I am a higher education operations leader with experience across HE, not-for-profit and corporate sectors.
I began my career in events/project management, managing large-scale, complex projects for a range of globally recognised corporate clients.
Since 2021, I have been the Head of Operations at the University of Kent’s Graduate and Researcher College, where I led the strategic planning and operational delivery across all functions supporting postgraduate researchers. I am now the Business Performance Manager at Kent Business School.
Top achievements
1. Leading the growth of the Graduate and Researcher College through a difficult period of change, successfully unifying previously separate operational functions to form a specialist team focused on postgraduate researcher support.
2. Being selected by a major pharmaceutical client to manage their projects exclusively.
3. Reaching the top of Mt Kilimanjaro – a physically gruelling and mentally challenging few days!
Why did you choose the Kent MBA?
I currently work for the University of Kent and became aware of the opportunity to apply for an MBA scholarship.
The key motivation driving me to undertake an MBA is career progression, but another big factor is personal growth. After returning from maternity leave a couple of years ago, I have been looking for opportunities to challenge myself, develop new skills and gain new perspectives, particularly in the area of leadership and business.
MBA goals
My MBA goals are to strengthen the skills I need to contribute at a more strategic level. I particularly want to develop my knowledge of finance, marketing, strategy and entrepreneurship, and become more confident using that knowledge to assess challenges, make decisions and deliver sustainable improvements. In my current role as Business Performance Manager at Kent Business School, I want to apply what I learn to practical priorities such as improving organisational performance, strengthening our programmes and supporting the school’s long-term development.
What are your aspirations post MBA?
I hope to progress into more senior leadership roles. I hope that the MBA will help me build the strategic perspective, commercial awareness and leadership capability to make that happen.
Tell us something about you that may surprise your colleagues?
I lived in New Zealand for a while.