Building a Career That Makes a Difference: 4 Lessons from MP Shanan Halbert
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
What does it take to build a career that actually creates change — not just for yourself, but for your community too? In a powerful episode of The Zeducation Podcast, Labour MP and education advocate Shanan Halbert shared honest lessons from his journey — from his upbringing in Hawke’s Bay to becoming a national political leader.
Here are four practical career and leadership lessons from Shanan himself:
1. Hard Work is Non-Negotiable
"I always go back to: work hard — mahi, mahi, mahi. If you are a hard worker, naturally you will achieve better outcomes for yourself."
Shanan's first piece of advice is clear: work ethic is key.
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Shanan’s journey — from grassroots education to Parliament — shows that hard work and consistent effort open doors.
What is work ethic? Work ethic means having good habits and values like working hard, staying focused, and being honest. It’s about always trying your best, even when things are tough.
Examples of work ethic:
Being on time: Always showing up when you say you will.
Doing your best: Putting in effort to complete tasks the right way.
Staying strong: Not giving up when things get hard.
Taking initiative: Helping out and looking for ways to improve.
Practical Tip: Set daily habits that help you succeed in the long run. For example, Shanan has a habit of walking 5,000 steps before 8 AM. Small, consistent actions like this can help you build momentum and reach your goals.
2. Bring Others With You
"There is no 'I' in team. Whether you're in your own workplace, your own whānau, your own community or church — it’s about collective achievement."
For Shanan, leadership isn’t just about personal success — it's about collective uplift.
In every part of life, collaboration multiplies impact. When you lift others up, you strengthen the entire system and network you’re part of.
Practical Tip: Identify one way this month you can support someone else’s growth — whether through mentoring, recommending, or simply encouraging.
3. Learning Never Stops — Even After You ‘Make It’
"As a politician, every Monday I'm still learning te reo Māori because I know I have to do more mihi or karakia, and I need to prepare myself now for what's coming."
Despite being a Member of Parliament, Shanan still dedicates himself to growth — especially learning te reo Māori at the age of 42:
The lesson? You never “arrive” in leadership. The world keeps evolving — and true leaders are always preparing for the future, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Practical Tip: Commit to learning one new skill outside your comfort zone, like public speaking, a second language, or leadership training.
4. Stay Grounded in Your Values
"Being comfortable being me — my authentic self — is what’s helped me speak confidently, even in uncomfortable spaces."
Throughout the episode, Shanan emphasizes the importance of staying true to your roots and principles.
No matter how fast life moves, your values are your anchor. They guide your decisions, build your reputation, and earn long-term trust.
Practical Tip: List your top three personal values and check every major career move against them. Staying grounded keeps you from losing yourself when success (or setbacks) come.
Final Thoughts
Shanan Halbert’s journey reminds us: Building a meaningful career isn’t about chasing titles — it's about service, resilience, and uplifting others as you climb.
Whether you're just starting out or you're deep into your leadership path, working hard, staying connected, learning always, and living your values will build not just a career, but a legacy.
Watch The Full Podcast Episode
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