Forbes magazine has called failure “the secret to success”. Most high-profile careers have ups and downs, and successful people often say the lessons learned from failures were crucial to their progress. Our speakers address these wins and losses through the lens of three disparate careers: one in politics, one in sport, and one in media. 

During her 15 years in politics, Paula Bennett was Deputy Prime Minister and a Cabinet minister with portfolios including social development, associate finance, police and local government. She is now the Director of Strategic Advisory at Bayleys Real Estate and Pharmac Board Chair. 

Dame Susan Devoy is a four-time world squash champion who served as Race Relations Commissioner from 2013 to 2018. 

Journalist Mike McRoberts (Ngāti Kahungunu) is best-known for anchoring the flagship 6pm Newshub bulletin and was at the helm when the Newshub newsroom closed in 2024. He is currently Te Ao Māori Editor at the National Business Review.

Susan Devoy Photo: Matt Klitscher

On as part of the Wānaka Festival of Colour.