Always Learn, Always Grow

Always learn, always grow, and say ‘yes’ to opportunity

“There’s always something to be learned.”

That’s the first thing Escalator alumna Dr Claire Nicholson wants young rural women to know. Whether it’s new information, a fresh perspective, or a tough lesson, our learning never ends. And for Claire, that mindset has been the backbone of a slightly unexpected but purpose-driven career that has evolved from veterinarian to industry leader, board director, and advocate for women in agriculture.

Despite being raised in a third -generation dairy farming family, Claire’s pathway didn’t begin at the farm gate. In fact, it started without a certain path at all. She left home and enrolled in business studies at university, but quickly realised she didn’t want to spend her life behind a desk. So, she took a leap, into vet school.

“I remember thinking, what have I got to lose? If I don’t get in, I’ve given it my best shot. And if I do, well then, I’m on my way”.

That simple question: ‘What have I got to lose’, has quietly guided Claire through a career full of brave decisions and bold steps into the unknown (albeit with a good measure of self-doubt at times). And from within that unknown has come immense personal growth, and achievement.

Saying yes (even if it was uncomfortable)

Claire’s first job out of vet school, replacing a veterinarian partner who had serviced the same group of farmers for 25 years, wasn’t the gentlest of starts. As a young woman stepping into what was then a male-dominated space, she faced scepticism, and sometimes outright doubt. But she backed herself.

“You can’t wait to feel ready,” she says. “You just have to show up, do the work, and prove to yourself as much as anyone else that you belong there.”

And prove herself she did. Claire’s career took her from dairy practice in North Wales to running a branch of  UK’s largest vet clinic at 26, to a national leadership role in animal health pharmaceuticals. And all because Claire kept saying ‘yes’. Not because she didn’t feel uncertain, but because she believed in learning through experience and was willing to get uncomfortable in the name of growth.

Stepping into governance

Claire’s journey into governance came from a desire to give back. One day she saw an ad for an associate director position at Parininihi ki Waitōtara (PKW), and she applied. PKW had once funded her university scholarship, and she saw this opportunity as a way to return the favour.

Though her first attempt at standing for the board was unsuccessful given she was relatively unknown to shareholders, she kept moving forward. When PKW changed its nomination process to give shareholders more time to understand candidate backgrounds, Claire stood again and was elected. She then went on to be elected again, and again, and spent nine years contributing to Māori agribusiness at scale.

It was during this time that Claire was accepted onto AWDT’s Escalator programme, which she found incredibly valuable, both as part of her personal growth trajectory, and for the collegial and diverse insights from women across a range of roles in primary industries.

From there, more opportunities followed: governance roles in science, research, and primary industry boards including Pamu and Farmlands. Today, Claire is a sought-after director who credits her progression not to a set plan, but to a willingness to put herself out there.

“I’ve never had a five-year plan”, she says. “I just stayed open to opportunity and was prepared to give things a go.”

On confidence and learning to back herself

Despite her incredible accomplishments, Claire doesn’t claim to have unwavering confidence. Like many women, she grapples with imposter syndrome from time-to-time. Her strategy? Preparation.

“I do my homework. I read the annual plans, I research and ask questions. I go in well-informed, so I feel ready and able to contribute.”

She points out the difference between confidence and bravado. One is grounded in knowledge and integrity. The other, she says, is just noise.

“You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room. You just need to be prepared, thoughtful, and clear about what you offer.”

On continuous learning, embracing discomfort, and prioritising self-care

Claire emphasised the importance of continuous learning and embracing discomfort as an important tool for professional and personal growth. She acknowledged that while she doesn’t always enjoy being pushed outside of her comfort zone, it is necessary for progress.

Claire also talked about the crucial role her support systems have had on her journey. In Claire’s case, this is her husband, who she says has provided a grounding influence as she has navigated challenges along the way, as well as a select group of friends and colleagues.

“Those connections are so important,” she says, “we mentor each other, especially through challenges.”

She also stressed the importance of maintaining personal wellbeing, advocating strongly for self-care activities and time out to prevent burnout, especially for women who tend to prioritise others.

“A lot of rural women put themselves last, after their children, partners, and businesses. And they don’t get that break away from the farm because they live and breathe it every day. But you have to book in self-care and breaks. Nobody can work seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. You have to take care of your body and your mind.”

Claire’s advice to younger women: own your difference

Claire encourages younger women not to compare themselves to others, especially when stepping into leadership.

“We often look at other people’s CVs, career paths, or credentials and think we’re not ready. But good boards and good teams are built on diversity of experience. Don’t look at what others have done and be scared or daunted. Look at what you bring that’s different.”

She also believes its ok, valuable even, to not have it all figured out.

“Some people don’t have a clear direction. I didn’t. I said yes to opportunities and trusted that I would grow through them.”

Final words: never stop learning

Whether it’s a new industry, a governance role, or a lesson in resilience, Claire keeps coming back to one core idea: as long as you believe you have more capacity to learn, there’s more things for you to learn.

“Go with an attitude of, if I’m in this, then I’m giving it my best shot.”

And her advice to the next generation of rural women:

“Give it a go. Learn as you go. And don’t be afraid to ask questions. You don’t have to know everything, just be willing.”