ethnic communities in Aotearoa. Together, we co-host events that amplify diverse leadership, spark meaningful conversations, and strengthen inclusion across sectors. Learn more at https://www.belong.org.nz/
Leadership For Good is proud to partner with Womens Infrastructure Network in association with & Infrastructure New Zealand. We provide Career Camp, a career and leadership development programme designed for women in the infrastructure sector.
Women's Infrastructure Network
In partnership with Infrastructure New Zealand, we deliver a dedicated Career Camp designed for mid-career women working in infrastructure. This programme helps women build clarity, confidence, and career direction—tailored to the realities of the sector.
Infrastructure New Zealand
