Study the Executive Master of Business Administration , Whakahaere Pakihi Tohu Paerua Matua

“Enrolling in the Massey University EMBA programme marked a dramatic turning point in my career that I could never have predicted. In 2012, when I was accepted into the program, I was employed as a Practice Manager at a large accountancy firm in Dannevirke, New Zealand. At the time, my goal was to gain a qualification that legitimised the business consultancy work I was being increasingly sought out to perform. Now, ten years later, I have a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics and currently work as an Assistant Extension Professor at the University of Missouri in Columbia in the USA. In this role research, educate and lead initiatives focused on increasing the rate of innovation in rural Missouri. The catalyst for both entering academia and moving to another country was definitely the Massey EMBA program. The professors demanded high quality work and discussion and pushed us to not only do my best but to also strive to be the best. Endorsement of this mindset is sometimes under-valued in New Zealand and critical for individuals wishing to build a global career. Being among world-class executives within the cohort I was part of arguably had the biggest impact. Spirited debate was a cornerstone of every interaction and conflict became something I learned to appreciate and look forward to, instead of avoiding. Long sessions in which nobody agreed until the 11th hour opened my eyes to the value of debate in producing novel solutions to complex problems. I have effectively built my career on a foundation of insights, experiences, and role models provided to me by the Massey University Executive MBA.”

"My background and early work experience was highly technical built around agricultural science. I always had a desire to move into management and leadership and the MBA provided a practical toolbox to grow my knowledge and skills. While I learn on the job I’ve found that for me really nailing knowledge and skill through dedicated time, which in the case of the MBA was, workshops, lectures, reading, assignments, reports, or a dissertation, really helps to cement learning. As managers and even more so as a CEO creating the time and techniques to really think strategically is challenging and the MBA forces that discipline on you. From a career perspective, I think the MBA gave both myself and potential employers more confidence around capability, but also signalled to employers my commitment to investing in myself which ultimately benefits their business. Lastly rubbing shoulders and growing relationships with individuals in diverse roles and businesses was not only enjoyable but built a greater understanding of the wider business community and a support network as well."

“Doing my Massey MBA (exec) as I was coming out of the NZ Army, and into the private sector was a fantastic springboard to my future. The knowledge, experiences and connections gained greatly helped me with both my PTS Logistics, and then NZTE (Trade & Enterprise) consulting type roles, and now. Keen to keep challenging myself after the MBA dissertation (the learnings from which I practically applied at PTS), I embarked on a PhD with Massey University. This focused on the leadership and wellbeing experiences of women in the workforce, with the case study being the NZ Army. While women in the NZ Army, myself included, loved their service, there were some recurring themes of gender-based challenges. Eager to use the research to make change, I spent 18 months advising the NZ Army, providing recommendations to the Chief of the NZ Army and his Leadership and Management boards. Being asked to speak at the 2020 Massey MBA Graduation dinner (just two months after giving birth to our second child) about this journey was another springboard for me, leading to further speaking engagements. This led to an informal research project about the experiences of working parents, based on conversation with more than 500 parents. Again, I was keen to use the findings to make change and started the #workschoolhours movement, which I spoke about at TEDx Auckland in June 2022. I spent more than nine months during 2021 and 2022 as part of a high performing volunteer team (including Chris Parsons and Martin Dransfield), collaborating with the NZ Government to support the evacuation of families from Afghanistan. Our team have completed our task and evacuated 563 people to New Zealand. I now run my own business as a speaker and a consultant, with expertise in leadership, wellbeing, gender and the future of work. I am deeply passionate about improving the working world, by helping organisations to achieve socially and commercially smart outcomes. The Massey MBA, and Massey PhD journey were critical for shaping my purpose in life.”