Do you really think merit alone gets you through? Or have you seen how it actually works? That’s the gap. Results matter. But power decides. If you don’t understand the game… you don’t move. What moves are you making this week?

Tēnā tātou kātahi anō au ka kite te karere mai i a Muscle Mike where am i now, i am currently sitting in maternity waiting on my mokopuna tuarua to arrive so grateful for us women and how we carve our future generation from kakano to hua and we keep carving them through all the emotions of life right up until this very moment this is where i am at with my oldest daughter carving her ara to be safe and trust in herswlf to bring mokopuna i te wheiao on another note i thought i might buy a home wow what a journeys its been so far its definitely a struggle i have not quite got my home but i keep going the vision is there i also changed my employment this year because i was not happy in what i was surrounded by. How did it come to that because my first mokopuna was born lastyear i decided i wanted to be a present nan so i didnt do the one thing i love the most perform for Tauira Mai Tawhiti in mataatua this year and what a ride it has been opportunities were endless and connections were made because i was free to do what weekends allow us to do but end with watching my four oldest kids perform for whakatohea was the best result while being a nan i maybe be rambling but i will leave this here

Who is saying your name in rooms you’re not in? Be honest. That’s the gap. Working hard quietly doesn’t build backing. Silence doesn’t travel. You need someone in your corner. If it’s no one… say that too

Who actually knows you’re ready for the next role? Or are you just hoping they notice? That’s the gap. Performance keeps you useful. It doesn’t get you chosen. No conversation = no progression. Say it straight: I should be in that room because…

- Ko wai koe? (Who are you?): Ko Tongariro/Pihanga te maunga. Ko Taupo te moana. Ko Arawa te waka. Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa te Iwi. Ko Turangitukua te hapu. No Rotorua/Turangi/Tāmaki Makaurau ahau - Name (Ingoa): Ko Danielle Chapman (Dramatic Dan) toku ingoa - Role & organisation: Programme Administration and Student Success Senior Manager - Faculty of Culture & Society and Te Ara Poutama, AUT - If alumni: which season and whānau: Tenei Au, cohort 1 - Where you’re joining from: Auckland - Why you’re here: To further develop myself to better serve others - Favourite kai: Starbucks and poached eggs on toast - One intention for your Te Tihi Tapu journey: Learning and developing is a life long process and this will be another step on that journey to improve and grow - What will help you get to your next taumata (level): a set direction for my next steps and confidence to follow through.