And we’re back for day two at Xerocon Auckland 2015! There was no mucking around, with an early start at the Diversity in Business breakfast.
Guest speakers Jacki Johnson, CEO, IAG, Hon Louise Upston, Minister of Women and Sina Moore-Wendt, CEO, Leadership NZ joined me to examine the key challenges facing professional women in 2015, female leadership, cultural diversity, and the importance of women in the accounting and finance industry.
Xero New Zealand update – Forging ahead: powering the connected business
It was now my turn to hit the main stage! I provided an update on exactly what’s been happening in Xero’s test lab for the world – New Zealand – over the past 12 months.
The big news centred on the announcement that Xero Business Connect is building on its success in connecting big business with small business and adding new partnerships with NZI and PlaceMakers to the Xero network – with Meridian, OfficeMax and Watercare Services integrating later this year and many more corporates in the pipeline.
Other highlights included the latest plans for the Xero ecosystem and the launch of Xero Business Signals – which gauges the health of the small business economy – ethically surfacing information never seen before, based on real time Xero data that is being updated all the time.
12 Dynamic Principles – getting the balance right
We were then delighted to welcome legendary international rugby league coach, Graham Lowe, to the stage. Lowie held the room rapt as he explained his philosophy for success and stressed the importance of old fashioned values – pride, persistence, teamwork, selflessness, commitment and humility – as the elements that will give you an edge in competition, whether that be in the sporting or business world or otherwise.
Leading for the future
After a quick morning tea break, renowned serial and social entrepreneur, Linda Jenkinson, shared her thoughts on values-based leadership and the increasing expectations on businesses to lead with social purpose alongside profit objectives.
“People don’t need to be rescued, they need to be supported to help themselves … and that’s a lesson for businesses everywhere,” said Linda.
Change in the connected era
Next up, Xero’s Chief Marketing Officer, Andy Lark, talked on managing change – and where to start – in order to ensure your practice takes charge of its own destiny. Ultimately, those who offer the best customer experiences will win – and it’s mobile all the way!
Andy also discussed the waves of disruption.
Break-out!
After the lunch break, we once again broke out into various workshops and streams with highlights including… an insightful discussion with Regan Savage, Head of Marketing Communications & Content, Kiwibank, about keeping it real and embracing authenticity as the low cost path to effective marketing – and which can help you elevate your brand through social media and content marketing.
… a great session with international motivational speaker, Debbie Mayo-Smith, where she shared her simple three ingredient recipe for achieving more time, more profit and delighted customers, plus tonnes of great tips for making your business more successful.
… and a very well attended overview and demonstration of Payroll in Xero with Oliver Furniss and Martin Etherington from our Payroll team.
The final session for the day was a panel session where Rod Drury, Lillian Grace – CEO, Wiki NZ and Zac de Silva – International Business Coach of the Year 2014 joined me to discuss the Future of Accounting. Follow the debate at #xeroconq&a.
That’s it for another year!
A huge thanks to everyone for attending another fantastic Xerocon! Tonight we will celebrate the success and achievements of our partners at the New Zealand 2014 Xero Awards. Congratulations in advance to all our finalists and winners!
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