What I’m reading - Tui Te Hau

Wellingtonian Tui Te Hau MInstD is a woman on a mission. The founder of innovation consultancy Bird Island, she has a background in international trade, business acceleration and incubation, and much of her work involves creating positive social, creative and cultural outcomes.

In July 2023, Tui was selected by the Wellington School of Business and Government as its new entrepreneur-in-residence at The Atom—Te Kahu o Te Ao innovation space, where she advises student entrepreneurs.

Bringing her not-for-profit, arts, tech and start-up expertise to the table, Tui’s board roles include Endometriosis New Zealand, Dev Academy and Mary Potter Hospice.

This week, Tui shares a book about crises and what it means to find common ground.

What is the name of the governance/business book you’re reading or can recommend?

I’ve been reading The Power of Crisis by Ian Bremmer, which addresses how three threats – and our response – will change the world.

How would you describe the style of writing?

The book starts with an anecdote about Ronald Reagan’s first private meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev where he asked: “What would you do if the US were suddenly attacked by someone from out of space? Would you help us?” Gorbachev didn’t hesitate. “No doubt about it”, he replied. “We would too,” Reagan assured him.

I was hooked. This was the start of a thoughtful consideration of the big issues facing humanity and how we can endure by finding common ground. As described in the praises for the book – the writing is clear, compelling, unflinching but curiously hopeful.

Font size has become increasingly important to me in reading, and this book is digestible, easy reading, with a nice-sized font.

What drew you to the book?

Does anyone remember the nuclear clock from the eighties? Even though the Doomsday Clock it’s still going today, back then, it moved closer or further away from midnight (the point of nuclear war), depending on the geo-political tensions of the day. I was in a constant state of dread worrying about the world because of that damn clock!

Lately, I’ve been feeling the same unspecified dread.

How do I make sense of big global issues like the climate emergency, disruptive technology, disinformation, an ageing population, race relations, war and homelessness, alongside contemplating my future, my value, and the impact I want to have?  

I made a snap decision to buy the book in Relay at the Wellington airport. I wanted to allay my dread with information about the state of the world and I was looking for hope. I read it voraciously and have been recommending it to everyone ever since.

What resonated with you the most?

There are three enduring takeaways for me. Firstly, the core message from the Reagan/Gorbachev encounter about forging a path together, even if you disagree about a lot of other stuff.

Bremmer considers the role of the US and China, globally, as well as their respective domestic politics. As an epilogue, he has written about Russia and the decision to invade Ukraine.

Secondly, the call for a “World Data Organisation” has also stayed with me – a way to manage through the exponential growth of data that humans are producing, and the rules and standards about the use of personal information.

Lastly, the call to action – ideally, to break the cycle of waiting until issues become urgent enough that we’ve been forced to act. Bremmer ends with the following: “This is the most important message in this book: We are the first generation in human history to recognise these crises. And the last that can overcome them.” 

What is something you’ve taken away from reading that now follows you into your board roles?

The pace of technology is outpacing our ability to contemplate the impact and plan – or regulate for it – In alignment with broader societal goals. I’m interested in the role of ethics and balancing the excitement from disruptive technology, while assessing the potential unintended consequences.

How does reading feed into your continued governance practice/learning?

Reading is core to my governance practice. It feeds my curiosity and provides intellectual stimulus, and helps me to make sense of issues as well as being a source of creativity and innovation.

Who should read this book and at what stage in their governance career?

The book is compelling reading for anyone, no matter what stage of your governance career. I have been leaving it around the house in the hope my 19-year-old will pick it up!

When you’re not reading books on business or governance, what kind of books are you likely to pick up?

I like thoughtful, non-fiction books that feed my soul. I have two or three on the go at any one time and, right now, I am switching between Sandy Hook, by Elizabeth Williamson, an account of a horrific event and the despicable disinformation campaign that followed, and Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert, which is about creating space for the unexpected, following your creativity and bliss, and the notion that ideas have their own life force and momentum – if you don’t cultivate an idea, it may leave you to land on more fertile soils.

What are some of the most pertinent governance issues at the top of mind for you currently, and why?

Staying afloat and navigating cost pressures, alongside the challenges and opportunities posed by a change of government.

What has been the most surprising thing you’ve discovered about yourself and others while being on a board?

The power of the collective and the magic that comes from working with smart, kind people – I learn something new from every board meeting. Governance has helped me be more patient, compassionate and considered. Whereas, in my executive career I am prone to striving for the next and greatest (which can produce results but can also be exhausting).

If there was anything you want to see more of at the board table, what would it be, and why?

More time to consider the big global issues and collectively navigate how we will successfully govern in the face of significant change arising from disruptive tech. 

If there is a book on your radar that you’d like to share, send an email to: Sonia.yee@iod.org.nz