Institution:
Australian Institute of Company Directors
Course: Company Directors Course
I was fortunate to be introduced to the ILF and grant opportunities by a previous recipient and subsequently met with Geoff Vogt who educated me of the process and journey to embark upon to be considered for a grant and the possibility of joining the amazing ILF alumni and community.
My journey culminated in the awarding of a grant in 2017 to be used towards the Advanced management programme at Melbourne Business school to support me in my role as the General Manager Spendless shoes (128 stores and 8 web businesses).
As business and life does, much happened subsequently impacting attendance at my funded course including extensive work preparing the business for sale and ultimately playing an integral part in the completed sale to a larger global entity (450 stores and 5 major footwear brands) and extensive wholesale business operating in Australasia, Europe and North America leveraged through our vertically integrated supply chain.
Further to this Covid impacted soon after the business ownership change with significant long-term impact and Geoff continued to support me and was extremely understanding as to the need to re-prioritise and continually delay attendance at the chosen funded course.
As my role had changed to CEO I was also entrusted to hold an Executive board role in the larger entity and following discussions with Geoff as to changing educational needs, I attended and graduated from the AICD Company Directors course in February of 2022 armed with formal and highly valued board skills.
Thanks to the support of the ILF I have also used skills learnt and enjoy giving back to the community and community in the Role of Deputy chairman a pro bono charity board role with Food on the table that provides meals and food security for those struggling in today’s society.
Not only has the ILF funded this fantastic course it has also unlocked the opportunity for further learnings with access to appropriate professional ongoing training events as well as the benefits from being a part of the incredibly talented ILF alumini.
I am extremely grateful of the support of the ILF and strongly encouraging emerging leaders to apply for a grant and to become a part of this amazing and dynamic community that continues to grow business within South Australia and ever increasingly on the global stage.