26. Breaking Out of ‘Answer Mode’, Building Collective Wisdom, and the Village That Raises Leaders | Kirsten Patterson

What if the question isn't "Where are all the leaders?" but "Where are all the responsible adults?"

Today I'm joined by Kirsten Patterson, better known as KP, CEO of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and chair of the Global Network of Directors Institutes.

She had an auspicious start by getting suspended from school at five for challenging the system. Yet she went on to become one of New Zealand's most respected governance leaders. In 2025 she was awarded the New Zealand Royal Honour, Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to governance and women in leadership, She’s also known for her work founding multiple diversity initiatives including Chapter Zero New Zealand, which focuses on climate governance.

KP's background includes growing up in a funeral home, giving her a unique perspective from observing how humans show up during challenging times, and what actually matters when the chips are down. She's built her reputation on asking the curly questions others avoid in a world that’s chasing answers.

We explore how wonder and curiosity might be the antidote to our crisis-driven world, why asking questions we don't know the answers to is a lost art, and how creating space for reflection isn't a luxury – it's essential for responsible leadership.

Whether you're wrestling with uncertainty or seeking to lead with more depth and authenticity, this conversation will challenge how you think about what it means to be a grown-up in today's world.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - The Chocolate Fish Test: Questioning Leadership

(02:10) - Where Are the Responsible Adults?

(10:53) - Balancing Confidence and Wonderance

(21:00) - The Role of Wonder in Leadership

(34:28) - Personal Journey: From Funeral Home to Leadership

(41:54) - Collective Responsibility in Developing Leaders

Other references:

• Institute of Directors
• Susan Cain - TED Talk
• Susan Cain - “Quiet” book
• Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust
• Wellington City Mission
• Cranlaner Foundation
• Kate Christiansen - The Answer Trap Book - Not yet released
• James Miller Episode

You can find Kirsten at:

Website: https://www.iod.org.nz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattersonkirsten/

Check out my services and offerings https://www.digbyscott.com/

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Follow me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/digbyscott/