CQU's MBA Leadership gives Kerry the confidence to have faith in her leadership abilities

Kerry Staines’s decision to undertake CQUniversity’s Master of Business Administration (Leadership) has helped solidify her leadership qualities, and in turn motivate others.

The proud descendent of the Mandandanji and Wakka Wakka Peoples has worked across the Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane not-for-profit community sector for more than twenty five years, and previously held the position of chief executive officer for a not-for-profit organisation.

Kerry said she enrolled in the MBA (Leadership) at the encouragement of her former colleague, and now Deputy Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Teresa Schmidt.

“She explained the flexibility and I felt I had some support to begin a journey I never thought I would get to achieve,” she said.

“I always felt this was my professional missing piece, I completed many short courses, Governance training etc however this was qualification I needed to demonstrate I had the skills and knowledge to be leader and CEO.”

Kerry originally started her career with a TAFE qualification before moving into a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) with another university. She completed a Graduate Certificate and found it put her in good stead for the MBA.

“The (MBA) course was great. Teressa helped during the Grad Cert to build my confidence,” she said.

“I am self-motivated and lead an extremely busy life, so the flexibility of this course was perfect for me.

“I now feel confident in knowing what I didn’t know if that makes sense. I feel I can compete on commercial scale and that my knowledge is well rounded. After focusing in one area for most of my career this was important.”

She said without a doubt the best aspect of the MBA was its flexibility and support.

Ultimately, she said being a good leader was about “being in the background and letting others shine”.

“What makes a good leader is a tricky question and complex to answer however I would say those who have the organisational skills and their staff in their best interest and listen and mentor others to be their best,” she said.

Kerry now volunteers her time every week to mentor new students into the MBA course.

Kerry will graduate with her MBA (Leadership) in August, alongside her son who is graduating as a Dr of Chiropractic.