Catherine says: "I was deeply honoured to have been invited to serve as the MC for the "New Zealand Sports and Business Leadership Luncheon" with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon, and members of his business delegation visiting Japan in June 2024.
A highlight was to meet the Prime Minister in private before the event as well as the Panelists Sir John Kirwan and Conrad Smith. It was a surreal experience to be with them on stage and to hear these top athlete leaders as they shared invaluable insights on the crossover between sports and business - leadership and business lessons, team dynamics and success, cultural diversity, and legacy beyond the field.
This opportunity signified for me the long-term investment in Japan's business culture, the storytelling experience I've honed through my podcast activities, and the broader perspectives of corporate Japan from my governance roles on Boards in Japanese companies. It also underscores my unwavering dedication to bridging New Zealand and Japanese cultures and business.
Being in the room with top executives from major NZ companies, as well as esteemed Japan rugby partners and players, was a privilege I deeply appreciated.
Catherine is looking forward to the upcoming New Zealand Rugby’s Performance Labs taking place later in the year in Japan, which will further advance New Zealand Rugby’s brand awareness and commercial interests in Japan while creating opportunities to further develop rugby in Japan.