Kylee de-Blecourt
Kaitohu | Director
Wellington
Quick-fire questions with Kylee
What's a technology that gives you the most joy to use?
Spotify, Audible, Language learning apps and of course the trusty Dyson cordless Vacuum!!
If you could share a meal with anyone in history. Who would it be and why?
There are two people that come to mind for me - I would love to get their personal insights into overcoming obstacles and hear their lessons on leadership, courage, and the importance of advocating for marginalised voices.
Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia.
She was a prominent Māori suffragist who advocated for women's rights within the Māori community and was the first woman to speak at a Māori parliament (Kotahitanga).
Why?
Advocacy for Women's Rights: She was a pioneer for Māori women's rights, advocating for their right to vote and participate in politics.
Cultural Leadership: Mangakāhia's work helped pave the way for future generations of Māori women in leadership roles.
Historical Contribution: Her efforts contributed to the broader movement for women's suffrage in New Zealand, which was the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893.
Dame Whina Cooper
She was a respected Māori elder and activist known for her lifelong dedication to Māori land rights and social justice. She is most famous for leading the 1975 land march from Northland to Wellington.
Why?
Activism: Cooper's leadership in the land march brought national attention to Māori land issues and was a pivotal moment in New Zealand history.
Community Leadership: Throughout her life, she worked to improve living conditions, health, and education for Māori communities.
Legacy: Her tireless efforts left a lasting impact on Māori activism and the fight for equality and justice.
What's an industry you would love to learn more about?
I feel very lucky to work in the tech industry where I continue to learn, grow and be inspired, however If I had to choose another industry, it would have to be Behavioural Science
It’s a sunny day, you have no plans for the next 12 hours... Where do you go and what
do you do?
Live through the eyes of our tamariki - Get each of our four tamariki to choose one new thing/activity that we can all do and cram it all in to the next 12 hours
What do you think is the most important skill for interviewing?
Active listening - Paying close attention to the interviewer's questions and comments, and responding thoughtfully. Sometimes we can be so focused on what we have pre planned to say rather than responding to the question in front of us. Doing your preparation and having thought through how you want to answer certain questions is important but active listening first and foremost, is key if you ask me!