Every now and then, a conversation moves beyond what we do and begins exploring how we think.
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Erica Austin and Sam Woolf for Ōtautahi in Practice, where we wandered through what they affectionately described as my ‘multiverse’, the many spaces I have the privilege of working across, from governance and emergency management to technology, Māori development, futures thinking and community leadership.
Rather than focusing on roles or titles, our conversation explored the patterns that connect these worlds. We reflected on how years of working across different systems have shaped the way I observe complexity, build relationships and look for the conditions that help people and communities flourish.
One idea that emerged was intentional intentionality, the practice of being deliberate not only in what we do, but in how we choose to think, notice and participate in the world around us.
It was a thoughtful, generous conversation that challenged me to articulate ideas I often take for granted. My sincere thanks to Erica and Sam for creating a space where curiosity, reflection and genuine dialogue could unfold so naturally.
If you’re interested in leadership, stewardship, systems thinking, or simply how we might navigate complexity with greater purpose, I hope you’ll enjoy the conversation.