We chatted with Judith Maguire about teaching YES and career changes
YES Teacher | Tauranga Girls College, Otumoetai College, Waiuku College, Strathallan College and Macleans College
Judith Maguire has had a long association with YES through her 30 year teaching career. Not only did YES provide a learning opportunity for her students, but through Judith’s involvement, she admits to picking up a few lessons herself. Currently a manager for a thoroughbred breeding and pre training farm in Karaka, Judith is working with an outstanding entrepreneur- an individual who has attained exporter of the year for 2011 (associated owner of the hanger co. and Sistema).
By surrounding herself in a driven environment, Judith is involved in working with the stock manager to develop and enhance the farm to make it one of the top in New Zealand.
Their aim is to produce top bloodstock as well as an outstanding spectacle. The farm is currently being developed from scratch, to be a world class breeding and pre-training facility.
Throughout her teaching career Judith draws upon found memories; taking two trips to Singapore to experience the rewards of a year’s hard work and dedication; Otumoetai College’s ‘For Kidz sake’ and ‘Akonga Enterprises’. Judith holds great pride in the many teams she was associated with over the years and believes the YES scheme is outstanding in providing structure and discipline, to the creativity of young business people in New Zealand.
As a teacher the benefit she derived from her students was the “uninhibited creativity which was transferred to a business concept, through a structured manner with enthusiasm and focus. Teamwork and self-fulfillment resulted in success which cannot be simulated in the classroom”.
Judith stands today as an advocate for the YES program and has been lucky enough to work with several mentors from communities, contributing to the success of several of her students companies, pertaining that “the structure of YES has evolved to enhance competition and to strive for excellence”.
Judith Maguire’s three tips for budding entrepreneurs:
1. Persistence with an open mind to improve on ideas.
2. Undertake market research which is honest and will stand the test of time.
3. Financial planning is critical!
