Institution: Melbourne Business School
Course: Advanced Management Program
I was introduced to Geoff Vogt and the Industry Leaders Fund by one of my directors in 2018. At the time I had been in a CFO position for about a decade and had just completed an undergraduate accounting degree and was looking for my next challenge. I attended a course information evening in 2019 which was beneficial in assisting me by explaining the grant application process and the potential study options.
I was spurred to applying for a grant following a message from Geoff in early 2020, noting that the pandemic presented a good opportunity to upskill and weather the uncertain times. The first step in the application was to determine the course to apply for. Given the restrictions on international travel, I confined my choice to a domestic institution. After evaluating all the reviews on the ILF site by previous scholars, in my opinion the standout choice was the Advanced Management Program at the Melbourne Business School.
The application process consisted of three stages: an initial application form; a subsequent questionnaire where the reasons for applying for the scholarship are elaborated; and finally, an in-person interview with the ILF board. Although this appears to be daunting on the surface, Geoff assisted at each step with encouragement and providing feedback on draft applications to give the best opportunity for success. If you are considering applying for a scholarship, I would encourage you to start early so you can take advantage of this feedback.
The Advanced Management Program at MBS is a live-in intensive eight-day course designed for senior leaders. It focuses on strategic decision-making, leadership development, and fostering innovation in complex business environments. I was “lucky” enough to complete the course more than once, with a lockdown cancelling the first try after three days.
The re-start of the course in 2022 was a blessing in disguise as twenty-two of the thirty-six attendees had already met the previous year. Networking is a major aspect of the program, so already knowing other attendees led to a much deeper level of discussion and openness. I have developed strong friendships with some of the participants and we still have a WhatsApp group for discussions.
The highlights of the course for me were the discussions about strategic planning processes; utilisation strategies; and corporate resilience. My course notebook is within easy reach at my desk and I still refer to it almost weekly to assist me with my job. Following the completion of the course, I had all the tools required to take the next step and I was promoted to CEO.
The completion of the course represents just the beginning of the benefits of the ILF. As a scholarship recipient you receive a lifelong membership to the Industry Leaders Fund Scholars’ Network. This is an exclusive club of the best and brightest South Australian leaders who are keen to forge long term relationships and enable ongoing professional development.
The ILF scholarship provides much more than financial support: it opened doors to a network of industry leaders in South Australia and across the nation, exposing me to diverse perspectives. These experiences have not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also deepened my commitment to driving strategy and innovation within the wool industry.
I am grateful to the Industry Leaders Fund for their generous support and belief in my potential, providing me with more tools to help South Australian business excel. I am also thankful to my colleagues and the family at AJ & PA McBride Ltd for their support and encouragement.
If you are considering applying for an ILF scholarship, you literally have nothing to lose. I encourage you to attend an information session and reach out to Richard and Suzi who will provide you with support and direction each step of the way.
