Key Facts:
Women remain significantly underrepresented in Australia's technology and STEM industries, particularly in senior leadership roles. In 2024, women accounted for just 29 per cent of workers and 27 per cent of senior managers across STEM industries. With research also indicating that many women consider leaving technology early in their careers, access to visible role models, influential networks, leadership development and clearer career pathways has become increasingly important. TechLeadHer NZ has been designed to address these barriers by giving women direct access to senior leaders, new industry perspectives, meaningful professional connections and the time to develop a practical plan for their next career move.
Australian women working in technology will have the opportunity to learn directly from one of New Zealand's most respected technology leaders as part of a new seven day leadership study tour launching today.
Business in Heels International has announced that Vanessa Sorenson, former Managing Director of Microsoft New Zealand and former Chief Partner Officer for Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, will play a central role in its inaugural TechLeadHer NZ Study Tour for Women, taking place in Auckland and Rotorua from 16 to 22 September 2026.
Designed for emerging and mid level female leaders in technology and related industries, TechLeadHer NZ combines leadership development, senior role models, corporate visits, mentoring, networking and uniquely New Zealand experiences.
Rather than attending as a one off keynote speaker, Sorenson will work with participants at several points throughout the tour.
She will share the realities and lessons from her own leadership journey, guide participants as they reflect on their experiences, help them make sense of emerging technology and workplace trends, and support them to develop clearer plans for their careers.
Business in Heels International CEO Lisa Sweeney said Sorenson's ongoing involvement would give participants access to the kind of honest leadership insight that is rarely available through a traditional conference or training program.
"Vanessa has led through enormous technological change and understands the opportunities, pressures and expectations facing women who want to progress in the sector," Sweeney said.
"She will not simply deliver a presentation and leave. Vanessa will be part of the participants' journey, helping them reflect on what they are seeing, challenge their thinking and consider how they can step forward more confidently as leaders."
Sorenson led Microsoft New Zealand from 2020 to 2026, following more than two decades in the technology and telecommunications industries. She has been a prominent advocate for developing talent and creating greater diversity and inclusion within the technology sector.
Leadership development beyond the classroom
The TechLeadHer NZ program has been designed as an immersive development experience rather than a conventional business tour.
Participants will attend the Executive Track of a major New Zealand technology expo, visit leading technology businesses, undertake facilitated leadership and mentoring sessions, and connect with senior women and industry peers.
The itinerary also includes an All Blacks experience, Wētā Workshop, a visit to Rotorua and Te Puia, cultural experiences, hosted dinners and dedicated opportunities for participants to reflect, network and develop their personal leadership action plans.
"Women do not always need another generic leadership course," Sweeney said.
"They need access, perspective, meaningful professional relationships and the space to think differently about what is possible. TechLeadHer NZ brings all of those elements together in one carefully curated experience."
The tour is aimed at women who are beginning to manage others, preparing to move into more senior roles, or seeking renewed clarity and confidence about the next stage of their careers.
Organisations can also sponsor employees to attend as part of their leadership development, talent retention, succession planning and gender equity strategies.
A fully supported experience
The investment is $7,999 AUD per participant and includes:
Return Air New Zealand economy flights from Melbourne to Auckland, including 20 kilograms of checked luggage
Six nights of private, single occupancy accommodation at Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
Daily buffet breakfast, four hosted dinners and selected lunches
Airport transfers and scheduled private coach transportation
Executive Track technology expo admission
Corporate and technology business visits
Three facilitated leadership sessions involving Vanessa Sorenson
Leadership development, mentoring, reflection and career action planning
The All Blacks experience, Wētā Workshop and Rotorua cultural experiences
Places are intentionally limited to create a highly personal experience and enable participants to build meaningful relationships with the leaders, mentors and other women taking part.
About Business in Heels International
Business in Heels International is a profit for purpose organisation that helps women develop the confidence, capabilities and connections they need to step into their potential.
Through mentoring, education, leadership programs, industry summits and professional networks, Business in Heels connects a community of more than 200,000 women and works with organisations seeking to develop and retain female talent.
Tour details
TechLeadHer NZ, A Study Tour for Women 16 to 22 September 2026 Auckland and Rotorua, New Zealand Investment: $7,999 AUD per participant Limited places available
