Jennah Wootten

Look, I was inundated with messages on Friday morning going, what in the world is going on?

People that know me know I'm an early starter.

A lot of people know I really enjoy your show, Mike.

I'm often listening to it in the mornings when I'm driving to the office or to a meeting.

So, yeah, a bit of a miscommunication.

And I'm really pleased that we've been able to tee up this morning to have a yarn.

Look, I think there's a lot of similarities that run through sporting organisations.

If you look at some of the challenges that have been experienced over recent years, there are threads that link them.

But ultimately, this is a business.

And I think when I reflect on the roles that I've had on both sides of the board table, I think that blend of business skills and sport leadership skills are going to be incredibly important stepping into this role on the 12th of August.

Well, as someone that loves sport and has followed netball since my childhood, I just found it incredibly sad.

It was obvious that it was a really difficult period for everyone involved.

And I think if you fast forward a few months to when the CEO role was advertised, I was really keen to look at what skills they were seeking from a new chief executive.

And

having read the details that they put into market and having done some due diligence talking to a number of people, I did feel really compelled to put my hand up and see how I can be a part of making a difference into the future.

I've been asked that question a lot throughout my career in terms of have I always wanted to do this role or that role.

I've never had particular roles that I've been striving towards.

I've always just been focused on doing a good job where I am and when an opportunity presents and if I feel like it aligns with my skills and experiences, putting my head into the mix.

And that was certainly what happened recently.

With the Netball New Zealand Chief Executive role, I've been with Active for five years this month.