Tasked with identifying trends, skills in demand, and the impact of technologies on jobs, it helps businesses, governments, and individuals understand the current job market conditions and future workforce needs. 

After his time at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Sam pursued an accounting and management degree at The University of Otago. This academic background paved the way for his initial roles in finance, including positions at ANZ and Stats NZ.

Sam’s career took a pivotal turn when he decided to pursue a master’s degree in economics. This decision led him to work at New Zealand’s Treasury. Sam says, “I was surrounded by some of the country’s brightest minds, all dedicated to making New Zealand a better place for its people.” 

Driven by a desire to gain a global perspective and work with world-leading experts, Sam sought international opportunities. This ambition led him through a three-month interview process with the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland where for more than 50 years, the Forum has engaged global Partners to drive impactful change, improving the state of the world. In his role, Sam focuses on critical questions surrounding the labour market; what does this mean? Sam explains, “For example, in a world where you have global digital jobs, how can a country like Nigeria – which will have the world’s third-largest population in a couple of decades – engage in the global demand for skills.” 

Sam acknowledges that working at the frontier of economic and technological developments comes with significant challenges, “The need to balance timely, credible insights with the inherent uncertainty of new technologies and geopolitical shifts requires constant adaptation and proactive thinking” says Sam. 

Working within these challenges, Sam finds his work rewarding. The opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, from Global Thought Leaders to business executives, and to contribute to meaningful change is a source of motivation. Looking ahead, Sam’s professional goal remains focused on improving lives through economic development. He is committed to leveraging his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact.

Looking back on his time at St Paul’s, Sam emphasises the lasting friendships he made with schoolmates and the outdoor skills he developed at Tihoi Venture School, “I developed the skills I learned at Tihoi further in Wellington where I was a volunteer for Land Search and Rescue”. 

For current students, Sam offers valuable advice: “Embrace a mindset of exploration and openness. Try various activities, seek out mentoring opportunities, and look to understand different perspectives. You probably haven’t tried most of your personal and professional passions yet, so give yourself every chance to discover them.” 

Sam currently resides in Geneva with his wife; they view their time in Switzerland as an opportunity to understand different ways of life and to enjoy travelling with Europe on their back doorstep.