Phillipa Harrison Managing director, Tourism Australia

MBA (Executive), AGSM, University of NSW Business School, 2007

“Coming from a marketing background, it gave me the ability to have a broader view, particularly in terms of my financial literacy. In the past year we’ve had to change our resourcing – both human and financial – several times and my MBA definitely helped me make quick and confident decisions, to make the business case and communicate it to the board.

It also helped me understand that being a good leader is not just about IQ but also EQ. The science behind it is super-interesting and it gave me the confidence to be that sort of leader. EQ is what distinguishes great leaders and good bosses. If I ever go back and do a doctorate, it will be in EQ – the world needs more of it. I’ve been drawing on it a lot over this period as we’ve been managing an industry in the worst crisis of its life. It helps me be a better leader and it’s helped us get through this.”