Getting the right people in the right job is the key to being a successful leader said the Chief Executive Officer of ANZ in New Zealand, Antonia Watson.

Watson is touring Samoa before heading to Fiji. As part of her Samoa tour, she spoke to young women from school, women leaders in the private sector and government at the Taumeasina Island Resort on Tuesday.

She looks after 8,000 staff members in New Zealand alone, not including the eight Pacific countries that come under her wing.

"Someone once asked me "What gets you out of bed in the morning?" It is having the ability to make decisions that impact the financial well-being of those too many customers and thousands of staff," said Watson. 

"The biggest challenge and the best thing you can do for yourself is get good talented people working for you. We have Sucharu our in-country head for Samoa, who's only been here in a year and already feels like he knows every single person in the entire country. 

"And Sarah, who is running the Pacific for me. So, knowing that I have strong people is important. Most of the day-to-day functions they cover. It is when there is a real issue, that they get to me and I can help. Someone said to me that leadership is executed through others."

The convention room at Taumeasina was packed. Women leaders and those aspiring to be one listened on as Watson described how she balanced her life and work.

For her, it is what any employed woman would be doing, dividing time between family and her career.

"We have a lot of women here. From young women who are in school through to leaders in the Samoan business community and the government together. Let us just celebrate being women," she said. 

"And having the opportunity to hear from me and others about our career journeys. A big part of it was about the obligation we have or what we can contribute as this idea of if you can see it then you can be it. Being a visible leader as a woman allows others to say "One day I can do that"."

Watson was given a big welcome by her staff members in Samoa. She said she was touched to see the effort that went into the preparations.

"We had the ava ceremony, songs, speeches, and they decorated the entire office with flowers from their gardens. With the amount of effort and care, we had another one of my colleagues from NZ who happens to be in town at the moment," she said. 

"It literally brought tears to our eyes. It was just really humbled. We'll be flying out to Suva tomorrow for a visit to our branch there and then back to NZ."

Saint Mary's College student Fouina Stanley said she was inspired by Watson. She said the challenges and the pathways she took were not easy and it is now instilled in her that hard work always pays off.

"It was quite an experience to hear all the stories of these women today but the one that inspired me most was the ANZ CEO from NZ. She heads a big company and looks after a lot of people but she is still standing," Foiuna said. 

"The hard work she did, she is now reaping its fruits. And the sharing today has allowed me to see what pathways I should be taking to reach my dream.

"I am a Commerce student and in my final year at Saint Mary's. This has really helped me. Everything has challenges but we must never give up. I am in the Accounting class, and I am looking for a job in a bank so this helps me in seeing what that dream would be if I succeed."