Institution: University of Adelaide
Course: Master of Business Administration
Having worked in the artisan cheese-making industry for nearly a decade, I developed strong technical expertise through my studies in microbiology, biochemistry, and hands-on production. As my career evolved, I recognised the need to expand my business acumen, particularly in financial management, operations, and strategic leadership.
I first learned about the Industry Leaders Fund through a relative who had successfully applied in the past. At the time, I was transitioning from a hands-on cheesemaking role to one that required broader oversight. The ILF provided a key opportunity to bridge the gap between my technical expertise and the strategic business skills needed for leadership. Their support enabled me to pursue an MBA at the University of Adelaide, which aligned perfectly with my goals.
The application process itself proved to be a valuable experience, prompting me to reflect on my career path, ambitions, and impact on the industry. The MBA program offered a comprehensive curriculum that covered finance, strategic management, and marketing, among other subjects. A research project at the end of the course enabled me to apply these concepts directly to our business.
A key takeaway was gaining a deeper understanding of financial statements and budgeting, which has improved my ability to manage costs and investments effectively. Furthermore, networking with professionals from various industries expanded my strategic thinking and introduced me to new perspectives on business challenges.
Since completing the program, I have applied these insights to refine our company’s strategic direction, optimise production efficiencies through a systems-thinking approach, and improve sales and distribution strategies.
I am incredibly grateful to the ILF for their generous support, which has been instrumental in my professional development. I encourage other industry leaders to explore similar opportunities—the ILF grant is a transformative initiative that empowers professionals to elevate their skills and drive meaningful progress in their fields.
