At FUJIFILM Business Innovation, we’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of Kiwi leaders, which is why we take part in AUT’s Shadow a Leader programme each year. Shadow a Leader is an educational initiative designed to support the development of future leaders by creating opportunities for high-performing secondary and university students to spend a day immersed in a business, gaining valuable real-world insights into leadership in action, workplace and team dynamics, business operations, marketing, manufacturing, and so much more.
As a long-time supporter of the programme, we look forward to it each year as hosting the students is a delight and we learn as much from them as they do from us. This year, we had the pleasure of hosting Frances Revell-Devlin from Diocesan School for Girls, an ISNZ member school in Auckland.
Frances spent a day with us at our Auckland headquarters, starting with a welcome from our Managing Director, David Jupe. David shared insights into our company’s vision and operations and explained how our business has been evolving rapidly in recent years.
“Spending time with the Shadow a Leader students is a great opportunity to hear from young people about what they’re learning, how they’re thinking about building their careers, and their ideas about what work might look like in the future,” David said. “It’s always a welcome change of pace and an opportunity to see the world of work from a different point of view.”
After spending time with David, Frances took part in a series of one-on-one sessions with leaders from various areas of our business, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Fujifilm’s organisational structure and decision-making processes. We rounded out the day with a hands-on session where Frances learned about our commitment to product stewardship by dismantling a Fujifilm print device and seeing first-hand how we recycle 99% of the materials that make up our machines.
Reflecting on her time with us, Frances said: “During this experience, I gained valuable insights into the world of business technology and innovation. I learned about the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry, as well as the significance of all the different departments. The experience enhanced my understanding of project management, team collaboration, and the role of digital transformation in modern businesses. I also gained knowledge about the diverse range of products and services Fujifilm offers, from multifunction printers to IT solutions and business process outsourcing”.
It is a privilege to take part in Shadow a Leader and help bridge the gap between academic learning and the business world for students like Frances. We are grateful to the team at AUT who work hard to coordinate the programme each year and make sure it is an enriching experience for both the students and host companies. Ka pai, AUT, and count us in for next year!
