Association CEO Index 2024 - Flipbook - Page 54
Association CEO Index 2024
“You understand the challenges because you are
actively involved still.”
Mo joined the NZDA as an Associate Director in April
2020 just as COVID hit before progressing to take on
the role of CEO two years later. The association was
established in 1905 and currently has around 3000
members. Mo and his team of 19 advocate for
dental professionals nationwide, offering
professional development, knowledge sharing and
trusted representation.
He is frequently called upon by New Zealand media to
be the expert voice of reason on anything from toothwhitening trends to people resorting to DIY dentistry to
avoid rising dental costs.
Mo, who can speak four languages (English, Arabic,
French and Māori) earned an MBA from the University of
Otago in 2021.
“The MBA was quite a landmark in my career because it
did help shift my thinking,” he says. “Had I not done it, I
would have continued to think solely with a clinician's
mind. Clinicians treat individuals and at most they treat
families. If you're lucky or you're influential, you may
treat a community.
“But when you're in an association, some of the things
we've advocated for, like public health policy, have
national impact. We are also part of an international
network of dental associations and we can look at how
other countries are doing things, what they are
struggling with and what they are getting right.
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“I've tried to amalgamate both (clinical and business
aspects) and the MBA was really good. So, you can think
as a leader, manager, global thinker; but you never lose
sight of the end goal for members, for the public and
oral health in general.”
As a husband and a dad to two children under three, Mo
is possibly at the busiest time of his life. Even still, there
is no hesitation when asked if he’d recommend his
association role to others.
“Yes, absolutely,” he says. “Look, it’s a lonely job, just
like a CEO job in any sector. It’s stressful, you’re on the
knife’s edge and sometimes can’t say everything you’d
like to say.
“But I’ve been fortunate to have a few avenues where
I can connect with like-minded people and having the
support of your board is critical. So, that has been really
helpful to me.
“You need to maintain a commitment to learning and
never think you know it all. Have a sense of curiosity, an
open mind to learning new things and a problemsolving mindset.
“I’d recommend the job but come in with those mindsets
and desires and you’ll be ok.”
Mo is looking forward to the NZDA’s future which
includes an ongoing data and digital transformation,
refining the content/services/education offering as
well as finalising an oral health strategy to pitch to the
NZ government.
My biggest values are around family, support, care, respect and
helping people. If opportunities arise in your life to do work you love
and enjoy, that is true to your values, then it becomes a no-brainer.
My work at the association fulfills a lot of my personal values.
Dr Mo Amso, Chief Executive, New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA)
