Institution:
Saïd Business School,
University of Oxford, UK
Course:
Advanced Management & Leadership Program
My Oxford Experience: A Transformative Leadership Journey
When I first learned about the Industry Leaders Fund (ILF) and its mission to foster leadership excellence in South Australia, I immediately recognised the unique opportunity it offered. Working in a niche industry with limited access to global peers, I knew that exposure to world-class leadership training would be pivotal for my own development and for the organisations I serve. Through the generous support of the ILF, I was awarded a scholarship to attend the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme (OAMLP) at the Saïd Business School in 2024. This three-week residential course, hosted at one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, proved to be nothing short of transformative.
A Global Classroom of Leaders
The OAMLP drew together a diverse and inspiring cohort of leaders. My program included just under 50 participants from more than 30 countries, spanning industries as varied as defence, banking, government, technology, family business, and global non-profits. The diversity of the group was one of the program’s greatest strengths. Conversations over shared meals, late-night discussions, and collaborative projects highlighted just how different—and yet how similar—our challenges and aspirations are across contexts.
The power of this international cohort lay not only in the professional knowledge each participant contributed, but also in the relationships that were forged. These are not just colleagues but lifelong friends and trusted peers. The global network I now belong to is an invaluable source of accountability, encouragement, and perspective that will extend well beyond Oxford.
Immersive and Intense Learning
The structure of the program was deliberately designed to maximise impact. Over three intensive weeks, the curriculum wove together themes around global trends, business strategy, and personal leadership. Each module was underpinned by Oxford’s hallmark academic rigor, complemented by a unique blend of experiential learning.
Topics ranged from scenario planning and strategy to technology disruption, communication, and organisational culture. Leadership coaching was not only taught but embedded into the experience, ensuring that every participant received personalised feedback and growth opportunities.
Space for Reflection and Growth
One of the most powerful elements of the OAMLP was the retreat-like environment. Living on campus, away from everyday distractions, created the space for deep reflection and genuine transformation. The serene setting of Oxford, steeped in history and intellectual richness, provided the ideal backdrop to pause, rethink, and reset.
Small-group tutorials, coaching sessions, and safe discussion environments encouraged honest dialogue about leadership challenges. We were prompted to set short, medium, and long-term goals and to share these with our peers, creating a cycle of accountability that continues through regular post-program catch-ups.
Personally, this reflection gave me clarity on my leadership style, reinforced my strengths, and highlighted areas for growth. It also helped me reframe how I approach complex challenges in my organisation, teaching me the value of reframing problems, leading with narrative, and embracing uncertainty as a constant.
The ILF’s Role
This remarkable opportunity would not have been possible without the Industry Leaders Fund. From the very first point of contact, ILF made me feel valued and supported. The application process, the Scholars Information Night, the Award Dinner, and the ongoing engagement with the ILF network have all been incredibly enriching. The ILF doesn’t just fund learning—it builds a thriving community of leaders who are committed to South Australia’s future.
I am deeply grateful to Richard Barrett, Suzi Douflias, and the entire ILF Board for their encouragement and investment in my development. Their belief in nurturing leaders has already had ripple effects in my organisation, and I am committed to paying forward this generosity by contributing to our business community and supporting future leaders.
Impact and Looking Ahead
Since returning from Oxford, the learnings have already begun to translate into tangible outcomes. I have applied new approaches to strategy development, led my teams with a renewed focus on purpose and trust, and initiated change management projects that align with the insights gained during the program. The program has sharpened my strategic thinking, deepened my resilience, and strengthened my confidence to lead in complex and uncertain environments.
Perhaps most importantly, it has reinforced the value of leading authentically. The best leaders, I learned, are not perfect; they are those who know their strengths, build teams around them, and tell compelling stories that inspire others to act. This lesson alone will continue to shape my leadership for years to come.
Attending the Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from world-class academics, share insights with a diverse global cohort, and reflect deeply on my leadership journey.
I return to South Australia not only with enhanced knowledge and skills but also with a renewed commitment to contribute to my organisation, my industry, and my community. For that, I owe immense gratitude to the ILF and the Oxford Saïd Business School. To anyone considering whether to apply for the ILF or to undertake the Oxford program, my advice is simple: do it. It is a career-defining experience that will repay its value many times over.