From High Performer to Executive Leader
30 Jan 2026
What it really takes to step into senior leadership
We are delighted to welcome Carolyn Cooper as the newest facilitator for HG’s Next Generation Leadership Program in New Zealand. With experience spanning frontline nursing, clinical governance, and senior leadership roles across the public and private health sectors on both sides of the Tasman, Carolyn brings a grounded perspective on what leadership really demands. Known for her collaborative and empowering leadership style, she brings clarity to complex systems and builds strong cultures of safety, care, and accountability. Her strategic foresight and operational excellence are matched by a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and culturally responsive services.
In this article, Carolyn reflects on what it truly takes to move from capability to executive readiness, offering an optimistic yet pragmatic lens on leadership at a time when the sector needs both.
- What actually differentiates high-performing leaders from those ready to step into executive roles.
Those people ready for senior executive roles have often been able to do significant self reflection as they have progressed as high performers, many have identified mentors to assist their development and I have found they are more likely to be able to answer the question “what do you want to be when you grow up”. Having aspirations of executive roles they would like and not being too scared to articulate this has also been a defining quality as once you know where you want to head in your career you can gather the tools and experience to get there!
- What is the leadership shift people tend to underestimate and what happens when organisations don’t support that transition deliberately.
When leaders can see themselves achieving senior roles in the future they need to be supported to develop the skills and experience to be ready, when the roles become available. The next-generation experience gives already high performing leaders both additional theory on executive leadership but also a safe place to discuss challenges they may be facing through the action learning aspect of the course.
If leaders with career aspirations are not guided and supported they tend to look for alternative organisations who have a track record of developing future executives.
- From your experience in senior leadership roles in New Zealand, what differences have you observed in how emerging leaders are showing up today? What gives you confidence as you look ahead to 2026?
My observations of emerging leaders in recent years has been that there seems to be a clearer understanding about the need to promote yourself and to gather skills and experience that will enhance your likelihood of being considered for executive roles. Many leaders are expecting to be supported with development both from a theory and practice perspective.
- What experience do you bring as a facilitator that can assist high-performing leaders to become executive leaders in the future?
Throughout my career I have looked for rising stars to develop and I am pleased to say that many have gone on to be exceptional leaders. The approach I have taken is to provide the space for them to grow and learn through offering alternative thinking and time to consider how they should handle issues that arise.
I have learnt from both inspirational leaders and those who have not demonstrated such admirable leadership attributes, that every experience is one you can take something from.
I started my career as a clinician where day to day patient interaction was my world, then moved to influencing patient outcomes by supporting those who interact with patients and now am committed to supporting leaders and organisations to develop strategies that improve the outcomes of patients, their whanau, leaders, the organisations providing care and the communities of people across the health system.
If this reflection resonates, we invite you to learn more about HG’s Next Generation Executive Program in New Zealand. Designed for leaders identified as future executive talent, the program combines action learning, peer connection and experienced facilitation to support leaders at this critical transition point. With limited places available in the upcoming cohort, we welcome conversations with leaders and the organisations that support them who are thinking deliberately about executive readiness.
To explore the program or register your interest, book a 1:1 consultation here: Meet with David Price
To read more about Carolyn’s experience and the perspective she brings to the program, her full bio is available here.
