Five emerging leaders from across ILT’s venues have completed its inaugural Leadership Programme, building on their strengths and developing skills to lead their teams in a way that reflects ILT’s values.
The first cohort included Shanaya Muir (Lone Star/Waxy’s), Tanē Froude (Speight’s Ale House), Rewa Walters (Eastern Suburbs), Tessa Braven (The Villas) and Neil Morales (The Langlands).
Beginning in May and concluding with the final session in October, the programme explored five areas of leadership. Guest speakers brought a range of perspectives and experiences to the sessions.
High-performance sport and mental skills coach Jason McKenzie opened the programme with a focus on coaching, performance and growing people. ILT’s Marketing and Innovation Executive, Angee Shand, led the second workshop on communication and influence.
Jamie McKenzie from Property Brokers led the third session on leading yourself, sharing insights into leadership, mindset, and bringing out the best in yourself and those around you.
Leigh Lewis, Sales Manager at Mitchell Corp, explored operational leadership and leading the business, drawing on her experience in hospitality operations and senior sales roles.
Southern Steel coach Wendy Frew led the final session, focusing on change and adaptive leadership, and what it means to lead through change.
Alongside the facilitated sessions, participants had the opportunity to spend a week shadowing an ILT manager at a different establishment towards the end of the programme. This provided practical, on the job learning and insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of leadership in another venue.
Participants described the shadowing experience as valuable, with key takeaways including the importance of clear communication, supporting and developing those around them, and leading by example.
ILT People and Capability Executive Kelly Burgess said the programme reflected ILT’s commitment to investing in its people and supporting their development.
“It’s been great to see this group grow in confidence throughout the programme. They have developed their own approach to leadership and we’re looking forward to seeing them put that into practice and continue to develop.”
The programme will return in 2027, with up to six places available for emerging leaders across ILT’s hospitality venues.
