Why did you decide to pursue an MBA from the University of Liverpool?
In truth, it wasn't an MBA I had in mind, but I was very aware that I was looking for a way to continue to improve as a professional whilst at the same time develop new skills. A customer of mine posted on LinkedIn about his MBA, so I dug a little deeper. Looking at what is important to me in my job and what modules are actually covered in an MBA, it became clear this was the route I would take. There were other Universities, but once I set foot in the Brett Building and felt the energy, I knew Liverpool was for me.
What aspects of your MBA studies at the University of Liverpool did you find most engaging or rewarding?
This is a great question for me and almost impossible to narrow it down to a couple. Finance was a massively rewarding module, my big takeaway is the 'Because' behind everything. Leadership gave me such a broader view of what being a leader is. I always strived to look beyond the today and look to the future, but now I ensure the horizon is very much in focus in the decisions I make. Employee wellbeing has always been high on the agenda for me, so HRM was a module I also took a lot from. Effective HR can truly impact a company’s bottom line. Then there was strategy, I took a great deal from this. People talk strategy, yet fail to implement it, people try to implement a strategy with fully understanding why, but with what I have learnt, I am well placed to not only develop a strategy based on objectives, but also well placed to help deliver this strategy.
Can you share any memorable experiences or insights gained during your academic journey?
Teamwork. I am 'slightly' older than other members of my cohort, with many of them being from different parts of the world, but we had so much in common. I have travelled this world of ours and interacted with many cultures, but to do it here in the University with these wonderful professionals was so rewarding, and may I add, successful.
In what ways have you integrated the knowledge and skills acquired during your MBA into your professional roles?
I have a new role now, I was fortunate to be offered the GM role for WFL Millturn Technologies UK Ltd and have been in this role since November 2023. Company culture is a focus, the need to grow a balanced team with common objectives is very much at the forefront of my every day, but at the same time, I am looking to develop a team that is self-managing and has the confidence to make informed decisions for the benefit of the whole company.
Could you provide an overview of your career journey to date, highlighting key milestones and experiences?
I am an old-fashioned apprentice trained Mechanical Engineer. I entered the world of precision engineering and watched as the world moved from manual machines into CNC machines, computer controlled. Then my big step was into sales, customer service became my passion. My best teachers were my customers and much of what I do today is based on that education. Then came an MD's role at one of the very best automation companies in the world, a pioneer in their field. we enjoyed remarkable success. From there I joined one of the very best machine tool companies, being responsible for all things customer facing. From there into another big company as a Business Unit Manager supplying advanced metal joining solutions combined with advanced automation. The industries i have served and enjoyed include, automotive, aerospace, power, yellow goods, oil and gas and power generation. I also went back to school to learn more, but the MBA was the jewel in the crown.
How have your diverse roles shaped your leadership style and approach to problem-solving?
My leadership has been shaped by so many, not one type of leader, but every type of leader. I love the literature, but you have to marry this with the practical. We often talk about the gap between the theorist and the practitioner, and this gap is certainly there, but this gap allows is essential, it allows for development and improvement, to help create new types of leaders for tomorrows world. Problem solving is about listening and understanding, but now i get as many people as sensible to listen to the problem, this way we have a better chance of solving the problem.
You have over 25 years of experience spanning technical, operational, and commercial roles across diverse manufacturing and engineering functions. What advice would you give to others based on your experiences and insights?
We go to school at a young age to learn and help us prepare for a working life and yes, we learn much through life, but with the world evolving at such a rate and it is becoming so diverse the need for education is later life in equally important. We as leaders have to be on the same page as many of the younger people coming through. This MBA allowed me to adapt for today but prepare me for all that is coming my way.