MBA 2020, UK<\/p>\n
\n“No one on his deathbed ever said, I wish I had spent more time at the office.” Paul Tsongas, US Congressman and Senator.<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n
I currently lead the team responsible for external communications and reputation at Southeastern Railway \u2013 one of Britain\u2019s largest and busiest train operating companies. My team covers media relations, PR, stakeholder engagement, project communications and campaigns.<\/p>\n
I started my career as an operations manager at a major water utility company and then moved into policy and communications within the same sector, before moving the energy industry to work in government relations and public affairs. In 2017 I moved to my current role at Southeastern. My professional interests are in communications, reputation, policy and environment.<\/p>\n
Outside of my work I am an elected District Councillor, and Cabinet member with responsibility for Finance, Governance and Digital. I am a keen amateur golfer and former rugby player.<\/p>\n
Achievements<\/strong><\/p>\n
In January 2020 I successfully achieved the position of Chartered PR Practitioner with the Chartered Institute of Public Relations \u2013 building on my MCIPR and Accredited Practitioner status after several years of focussed continuing professional development activity.<\/p>\n
In 2019, I worked with Southeastern colleagues and the charity Women\u2019s Aid to successfully pilot and introduce a \u2018Rail to refuge\u2019 scheme which provides free rail transport to women and their families fleeing abusive relationships. I then worked with the industry trade body Rail Delivery Group to roll this scheme out across England and Wales in Spring 2020.<\/p>\n
In 2015 I was invited by an Australian water utility to visit them for two weeks to share my experience of stakeholder and customer engagement in regulated price reviews \u2013 which involved extensive collaboration with utilities and regulators across the state of Victoria, and delivering a keynote presentation at a major annual conference in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
What attracted you to the Kent MBA programme and why? <\/strong><\/p>\n
I wanted to find an MBA programme with a greater focus on communications, marketing, reputation and sustainability \u2013 to better suit my role and professional expertise \u2013 and the Kent MBA has that content.<\/p>\n
What were your motivations for undertaking an MBA?<\/strong><\/p>\n
An MBA is something I have always thought would be a valuable learning experience for me as a communications professional, if I am to make the step up to roles at Executive and Board level in my future career.<\/p>\n
Previously it would have been difficult to justify the cost of an MBA \u2013 both in terms of tuition fees and the potential lost income from studying full-time for a year. The Higher Degree Apprenticeship route solves both of these issues and means that I am able to fit my studies around my full-time role, with the full support of my employer, and direct funding from the Government\u2019s Apprentice Levy.<\/p>\n
Aspiration<\/strong><\/p>\n
I hope to continue my career with Southeastern, and potentially move into a more senior leadership position in the coming years.<\/p>\n
I also believe the Kent MBA will be of great value to me in my role as Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and Digital at Dover District Council \u2013 particularly in the economic environment following the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n
All feedback is hugely valuable \u2013 whoever it comes from. Seek it out, reflect on it, and consider it in your personal development planning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"