Bringing together a diverse collection of participants from various industries, cultures, and backgrounds. Natasha reflects on the experience and the impact it has had on her personal and professional development.

"Recently, thanks to PMAG and the New Zealand Downtown Rotary Club, a colleague and myself, had the privilege of being 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Awardees, through a week-long transformational program designed to develop future leaders. The 2025 cohort saw 117 awardees from notable organisations across Aotearoa, including 2 emerging leaders from Samoa. 

It was a phoneless week, disconnected from our daily digital world to connect with presence, others, ourselves and whenua. The phoneless space matched with thoughtful activities created a unique dynamic within and between us all. Allowing us to be, listen, understand, respond, reflect and connect. 

An essential part of the program is to explore what it means to be a leader. We heard from extraordinary people who told us they were ordinary, but it was their actions, character, values, mindset and authenticity that had led to their success. Some things they touched on included how to lead yourself before leading others, a practical framework for navigating group challenges effectively, leadership styles, how to deal with doubts, being yourself, and giving back to the community and nature. 

During the week we had the opportunity to apply the knowledge we gained from the wise speakers, through different activities. We did daily physical exercise, team building challenges, learned survival skills, took turns leading within our teams, collaboratively designed and presented social enterprises, and volunteered in the community. 

The intentional design and structure of the program created a special environment for the psyche to be touched. The program isn’t just about learning leadership theory; it’s about living it. And sharing that mutual experience with people from different walks of life, created meaningful friendships that will continue outside of the program. 

Through RYLA I was able to explore my depths, my strengths, my blind spots, and how I want to lead and show up in the world. RYLA challenged me to stand by my values, think critically, communicate clearly, step outside my comfort zone, and work collaboratively in high pressure, unfamiliar situations. These are skills I know I’ll carry back into every part of my life, including my work. 

It was remarkable to witness and feel the passion and belief of every volunteer involved from team leaders, chefs, engineers, keynote speakers, medical support, operational team and sponsors. Seeing people working towards a common goal shows that value placed on inner purpose over external riches makes a positive impact which creates a ripple effect in society. 

I am grateful for this opportunity and acknowledge PMAG for taking the initiative to send their young leaders every couple of years. It goes beyond a kind gesture, it’s a strategic investment to develop values driven and confident leaders. It nurtures self-awareness, initiative, and resilience and it shows people that you believe in their potential."