Nine of our year 13 Instep Young Leaders, who have returned for another year, recently participated in a strengths-building course facilitated by Claire Swallow, founder of Mulberry St. Mulberry St was created to support purpose-led Kiwi businesses in expanding globally, with a strong belief that work should be human-centred, connected, and purpose-driven.

The session introduced students to the CliftonStrengths framework, helping them identify their natural talents and understand how to work effectively with others. Instead of striving to be well-rounded individuals, they discovered the value of complementing each other’s strengths within a team.

Te Puke Highschool student Jules Delaere shared this key insight: “You don’t need to be a well-rounded person, particularly in a team. Where you might struggle, others might excel, so together you can complement each other. I also learnt a lot about myself when it comes to team-based activities and where I fit in a team in a way that works for myself and everyone else. Going forth, I feel like I have a better understanding of what makes me, me.”

Throughout the workshop, students engaged in activities that highlighted their individual strengths and encouraged collaboration. They worked in teams to complete challenges and shared their results with the wider group, reinforcing the idea that leadership is not about doing everything alone but about recognising and leveraging the strengths of those around you.

Another student summed up the experience by saying, “It was good to learn about everyone’s strengths and understand the similar or different ones we each have.”

By the end of the session, the students walked away with not only a deeper understanding of their own strengths but also a renewed appreciation for the power of teamwork and shared leadership.