Winning at work and life: Mastering life's demands with Paul Wood is an upcoming seminar from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Friday 13 June at the Lincoln Event Centre.

Dr. Paul Wood is a New Zealander whose journey from prison to PhD has inspired thousands. As a teen, his drug use escalated as he tried to escape emotions he didn’t think he was “supposed to feel as a man.” At 18, his mother died—and just three days later, he met up with a drug dealer. “That fateful meeting would conclude with him dead and me in prison for the first night of what would be the next ten years plus in some of New Zealand’s toughest prisons.”

While inside, Paul turned his life around—completing undergraduate and master’s degrees and beginning a PhD in psychology. Today, he’s a sought-after speaker, author, and psychologist, known for helping others build resilience and mental fitness.

In Winning at work and life: Mastering life’s demands, Paul unpacks how to build mental resilience, manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and thrive across all areas of life. We know many of you are already walking alongside people navigating tough journeys—this evening offers a powerful boost of insight, inspiration, and tools to strengthen your mahi. It is packed with practical tools, relatable stories, and strategies that can be used. There will be drinks and nibbles that can be purchased onsite.

SDC has eight complimentary tickets for staff and community of Rolleston College available. Read more about the evening here. Please RSVP to Nicola Maxwell by Monday 19 May if you would like to attend.