Vathany Owen
Head of People and Culture
WellingtonNZ
Vathany Owen is a people-first leader and brings a wealth of HR expertise from working in both public and private organisations, taking a pragmatic approach to navigating challenges and opportunities. As Head of People and Culture at WellingtonNZ on their Senior Leadership Team, she champions an inclusive, purpose-driven environment for kaimahi to thrive. Recognising the privilege of working in People and Culture and a deep passion for it, Vathany focuses on bringing a strategic lens to partnering with leaders, attracting and developing talent, and driving impactful initiatives that make a difference.
Vathany’s belief is that culture is shaped by how we show up every day; she’s committed to creating workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
Outside of mahi, Vathany is a proud advocate for Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui, the Wellington region and all it has to offer through embracing its vibrant food scene, whānau-friendly experiences as a māmā to two young tamariki, and diverse events from live sports to performance events.
SESSIONS
DAY 2
2:10
Mini Leadership Labs (attend 2 x 35-minutes discussions)
Lab A: Building Strategic Influence
Whether you are managing upwards, across or diagonally, influence is the currency of leadership. Learn how to frame ideas persuasively, shift thinking and gain buy-in from decision-makers across your organisation.
Skills Learned: Stakeholder engagement, persuasive communication, shaping strategic decisions, and driving organisational alignment
Vathany Owen, Head of People and Culture, WellingtonNZ
Lab B: Leading High-Stakes Conversations and Negotiations
Navigate tension, negotiate priorities, and handle pushback with confidence. From budget battles to strategic pivots, conversations with boards and senior stakeholders often involve conflicting agendas, scrutiny, and pressure. This lab helps you prepare for tough conversations, respond to challenge without defensiveness, and negotiate outcomes that balance strategic priorities with integrity and influence.
Skills Learned: Conflict resolution, stakeholder influence, negotiating priorities, and maintaining credibility under pressure.
Mary Los’e, Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Business Trust