Thank you Educate Plus

by Ross Scrymgeour

Over recent years I have come to appreciate that one’s effectiveness as a leader in Advancement is dependent on a number of things. The current industry knowledge, support networks and opportunities to up-skill available through Educate Plus at the local, national and international levels (through CASE also), have been a vital resource for me in fulfilling many of these. 

After recently finishing what I can only describe as an awesome opportunity, as Director of Advancement at Prince Alfred College (for which I will be forever grateful), I returned to New Zealand to prepare for the next chapter of my life, which is very exciting. I am nearly at the end of my first week of isolation in a hotel in Auckland and have had the opportunity to do lots of reflecting, reading and writing amongst other things (lots of food!). In the book I am reading presently, ‘Legacy – what the All Blacks can teach us about business life‘, I was struck by the following statement: 

“A culture of asking and re-asking fundamental questions cuts away unhelpful beliefs in order to achieve clarity of execution. Humility allows us to ask a simple question: how can we do better?” 

Quite simply Educate Plus gives us the resources and opportunities to keep asking ourselves these questions but not alone, with the support and in the presence of others (if you wish), to allow us and our organisation to continue to positively advance. As Charles Darwin writes, ‘It is not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.’ 

Thank you to my colleagues in the SA/NT Chapter for your kindness, sharing and dedication to supporting all Advancement professionals in the state and beyond. It has been a privilege to play my small part within a very talented committee. All the very best to Abhra and the team as you take on the challenge of continuing to support our Advancement leaders to add value to what they and their organisations do. Kia kaha (continue to be strong). 

Ross Scrymgeour
Retiring Vice-President SA/NT Chapter