Matt Blackwell brings over a decade of international leadership experience in financial markets to his role as Chair of Syndicates #142 (Auckland), and #144 (Waikato). Having served as both Managing Director and CEO, Matt understands firsthand the value of trusted peer support and shared learning. His approach centres on creating collaborative, high-trust environments where diverse perspectives fuel better decisions and stronger leadership. Matt’s case study explores his journey, the values that drive his work, and the impact he aims to create for CEOs navigating complex organisational challenges.
Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and what led you to become a Chair for the CEO Syndicate?
I worked offshore for 14 years in financial markets before returning home to New Zealand in 2014. In my last two Executive roles as an MD and CEO I would have benefitted immensely from being a member of a group like the CEOi, being part of a group where experiences and challenges could be shared and discussed.
What motivated you to work with The CEO Institute, and how does the role of Chair align with your personal and professional values?
I originally joined the #144 Waikato Syndicate as I was new to the area and I thought it would be a good way to meet and work with some of the regional business leaders. They are a fantastic group of leaders and I have learnt a lot from them in the process of the last twelve months. I have recently started working with the #142 Auckland Syndicate and have found my interactions with that group to be a positive and rewarding experience also. When you have trust and a high calibre of people in a room together the shared learning experience can be pretty powerful.
In your experience, what are the core qualities of a successful business leader, and how do you foster these in your syndicate sessions?
There are many, being prepared to listen to other views and adapt when formulating your business strategy. Getting the best out of those around you to achieve a common goal. This is how I approach syndicate meetings, facilitate the discussion, do not dominate it, and get as many perspectives as possible into the dialogue for richer outcomes.
In what ways do you see The CEO Syndicate positively impacting the personal and professional lives of its members?
Successfully managing an organisation demands your full attention and effort. Having the trust in a group like the CEOi to be able to canvas different perspectives can be really helpful in gaining clarity on the options in front of you.
How do you stay informed on current business trends and issues, and how do you integrate this knowledge into your sessions?
I like to read and stay updated on economic, technological and current affairs, this has always been important to my job roles. The speakers that come into the meetings are often covering these very same topics so these meetings are often educational and insightful.
How do you balance providing guidance with encouraging business leaders to find their own solutions to business challenges?
I am happy to share my experiences, what has worked well for me and what I have found challenging. No one has all the answers so asking the right people, the right questions are important.
What lasting impact do you hope to leave on the CEOs you work with through The CEO Institute?
I hope that every meeting we have, the four hours that a CEO is taking out of their day to attend, they feel is worthwhile, impactful and worth the investment of time. If the members answer that as a yes, I would be happy.