MBA Success

Today I had the pleasure of talking to Brad Meehan, Managing Director of Strativity ANZ, one of the worlds leading boutique customer strategy consultancy firms. Brad has over 20 years of working with some of the world’s most well-known brands across multiple countries. He’s designed and deployed enterprise-level competitive and customer strategies for several ASX 100 companies and Government Owned Corporations. Brad earned his MBA from Queensland University of Technology in 2007 and has completed Harvard Business School leadership programs in Customer-Centric Strategy and Competitive Strategy and Change.

In this episode, we talk to Raja Sahulhammed, Principal - Advisory at Hatch. Starting his career as an engineer before studying for an MBA at the University of Cambridge, Raja then transitioned to consulting and spent 10 years with McKinsey before moving to Hatch. Alongside exploring his MBA studies and his background, we discuss topics of managing professional relationships, international work experience and how to target your next promotion, just to name a few.

On this episode, we’re joined by Mike Tristram who completed his MBA from the Queensland University of Technology in 2012. Mike has been the CEO of the five-generation family business, Trisco Foods, since 2013. Trisco Foods is a food manufacturing business that dates back to 1875 and has recently experienced tremendous growth as they transition into a health and wellness corporation. On this episode, we talk to Mike about the responsibility of running a family business, applying lessons directly from the classroom to the boardroom and explore the recent expansion into the United States.

On this episode we’re joined by John Dumay, Professor at Macquarie University, recognised as Australia’s top researcher in accounting and taxation, and ‘Dad’ in Dad & Dave’s Brewing.  With an MBA from AGSM and PhD in Economics from University of Sydney, just to name some of John’s qualifications, we spoke with him about his interesting career journey, the challenges in truly eradicating slavery from supply chains, and embracing serendipity.  Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au For more information about ethical chocolate companies, visit https://www.slavefreechocolate.org/

On this episode we’re joined by Janelle van de Velde, Executive Director Shared Services at Uniting Church in Australia, Queensland Synod. Janelle completed her EMBA from Bond University in 2017 after departing Linc Energy where she was Chief Administration Officer & Company Secretary. In this episode we speak with Janelle about the importance of unlearning the learnings, building resilience, and managing people through a crisis.  Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

On this episode we’re joined by Mike Lanzing, General Manager of UniBank, part of Teachers Mutual Bank. Having completed his MBA from the University of Western Sydney in 1995, and bringing over 30 years of experience in banking and finance, Mike speaks with us about wonder, authenticity, and unlocking the value of collaboration.  Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

On this episode we’re joined by Alex Chaudhri, Director of Infectious Diseases at The Prince Charles Hospital. Alex brought a wealth of experience in clinical medical to his MBA studies from The University of Queensland, where he graduated in 2016. Through our conversation with Alex we were able to get his insights about COVID-19, the importance of leading from within, and how acknowledging vulnerability can help engender trust. Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

Libby Marshall is the CEO and Founder of Steam Capital, Managing Director of Australia New Zealand MBA Directors Forum and an MBA Executive Career Coach at the University of Sydney Business School. Finishing her MBA from the University of Queensland in 2017, Libby brings a wealth of knowledge from a diverse career including tourism, sport, government, not-for-profit, energy and education. On this episode, Libby talks to us about the importance of knowing your value proposition, being brave, backing yourself, and remaining authentic. Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

Dr Sue Keay is the recently appointed CEO at the Queensland AI Hub, Chair of the Board of Directors at Robotics Australia, Board Member of Women in Robotics and Board Director at CRC ORE. Having completed her MBA from The University of Queensland in 2018, Sue talks to us about how the MBA gave her the confidence to progress her career, how saying ‘yes’ can open doors, and the importance of staying true to your values. Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

Jason Titman has a colourful career that spans many industries including Accounting and Computer Audit, the Motor Industry, Hotels and Ecommerce / Tech. Jason is currently the managing director and founder of investment company Interg8, where he works with startup company founders to scale their businesses. He also fills his time as an investor, board advisor, and company builder. On this episode, Jason talks about his hunger for continuous learning, how attitude is a key differentiator and why board advisors need to understand tech language in order to be involved in the conversation. Jason Titman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasontitman/ Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

Susan Forrester is an accomplished professional director and Member of the Order of Australia, and has built a reputation as a strong strategic thinker, helping dozens of companies on their growth journeys. Sue is currently serving on multiple boards including director of 3 ASX listed companies - G8 Education, Over the Wire, and Viva Leisure. Sue discusses how completing her EMBA from Melbourne Business School in 2004 has helped her transition her career, the importance of seeking feedback, and the issues she’s passionate about in the boardroom. Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

Ryan Officer is the Chief Risk Officer of Retail for ASX100 listed Bank of Queensland. Over 16 years with the bank, Ryan has worked his way up from a Business Lending Officer and talks about his goals for becoming a group exec, taking advantage of opportunities as they become available and the importance of self-reflection on understanding yourself as a leader and how it helps to lead others.  Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au

