Organic Lead, Huckleberry

How did you get involved in Huckleberry?

“Funny story, I was the Business Development Manager at the Business School, leading the recruitment of MBA students. After a year into my role, I decided to join the MBA programme after recruiting the M4 cohort and realising that I wanted to learn from this talented and diverse group.

“I came to be involved in Huckleberry through my MBA colleagues, Darren and Justin, who shared a passion for sustainable business and growing New Zealand brands. I was drawn to the company's commitment to providing high-quality organic products and promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle to everyday Kiwis. The opportunity to work with a team of like-minded individuals and contribute to the growth of a successful New Zealand brand was a compelling reason to join the company.”

How has the MBA made an impact on your career?

“The MBA has been instrumental in opening up new opportunities for me and the ability to shift into a different industry after 20 years of working in tertiary education.

“The programme provided me with a holistic understanding of business operations, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills that I have been able to apply in my current role as an Organic Lead at Huckleberry.

“It also allowed me to build a valuable network of peers and industry professionals, which has been invaluable in my career development.”

What’s the most valuable insight you’ve taken away from the programme?

“The importance of collaboration and teamwork. The MBA programme emphasises working in groups, which allowed me to learn to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, manage conflicts, and leverage each other's strengths to achieve common goals.”

You’re part of a group of Business School alumni who now run Huckleberry together – what is that dynamic like?

“The journey has been challenging, rewarding, and exciting. It has been a steep learning curve, as we all come from different backgrounds and bring diverse skills to the table. However, our shared values and commitment to Huckleberry's success have made the journey enjoyable and productive.

“The team dynamic is collaborative and supportive, and we constantly challenge each other to think creatively and push boundaries.”

What would be your advice for anyone thinking of doing the MBA?

“Dig deep into your purpose and why you want to do an MBA, as everyone does it for different reasons. It is also essential to fully commit to the programme and take advantage of all the opportunities it provides, including networking with people from various industries.

“To me, it was important to continuously challenge myself and not be biased. Therefore, be open-minded, embrace challenges, and be willing to learn from others.”