Ta’afua Iloa Koko-Iulio, better known as Iloa Koko, hails from the vibrant villages of Malie and Lalomanu. Raised in Wellington and based in Auckland since 1991, Iloa has built a career on strengths in team building, vision delivery, and organizational skills. Beginning in Duty Free, Iloa’s journey expanded into luxury brands like Gucci and Chanel. Despite often being one of the few brown faces in corporate settings, Iloa draws strength from identity and experiences.
Navigating the post-Covid landscape was a defining moment, where Iloa influenced positive change. Iloa advises aspiring professionals to embrace customer service roles to polish their skills, shadow strong leaders, and always be ready to pivot. Memorable achievements include being named Leader of the Year 2022 and networking with influential figures.
“There is a time and season for everything. Put everything into perspective; as we are here temporarily! Be gracious in all you do.”
The six pou of Mata Ārahi Manomano drive the questions we have used to profile Māori & Pacific role models, in the Service sector.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Representing the levels and forms of aroha that can be found throughout our lives across our many communities. We acknowledge the wide range of obstacles and the journey it takes to overcoming everything that stands in our way to expressing aroha within.
Who are you? – Tell us about yourself (What are your strengths/weakness?)
Talofa lava; I am Ta’afua Iloa Koko-Iulio, better known as Iloa Koko, from the villages of Malie and Lalomanu. I was raised in Wellington (up the Canes!) and have been based in Auckland since 1991.
Strengths:
My strengths lie in my ability to build and maintain high performing teams. I have precision in vision delivery. I can see a vision and know how to make it happen. I’ve always been a highly organised person, high EQ and a hopelessly devoted Babyface fan (R&B Singer/Song Writer/Composer and Legend).
Weaknesses:
Vulnerability in perfectionism
Seeking guidance from our kaitiaki Hiwa-i-te-rangi, we take a journey through our different aspirations, goals and dreams. This tohu acknowledges hard work, wisdom, the reach of ones goals and the desire that comes from this mahi.
With a liking for nice things my career aspirations were to see how far I could go within the luxury corporate environment. I started out with humble Duty Free beginnings and that led me into the journey into luxury brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Givenchy etc expanding into high end couture and high end furniture.
The aspirations continue, with the desire for meaningful work and giving back to our communities and our people.
With adventure comes challenges as well as obstacles to overcome. We stand proud as we overcome these obstacles. This tohu draws inspiration from the Niho Taniwha and Aramoana patterns. We acknowledge reaching our destination and preparing ourselves for the many new adventures ahead.
The adventure endures! Like all journeys I’ve experienced the highs and excitement of new roles and environments, along with lows of learning from mistakes and growing from them to be stronger and better.
What challenges have you experienced along the way?
Often feeling out of place; in board meetings and corporate events I am usually one of very few brown faces in the crowd. This minor obstacle is quickly overcome with knowing who I am; fearlessly and wonderfully made in the Almighty!
I gain confidence in my experience and strength from shoulders I have leaned on over the years.
Don’t discount the teachings from home and lotu tamaiti, they carry you for life!
These patterns represent bravery and being strong in the face of adversity. We strive to be persistent and positively challenge anything that threatens to alter, restrict, and put a barrier in the way of our desired pathway.
Navigating the new landscape post Covid.
Rising above the uncertainty and fear of unchartered territory- we saw a shift in behaviour, physical and mental wellness. It was important during this time to stand firm and influence the positive change personally and professionally.
What words of wisdom or change in heart, changed your stars?
There is a time and season for everything. Put everything into perspective, as we are here temporarily! Be gracious in all you do.
Here we are drawing inspiration from the Pūhoro pattern. The pūhoro is used here to represent the strength, speed and agility needed to move forward and accomplish ones goals.
Customer service-based jobs will be the foundation of polishing your communication skills, personal presentation and product knowledge.
Learn to shadow strong leaders and mentors.
Have a solutions mindset, learn to pivot and have plan B, C and D ready.
Success, best mentioned in the whakatauki “Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū!” Feel the fear and do it anyway!
The challenge is the perception of retail being a last resort career path. Retail can open doors to many paths – operations, logistics, finance, marketing, procurement, commercial, trade, the list goes on.
What are some memorable wins for your chosen path?
Leader of the Year 2022
Team of the Quarter 2023.
Networking with influential figures in Australasia; hosting high profile events and having the pleasure of representing prestigious brands.