MBA Success is a new podcast that explores the outstanding MBA alumni that have achieved success within their chosen fields. Join hosts Ross Barclay and Chris Jacko as they examine their guest's pasts, goals, behaviour and motivations to uncover tips and insights that will help you reach the full potential of your career vision. Website: http://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: podcast@mbaus.com.au 

In this episode of MBA Success, Ross interviews Jason Lawrence, the Director of Education and Organisational Development at Southwestern Sydney Local Health District. They discuss Jason's academic background, his transition from consulting to operational leadership in healthcare, and the importance of continuous learning and leadership development. Jason shares insights on effective communication, decision-making, and the value of an MBA in navigating complex business challenges. He emphasises the need for self-awareness and personal values in leadership, and offers advice for business leaders on fostering a culture of growth and accountability.

In this episode of the MBA Success Podcast, Matt Jacobson, CEO and founder of Ducere Global Business School, shares his journey from an early entrepreneurial spirit to creating a unique educational model that emphasizes real-world learning and skills-based education. He discusses the importance of confidence, resilience, and communication skills in business, the disconnect between traditional education and employment needs, and how Ducere is bridging that gap by partnering with industry leaders to provide relevant education. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in education and the importance of making education accessible to all.

In this episode, Kavita Herbert, CEO and founder of Backbone, shares her journey of founding and running her business. She discusses the challenges and lessons she learned along the way. Kavita emphasizes the importance of delegating and outsourcing non-core business functions to focus on adding value to customers. She also highlights the significance of clear communication, alignment, and a shared vision in building successful teams. Kavita shares her experience in the tech industry and the satisfaction of being part of disruptive businesses that create positive change. She provides insights into analyzing opportunities and evaluating the North Star of a company. In this conversation, Kavita discusses her experiences with LinkedIn, Dropbox, and her MBA. She shares the vision statements for LinkedIn and Dropbox, highlighting the importance of connecting talent with opportunity and connecting people with information anywhere, anytime. Kavita reflects on her growth during her MBA, emphasizing the application of knowledge and the value of learning by doing. She also discusses the importance of balancing priorities and achieving work-life harmony. Kavita emphasizes the significance of health and how it contributes to overall success. Lastly, she discusses the Backbone podcast and its focus on learning from business leaders. Takeaways Delegating non-core business functions allows business owners to focus on adding value to customers. Clear communication and alignment with a shared vision are crucial for building successful teams. Outsourcing to specialists can be worth its weight in gold, saving time and allowing businesses to benefit from expertise. Analyzing opportunities involves considering the company's vision, the people involved, and the measurability and attainability of goals. Vision statements provide a clear and simple direction for organizations, guiding their actions and goals. Applying knowledge and learning by doing are essential for personal and professional growth. Balancing priorities and achieving work-life harmony is crucial for overall well-being and success. Health should be prioritized as it impacts all aspects of life, including work and family. Learning and continuous improvement are key to success in business and personal life.

In this insightful episode, Judy Lundy, MBA Program Director at Edith Cowan University, delves into the transformative power of adaptive leadership in business education. With her extensive experience, Judy discusses how innovative approaches in teaching and learning are shaping the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and practical experience in modern business practices. Join us for a compelling conversation that illuminates the path to success in today's dynamic business world.

This episode we welcome Michelle Hughes to the podcast. Michelle is CMO and Board Member for McCarthy Durie Lawyers and also runs her own full-service marketing agency, Atom Branding. Having recently finished her MBA studies from QUT this year, her capstone assignment explores the role trust plays in service-based industries. This project allowed for the development of a repeatable framework to build trust with clients and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty ratings.

Our latest episode features none other than the dynamic Taylor Dee Hawkins. With her unique blend of experience, from advising the United Nations Foundation to pioneering work at Foundations for Tomorrow, Taylor brought some rich insights to the table. Highlights from our discussion: The essence of long-term vision in policy decisions and its impact on societal sectors like health and education. The frequent trap of "policy whack-a-mole" and the call for proactive, future-focused decision-making. How failures and challenges can actually enhance learning and personal growth.

On this episode we’re excited to host Lisa, a trailblazer who marries economic thinking with societal challenges, doing so with a neurodivergent flair that’s uniquely her own. In 2018, she took her passion for sustainability and employability skills into the entrepreneurial realm, launching her Ed Tech startup, originally named Professional Vogue and now rebranded to gruuv-ed. The platform aims to empower professionals, especially the younger generation, by focusing on essential life and employability skills. Lisa has not just held various executive roles but also serves on the boards of several organizations, advocating for life-long learning, continuous improvement, and most importantly, community contribution. Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/ Email: contact@mbaus.com.au