Escalator

On Escalator, leading facilitators support participants to combine best-in-class leadership, governance and personal development skills with their lived experiences. This process centres around five face-to-face modules:

• Module 1: Understanding self – then, now, in the future
• Module 2: Governance, strategy, finance
• Module 3: Leadership
• Module 4: Communication, influence, decision making
• Module 5: Future direction, impact with purpose

In addition to the five face-to-face modules, the Escalator journey includes:

• One-on-one executive coaching throughout the programme
• Self-directed learning through online modules and practical application
• Consistent group connection and peer support
• One-on-one support from an Escalator Alumni member, acting as a sounding board and connector
• Attendance at key AWDT events, together with food & fibre sector leaders

The skills of leadership
Understand the why, what and how of impact leadership and influence. Learn how to coach individuals, communicate a shared vision, build trust and set a successful team culture. In addition to the people skills, experience the ‘hard’ skills of leadership first-hand – joining established primary sector directors to learn about critical thinking, strategic decision-making, governance and fronting to media.

The confidence to lead 
Escalator is specifically designed as a space for your confidence as a leader to flourish. Through guided self-reflection – explore your strengths, personal story, leadership style and your space to make meaningful impact. Look outward and take inspiration from rural role models and industry leaders. Through facilitated learning, explore the science of leadership and grasp the fundamentals of influence.  Find support from your cohort, executive coach, AWDT facilitators and Escalator Alumni as you turn it all into action.

Set your direction
By building on your existing skills, cultivating confidence and taking inspiration from new connections – you will redefine your aspirations through Escalator. Explore your place to make positive changes for people, planet, profit and progress. Map the obstacles ahead, identify the new skills or experiences you need, seek out allies and set the roadmap to make it all happen.

Gather allies
Escalator is not a solo journey. Through group problem-solving, shared experiences and peer coaching, you will leave Escalator with a life-long connection to 13 other women intent on leading with impact. Your network expands through the Escalator Alumni and AWDT’s partners, reaching into the boardrooms of some of our sector’s most influential organisations.

An Escalator woman is committed to making positive change in the communities, landscapes or organisations she cares about. While every cohort is different and there is great diversity within cohorts, Escalator women are:

• Already at the forefront of local or iwi issues but wanting to be more effective in her role
• Farmers, growers, executives working in primary sector organisations, community contributors, iwi members, entrepreneurs, trustees or directors.
• Involved in any part of the food and fibre sector, across the supply and value chains – arable, horticulture, dairy, sheep, beef, deer, Māori agri-business, animal welfare, biosecurity, apiary, wine, fishing, forestry, shipping or professional services that support the sector.

No other programme offers comprehensive leadership and governance development that is specific to women in the food and fibre sector. Escalator delivers affordable quality that creates lifelong individual and sector impact.

The programme fee is $15,000 + GST per participant.

A minimum payment of $5,000 + GST is due by 31 January 2026. As part of AWDT’s commitment to accessible and inclusive development for women, the balance can be paid in equal amounts of $5000 + GST due on 30 June and 31 October 2026.

AWDT also encourages successful applicants to source and secure funding to help cover the programme fee and may provide some scholarship funding. Options can include a full/partial scholarship from the participant’s employer, Management Capability Development funding available through the Regional Business Partner Program, and other scholarships and funding identified and applied for by participants from any source or provider.
Travel, accommodation and meal costs are additional to the programme fee and are met by the participant.