Think Differently Leadership Program
Build confident leaders with real-world skills
Leadership is not something you learn by reading a book. It is learned through practice, reflection, and the right kind of guidance. Our Practical Management Program is designed for business owners and leaders in New Zealand who want more than theory. It gives you the tools, frameworks, and confidence to lead effectively in a fast-moving business environment.
Why leadership courses matter
It is a sobering fact that most Leadership Courses prove to be ineffective because they do not result in any behaviour change. The reason for this is a lack of pre-course work and follow-up; we focus on both of these things. You don’t come to one of our courses for a firehose of information that is forgotten 2 weeks after your return to work.”
Too many businesses leave leadership development until it is too late, waiting for problems before putting solutions in place. Our leadership courses in NZ are designed to change that. They build capability early, helping leaders and managers step up before the cracks show.
You will not just sit and listen. Every part of the program is practical, so you leave with skills you can use straight away. From learning how to handle tough conversations through to motivating your team, every session is about improving how you lead in the real world.
What this course is
A hands-on, real-world course for new and developing leaders. Over four weeks, you get:
Four half-day in-person sessions with interactive group work & peer learning.
Pre-course work to help you see where you’re strong, where you struggle.
Weekly assignments based on things you deal with at work (not “generic” stuff).
One-on-one follow-ups and review time after the course to help embed what you’ve learned.
Leadership training For New Zealanders
Leadership is more than keeping things running smoothly. It’s about inspiring people with a vision they believe in and want to be part of. Our program helps you develop the confidence to lead with authenticity, to connect your passion with purpose, and to bring others on the journey. You’ll learn how to influence through trust and clarity, shaping decisions that align today’s actions with tomorrow’s aspirations.
In New Zealand, strategic leadership means uniting people around a shared vision and guiding them with honesty and passion through times of growth, challenge, and change. By completing this program, you’ll strengthen your ability to lead in a way that motivates others, not just as a manager of tasks, but as a leader who inspires belief and commitment to the bigger picture.
Develop strategic leadership in NZ
Leadership is about more than managing day-to-day operations. Our program helps you grow into a strategic leader who can connect short-term decisions with long-term outcomes. You will learn how to anticipate challenges, think more broadly, and make smarter choices that move your business forward.
Strategic leadership in NZ is about guiding your business confidently through growth, uncertainty, and change. By completing this program, you will build the ability to lead not just as a manager but as a strategist with vision and clarity.
Why this is different
- Small groups (max 5) so you get real attention and feedback.
- Facilitators with decades of real management / business ownership behind them, not just theory.
- We focus on behaviour change, not just knowledge: there’s follow-up so you can make shifts that stick.
- Everything is anchored in your job: assignments, discussions, examples are all what you’re really dealing with.
Who this is for
New leaders stepping up from individual contributor roles.
Experienced leaders who want to sharpen skills and rethink how they lead.
Business owners who wear a lot of hats and want to lead people more effectively.
Facilitator: Philip Pickford
This program is led by Philip Pickford, whose depth of experience ensures every session is grounded in real-world practice.
- B.Agr.Sc (Massey, 1975), MBA (With Distinction) (Massey, 2004)
- 40 years of management and leadership experience across corporate and SME environments.
- 30 years of hands-on business ownership.
- 20 years of management consultancy experience working closely with New Zealand SME’s.
Philp brings a rare mix of academic insight, practical business ownership, and advisory expertise. He has walked the path himself and knows what works in the real world.
Topic areas covered
The Practical Leadership Program is comprehensive, giving participants a clear pathway through the key skills and mindsets of leadership. Topics include:
- Completing a Leadership Circle 360 degree Assessment – the leading Leadership Assessment and Development Programme in the World today
- What does a leader do, and how does your 360-degree Assessment reflect the way you lead?
- Manager or Leader : how they differ and what this means for you.
- Leading and motivating yourself.
- Leading and motivating others.
- Building a high-performance team.
- Delegation that empowers your people.
- Prioritisation that keeps you focused on what matters.
- Leading change in uncertain environments.
- Bringing it all together: exploring recent research and what it means for leaders today.
Every topic is connected back to your role and your goals, so you finish the program with practical tools you can apply immediately.
