Networking
Limited spaces available
2
CPD
We look forward to hosting members and guests at what is always our event highlight for the year.
We are thrilled to have Jessie Wong, the founder of Yu Mei, known for producing luxury leather goods for the new generation, and Sonya Williams, co-founder of Sharesies, a platform dedicated to financially empowering new generations of investors, as our guest speakers. Leading economic commentator Brad Olsen will be facilitating an engaging and inspiring Kōrero.
During the event, Sonya, Jessie, and Brad will be sharing their business stories, discussing what motivates and excites them about governance, and exploring the emerging trends towards reduced consumption and an increased focus on value creation and productivity driven by contribution.
Additionally, we are delighted to be presenting Sam Robinson with his Distinguished Fellow award as part of this evening’s proceedings.
The Distinguished Fellow Award is the IoD’s highest accolade.
These are awarded twice annually to IoD members who have had a prominent and distinguished career as a director and have contributed positively to business and society. We look forward to celebrating Sam at this event.
Jessie Wong is the founder of the luxury leather goods brand Yu Mei. With a focus on utilitarian and regenerative design, Yu Mei seeks to streamline systems of carrying for real people navigating the demands and complexities of modern life. With a permanent design studio and two flagship stores in New Zealand, Yu Mei is now expanding into international territories, and has recently shown at both Australian and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Jessie Wong founded Yu Mei in 2015 in Dunedin, when she couldn’t find a design-conscious bag that fitted everything she needed for a day. Seven years later, Yu Mei has grown to a team of 18, and has over 37 stockists, including internationally renowned fashion destinations Farfetch, David Jones and Bergdorf Goodman. Jessie was the winner of the 2021 Woman of Influence Award for Business Enterprise.
Jessie is intent on championing regenerative design practices, with integrity at the core of Yu Mei’s supply chain. The materials used by Yu Mei are traceable down to farm level, and they are proud to be certified Toitu Carbon Net Zero. With a large network and community of successful fellow females, Wong is a woman in business with an impressive strategic outlook and vision for the future of regenerative leathercraft.
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Sonya Williams is the co-founder, director and 3EO (co-CEO) of Sharesies. Sharesies is on a mission to create financial empowerment for everyone. Their wealth app is used by over 700k investors who’ve collectively invested billions of dollars across Aotearoa and Australia. Sharesies also provides services to companies so they can gain valuable insights and communicate directly to their retail investors, as well as support with capital raises and provide staff share schemes.
Sonya has built a career in technology and global marketing and product management and is passionate about using technology to solve big problems, and create a more equitable society. Sonya was the co-winner of the 2020 Women of Influence—Business award, alongside co-founder Brooke Roberts, and 2022 NZ Services Entrepreneur of the Year, alongside co-CEOs Brooke and Leighton.
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Brad Olsen is the Chief Executive and Principal Economist at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. He is also a Board Member of Business Central, and a member of the Institute of Directors, Global Shapers Community Wellington Hub, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, the Wellington District Licensing Committee, volunteers with Take10, is a marriage and civil union celebrant, and was formerly a member of the Wellington City Youth Council.
Brad is also a community leader and is one of New Zealand’s youngest Justices of the Peace. His work in the community has been recognised a number of times: he was named New Zealand’s Queen’s Young Leader in 2016, one of Asia New Zealand Foundation’s 25 to Watch in 2019, and Young Wellingtonian of the Year 2020.
As a young person, Brad brings a different perspective to key opportunities and challenges that New Zealand faces and is keen to unlock more potential across businesses and communities. Emerging trends continue to accelerate the pace of change across the world and in New Zealand, and Brad focuses on understanding these trends as they evolve and highlighting way to enhance outcomes for local communities.
He regularly presents to boards, senior leadership, stakeholders, and key decision makers across New Zealand about key economic trends. Brad is a skilled communicator and leader, and works to inform key decision makers and the wider public about emerging and changing trends and getting useful and understandable insights to a wide range of groups.
By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our Covid-19 health and safety measures. If you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend this event.
Should you have any particular dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event.
See our standard terms and conditions for more information.
Jill Dawson
Wellington Branch Manager
+64 27 278 8814
+64 4 470 2673
jill.dawson@iod.org.nz
The Wellington branch acknowledges the generous support of
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The East Coast region also thank
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The Manawatu region also thank
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Members — $130.00
Non-members — $150.00
