What New Zealand’s Most Inspiring Workplaces Are Doing Differently

A real conversation about creating, measuring, and celebrating PeopleFirst cultures.

In this recorded webinar, I’m joined by two leaders at the forefront of workplace culture in Aotearoa and across Australasia:

• Ceri Rowland, Chief People Officer at Douglas Pharmaceuticals – one of the few NZ organisations recognised both regionally and globally by Inspiring Workplaces
• Ali Killaly, Director of Inspiring Workplaces Australasia

Together, we explore what it really takes to cultivate workplaces where people genuinely thrive — especially in a year defined by economic pressure, uncertainty, and the accelerating impact of AI on work and leadership.

Across this 60-minute conversation we dive into:

• The Inspiring Workplaces Story – Why these global awards exist, what they measure, and why their expansion into Australasia matters for NZ organisations.
• The Douglas Pharmaceuticals Journey – Ceri’s candid insights into why they chose to participate, what the application process was really like, and the internal shifts it catalysed across their business.
• The Inspiration Effect – How recognition, both regional and global, became a source of pride, momentum, and cultural clarity for Douglas team.
• What Sets Inspiring Workplaces Apart – How the framework elevates what we value in leadership and culture, beyond what is typically benchmarked in NZ.
• The 2026 Awards Cycle – Key dates, how to prepare, and what organisations need to know if they’re considering entering.

Who this conversation is for?

• CEOs and Executives building resilient, future-ready organisations
• HR Directors, CPOs, and People & Culture leaders
• Business owners passionate about creating environments where people do their best work

Whether you’re actively preparing to enter the 2026 Inspiring Workplaces Awards, or simply committed to elevating organisational culture in a complex and fast-changing environment, this discussion offers clarity, perspective, and practical guidance.