I've had the privilege of holding various leadership positions in the US and New Zealand, each with the responsibility of driving operational transformation and inspiring action.
In my last role, I led climate action for New Zealand’s largest retail group, and now I aim to replicate what I’ve learned on a global scale, continuing to inspire others along the way. I’m certain the Oxford Executive MBA will help me achieve this.
Leading ambitious and exciting projects
If I had to describe my Executive MBA peers in three words, I’d say we’re all unique, brilliant in our own peculiar ways, and incredibly motivated to make the absolute best of the Oxford ecosystem.
My career, both in and beyond sustainability, has been non-linear and self-made, often centered on ambitious, unconventional projects across the arts, digital, retail, and sustainability world. Like most of us, I’ve encountered unexpected successes, disappointments, shifts in focus, and changes in trajectory – learning along the way that nothing is insurmountable as long as you put in the work. Through this journey, I’ve been fortunate to meet iconoclasts – leaders who think differently and inspired me to see sustainability as a source of untapped potential. Artists, builders, farmers, activists, scientists, corporate executives – each has shown me that we truly do “stand on the shoulders of giants”.
I look for certain qualities in my work – purpose, environmental stewardship, creativity, technology, design, and beauty. Yes, beauty! There’s something beautiful in sustainability’s principle that people and planet should work together harmoniously, always evolving.
Driven by innovation and impact
My drive is rooted in system transformation and solving critical global issues. My first job at Aveda in New York and Minneapolis taught me that the private sector can lead this transformation. I learned that sustainability enables performance beyond the financial, with ESG and climate action becoming essential components of business value creation. Today, scenario analysis and impact measurement reveal that effectiveness, efficiency, and impact are closely correlated. Companies that excel in non-financial metrics often outperform financially, thanks to their clarity of purpose and decision-making.
We’re on the verge of a new kind of value creation. Companies taking bold action now will reap market rewards in the future.
Extraordinary experiences on the Oxford Executive MBA
The Oxford experience is outstanding – a playground for intellectual pursuits. The ingredients in this ecosystem are unmatched, with continuous opportunities to meet individuals of extraordinary backgrounds, all sharing a vision to accelerate our potential and drive greater impact. There’s an energy here that’s hard to explain, a palpable excitement.
The program has given me significant new technical tools, directly applicable to real-world situations. And let’s not forget the Oxford brand – few institutions carry such historic weight. People respond differently when I mention I’m at Oxford. Perhaps only brands like Ferrari or the Vatican come close to that timeless reputation.
When I first considered the Executive MBA, I thought, “Am I crazy?” But it’s proven to be an exceptional decision, and I haven’t looked back. My advice? “Just do it! And be ready to be surprised.”
