MBA Success MBAus with Ross Barclay

In this episode, Kavita Herbert, CEO and founder of Backbone, shares her journey of founding and running her business. She discusses the challenges and lessons she learned along the way. Kavita emphasizes the importance of delegating and outsourcing non-core business functions to focus on adding value to customers.



She also highlights the significance of clear communication, alignment, and a shared vision in building successful teams. Kavita shares her experience in the tech industry and the satisfaction of being part of disruptive businesses that create positive change. She provides insights into analyzing opportunities and evaluating the North Star of a company.



In this conversation, Kavita discusses her experiences with LinkedIn, Dropbox, and her MBA. She shares the vision statements for LinkedIn and Dropbox, highlighting the importance of connecting talent with opportunity and connecting people with information anywhere, anytime.



Kavita reflects on her growth during her MBA, emphasizing the application of knowledge and the value of learning by doing. She also discusses the importance of balancing priorities and achieving work-life harmony. Kavita emphasizes the significance of health and how it contributes to overall success. Lastly, she discusses the Backbone podcast and its focus on learning from business leaders.



Takeaways


Delegating non-core business functions allows business owners to focus on adding value to customers.
Clear communication and alignment with a shared vision are crucial for building successful teams.
Outsourcing to specialists can be worth its weight in gold, saving time and allowing businesses to benefit from expertise.
Analyzing opportunities involves considering the company's vision, the people involved, and the measurability and attainability of goals. Vision statements provide a clear and simple direction for organizations, guiding their actions and goals.
Applying knowledge and learning by doing are essential for personal and professional growth.
Balancing priorities and achieving work-life harmony is crucial for overall well-being and success.
Health should be prioritized as it impacts all aspects of life, including work and family.
Learning and continuous improvement are key to success in business and personal life.

In this insightful episode, Judy Lundy, MBA Program Director at Edith Cowan University, delves into the transformative power of adaptive leadership in business education. With her extensive experience, Judy discusses how innovative approaches in teaching and learning are shaping the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, sustainability, and practical experience in modern business practices. Join us for a compelling conversation that illuminates the path to success in today's dynamic business world.

This episode we welcome Michelle Hughes to the podcast. Michelle is CMO and Board Member for McCarthy Durie Lawyers and also runs her own full-service marketing agency, Atom Branding.



Having recently finished her MBA studies from QUT this year, her capstone assignment explores the role trust plays in service-based industries. This project allowed for the development of a repeatable framework to build trust with clients and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty ratings.

Our latest episode features none other than the dynamic Taylor Dee Hawkins. With her unique blend of experience, from advising the United Nations Foundation to pioneering work at Foundations for Tomorrow, Taylor brought some rich insights to the table.

Highlights from our discussion:


The essence of long-term vision in policy decisions and its impact on societal sectors like health and education.
The frequent trap of "policy whack-a-mole" and the call for proactive, future-focused decision-making.
How failures and challenges can actually enhance learning and personal growth.

On this episode we’re excited to host Lisa, a trailblazer who marries economic thinking with societal challenges, doing so with a neurodivergent flair that’s uniquely her own.

In 2018, she took her passion for sustainability and employability skills into the entrepreneurial realm, launching her Ed Tech startup, originally named Professional Vogue and now rebranded to gruuv-ed. The platform aims to empower professionals, especially the younger generation, by focusing on essential life and employability skills.

Lisa has not just held various executive roles but also serves on the boards of several organizations, advocating for life-long learning, continuous improvement, and most importantly, community contribution.

Website: https://mbaus.com.au/podcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mbaustralasia/
Email: contact@mbaus.com.au

Today, we have the honor of hosting a guest whose career is a rich tapestry of experience and expertise in the fields of accounting, taxation, audit, and business advisory. With a remarkable thirty-six-year career, Brian Jones's journey has taken him from the corridors of BP Australia to the Audit Department of Touche Ross in places like London, Birmingham, and Geneva.

Since 1989, Brian has been in practice as an accountant, business advisor, and forensic accountant. His specialization now lies in strategic planning, taxation, management, and, intriguingly, forensic accounting. Having worked across industries, from international corporations to small businesses, Brian has also played significant roles in various Court-related assignments.

His insights and wisdom have graced the halls of the Family Court, Federal Magistrates Court, County Court, Federal Court, and the Supreme Courts of Victoria and NSW. We're excited to delve into Brian's thoughts, perspectives, and glean some insights from his vast experience.