Smart Seeds Programme
From a seed of an idea, Smart Seeds is the start of something bigger.
Smart Seeds is a dynamic, innovation programme run by GHD, in collaboration with our clients and partners. This programme brings the next generation of leaders together to tackle the challenges facing our communities. Over nine weeks, participants from multiple organisations develop valuable skills to empathise, re-frame problems, pitch ideas and influence positive change.
Participants work in diverse teams during five in-person workshops to explore challenges posed by senior leaders at the start of the programme. Participants grow in confidence and pitch their top solution to an audience of over 200 industry professionals and a C-suite judging panel at our evening Showcase event.
You get to take on a challenge, come up with a solution and think outside the box. You get to spend 8 weeks with great people and flex those intellectual muscles. I 100% would recommend it."
Calling all emerging leaders!
Calling all senior leaders!
Roles in the Smart Seed Programme
Participant
Time commitment: Estimate of 6 - 8 hours a week.
Mentor
Smart Seeds mentors are senior professionals who provide expert guidance, industry insights, and creative direction to support their team throughout the programme. They also help connect participants with valuable contacts and opportunities to strengthen their solutions.
Time commitment: A total commitment of 30 - 40 hours.
Alumni Mentor
Alumni mentors are past Smart Seeds participants who bring firsthand experience and programme insights to support their team alongside an industry mentor. They provide regular check-ins and guidance to help teams stay focused and progress effectively.
Time commitment: A total commitment of 30-40 hours.
Benefits of Smart Seeds
What are the benefits for my organisation?
- A fresh approach on complex challenges that impact your customers and community
- Grow your teams’ capabilities, develop an innovative mindset and attract key talent
- Cross-sector network building opportunities
- Professional development for your emerging leaders to take part in a design-led innovation programme which focuses on building leadership and innovation skills
- Attraction and retention of the best emerging leaders within our regions
- Demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to innovation and collaboration
What are the benefits for my participants?
- Co-creation of human-centered solutions
- Smart Seeds accelerates the development of emerging leaders, where they will learn design-thinking processes, develop innovation skills, and refine their presentation capabilities
- Participants will have the opportunity to network, collaborate and build their professional networks with emerging and industry leaders in their region
- Participants will join our global alumni community where they can continue collaborating and influencing change
Smart Seeds is beneficial for our kamahi because it gives them an opportunity to grow outside Council, but they bring those skills back inside and share them with their teams and colleagues. The collaboration that they find in these teams and the relationships that they build carry on beyond the life of the programme. It gives them a sense of not just engaging with the community but giving back.”
I learned a lot about myself, my capabilities, and my leadership style as well as the importance of and strategies for approaching people with empathy. I will take away a lot from the experience, including connections and relationships that have been and will continue to be important in my career.”
My biggest takeaway as a mentor is how I interact with people and taking that step back from being the problem-solver to helping and encouraging others to develop skills. It’s not an easy switch to make but worth it for the development.”
Smart Seeds Auckland Showcase 2024