Sam Vivian-Greer

Fast-Tracking Leadership: How the Zanda McDonald Award Changed Sam's Career When Sam received the Zanda McDonald Award, he had recently made a significant career change. After spending a decade farming, he had completed an Agribusiness degree and stepped into agricultural consultancy, driven by a passion for helping farmers succeed. "I wanted to work alongside farming families and support people progressing through the farming career ladder, particularly those early in their leadership journey." Just 12 months into his consultancy career, Sam was the least experienced consultant in a small regional agribusiness and valuation firm. While determined to build strong technical expertise and industry connections, he knew there was still much to learn. The Zanda McDonald Award accelerated that learning in ways he never imagined. Rather than pointing to a single defining moment, Sam says it was the collective experience that transformed him. "The exposure to people across New Zealand and Australia's agricultural sectors was incredible. Everyone was so willing to share openly, and I've learned that the quickest and most valuable lessons are the ones shared by others." His Zanda notebook—filled with ideas, observations and lessons from the study tour and every Impact Summit since—remains one of his most valuable professional resources. Perhaps the biggest transformation, however, was personal. During the finalist interviews, Sam openly discussed his struggle with imposter syndrome. Through conversations with Award alumni and industry leaders, his perspective changed completely. "I've learned that if someone has backed you to do something, you should reward their faith by having faith in yourself. I've also realised imposter syndrome often appears when you're growing. It's a sign of progress, not something to shy away from." That confidence has shaped every leadership decision since. Over the past few years, Sam has built and led two teams within his organisation, deliberately creating cultures based on shared values, trust and passion. "The best leadership lessons I have ever received came through the Award. It's given me the confidence to build strong teams, navigate difficult conversations and create a culture where people genuinely want to be." The results speak for themselves. His team has become one of the strongest-performing in the organisation, with high staff retention and multiple team members progressing into new leadership opportunities. Looking back, Sam believes the Award dramatically accelerated his career. Without it, he says, he would never have imagined leading a team of 10 people while overseeing a $135 million portfolio of primary sector assets spanning farming, horticulture and forestry. Today his responsibilities include working directly with senior industry stakeholders, leading major investment and funding proposals, developing projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars and improving organisational systems that enable stronger financial decision-making. "The Award fast-tracked my leadership by at least 10 years. It gave me the confidence to trust my judgement, act on my values and step into opportunities I never thought I was ready for." That confidence extends well beyond his own organisation. Sam now regularly speaks at farmer training graduations, industry events and leadership programmes, while also serving on the board and committee of the Institute of Rural Professionals New Zealand. He leads a national Young Māori Grower/Farmer competition and continues to support regional leadership initiatives across the agricultural sector. Giving back has become an important part of his journey. He has mentored emerging professionals, supported applicants for the Zanda McDonald Award—including finalists—and actively contributes to alumni events, believing the strength of the Award lies in its ongoing community. "The Award doesn't end when the study tour finishes. The alumni network and Impact Summit create lifelong connections that continue to challenge and support you." For Sam, that network remains one of the Award's greatest strengths. "The expansion of my network, the confidence I've gained and the way the Award has accelerated my career have been its greatest long-term impacts." He believes programmes like the Zanda McDonald Award are unlike any other leadership initiative in agriculture. "The support is enduring, the calibre of mentors is exceptional and the connections continue long after the Award itself. Leadership development through experience alone can take decades. The Award shortens that journey and strengthens the whole sector." His gratitude is heartfelt. "When the winners were announced, it was said, 'It's time to change two people's lives.' That's exactly what this Award has done for me. It has changed my life, both professionally and personally."