Building a better world

Principal Civil Engineer Sophie South MInstD says she always liked the idea of making the world a better place – even as a child.

Born in the “nuclear-free generation” – and only two months after the Rainbow Warrior bombing in 1985 – South remembers having a conversation with her mum.

“I really liked what Greenpeace were doing. We had that conversation around, ‘Do you want to be on the activist side or actually design and create solutions?’ That’s what really led me into engineering. I can make things happen, rather than just talking about it,” says South.

The IoD Scholarship Fund recipient specialises in stormwater quality and conveyance design, hydrology and environmental assessments at Davis Ogilvie and Partners Ltd in Christchurch.

“Working from the inside out, being able to design solutions and create outcomes, that’s how I can make a difference,” she says. “Water is an incredibly precious resource and becoming more so all the time. With every new infrastructure or road we are designing solutions or ways of managing any potential flooding and removing contaminants before they wash into our waterways.”

With her passion to contribute to the community after having her first child, she started event volunteer work in 2015 for charity Dress for Success Christchurch, which supports women towards financial independence.

“I spent several years working with their volunteer team. They do great things in the community for women and I got the opportunity to join their board in 2019. This was my first experience of governance and the board’s role.”

South stepped off that board after five years and started looking at other charitable opportunities in the environmental space. “Habitat for Humanity Christchurch popped up and there were a lot of synergies in terms of what my professional skills are, and my understanding of the industry.”

She joined the board in 2022, bringing a different skill set. “Habitat for Humanity Christchurch helps families build and improve a place to call home. Using my engineering expertise and knowledge, I contribute an understanding of the construction process, resource consents and assisting with due diligence.”

As well as “making a positive difference in the community”, South says the rewards are also being able to work with a group of different directors that she would never have “bumped into” in her professional career. “For my personal and future professional growth, it’s great having these networks.”

The Scholarship Fund gives South a boost with the resources she needs to build her not-for-profit and professional governance career. This includes the IoD’s five-day Company Directors’ Course, which she will attend along with other fund recipients.

South says she is a “little bit nervous” as she tries to break out of her comfort zone and expand her governance horizons.“I have heard it’s challenging, but I’m looking forward to it.”

The intensive course includes board simulation exercises, bringing to life case studies that highlight the unpredictable nature of business and the human nature of directorship.

South says she is looking forward to delving into real-life boardroom scenarios and establishing relationships with other directors. “Obviously, there are also subject areas in terms of basic competence, such as risk, strategy and financials.

“I’m mindful that I’m coming from not-for-profit and charities. There will be lots of people there with all this experience, from companies and corporates. It’s similar but different.”

The CDC could be a defining moment and help her transition into the corporate governance world. “I’m hoping the course might give me a little bit more clarity, and confidence that this is what I want to be doing.

“I’m really enjoying working with charities. You’re making a difference and helping the community. The focus is not about making money for you or anyone else. I’m motivated to work collaboratively to create better outcomes, both as an engineer and in governance.” 

About the Scholarship Fund

Applications for the IoD’s Scholarship Fund will open on 4 June and close on 1 July 2024. The fund, supported by executive search consultants SWR Group, provides opportunities for members who have a current role on a not-for- profit board and gives them access to professional development. This year, the IoD is offering two places on the Company Directors’ Course and 10 places on one of the suite of one-day Essentials courses.

“Being on a board today isn’t easy and having the chance to assist the not-for- profit sector will only create more growth and prosperity for the communities they serve,” says SWR Group director Graeme Sandri.

The IoD hopes to unlock more places for people to access development opportunities. If you or your organisation is interested in supporting this initiative please go to iod.org.nz/membership/ development-programmes/ scholarship-fund