In a bold move to reshape leadership at Harvey Norman, supported by our ServiceIQ Industry Engagement team, the new Catalyst – Women in Leadership programme is creating exciting opportunities for women across the organisation. 

Launched in response to a noticeable gap in female leadership, Catalyst is part of Harvey Norman’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, a global day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, Catalyst stands out as an embodiment of this spirit. The theme for 2025, #AccelerateAction, calls for accelerating women’s equality by acknowledging and supporting initiatives that positively impact women's advancement. 

Harvey Norman fully embraces this challenge and is committed to making a lasting impact with programmes such as Catalyst.

The initiative brings together 24 candidates from a range of business departments including sales, property management, marketing, warehousing, administration, and online sales. These women are studying the ServiceIQ Programme to earn the New Zealand Certificate in Business Management (First Line Management) Level 4, covering essential skills in decision-making, people management, strategic thinking, conflict resolution, and communication. The programme’s robust learning framework, enhanced by a strong focus on hands-on experience and real-life application, is closely aligned with Harvey Norman’s values and strategic goals.

A key element of Catalyst is its dedicated mentorship programme. Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor who offers guidance, constructive feedback, and practical advice on navigating leadership challenges. This personalised approach not only boosts confidence but also fosters a rich learning environment that reflects Harvey Norman’s commitment to continuous professional development.

Tarryn Van Niekerk, Head of People Operations NZ, emphasises the transformative potential of the programme:

“We recognise that women often face barriers in achieving leadership roles. Catalyst is our dedicated approach to dismantling those barriers and empowering every woman to step into her potential. We’re committed to creating an environment where talent is nurtured, and every voice is heard.”

ServiceIQ, a partner of Harvey Norman since 2023, has played an important role in delivering a range of qualification programmes including Retail Savvy and the New Zealand Certificate in Retail Levels 3 and 4. 

Above: Renee Purves

Now, ServiceIQ is thrilled to be a supporter of Catalyst, contributing its expertise to help shape the future of leadership within Harvey Norman.

For many participants, Catalyst is a transformative experience. Paige Konig, a member of the distribution team at the Whangārei store, shared her enthusiasm:

“The regular online sessions have connected me with inspiring women from across the country, building a powerful network of future leaders.”

Renee Purves, based at the Tauranga store and a seasoned sales professional with four years at Harvey Norman, expressed her excitement about the programme:

“I truly enjoy mentoring and training new staff—it’s a natural fit as I work towards a leadership role at Harvey Norman.”

Reflecting further on her journey, she added,

“Being part of a collective of inspiring women in the Catalyst programme is an empowering opportunity that fuels my aspiration to become a store manager.”

Catalyst is more than just a training programme—it’s redefining leadership in a modern, inclusive workplace. By nurturing a pipeline of confident, skilled women leaders, Harvey Norman is setting the stage for a future where diverse perspectives drive collaboration and innovation. As the programme continues to evolve, the hope is that every participant will go on to uplift and mentor others, creating a ripple effect of empowerment throughout the organisation.

With initiatives like Catalyst, Harvey Norman is not only investing in professional development but also building a legacy of success, support, and shared achievement that resonates with the core values of the company.