Louise Teesdale

Liverpool MBA, 2017

Louise Teesdale

Before the MBA, Louise worked as a Development and Product Engineer in a leading manufacturer of equipment for the Global Telecommunications industry. 


What were you doing before you began your MBA?

I worked as a Development and Product Engineer in a leading manufacturer of equipment for the Global Telecommunications industry.

During my career here it was evident that my management and leadership skills were not being developed, and the MBA would facilitate this. 


Why did you choose the Liverpool MBA?

I chose the Liverpool MBA to expand my business acumen. I had a very technical background which I felt was inhibiting my growth into roles where knowledge of each part of the business was required.

I knew the course would be challenging but I was excited to discover who I was as a person. The Leadership elements of the course are enriched with opportunities to perform self and peer analysis which became valuable in improving my weaknesses and identifying areas of particular interest for future careers.

The Guest Speakers allow you to build relationships with a professional network as well as gain insight into real-life examples of business issues, and the different ways to approach and solve them.

The MBA has a wide calibre of people from different industries and cultures. This is a real advantage as almost every company is or hopes to become global, so the ability to develop relationships and understand cultures is as important as your ability as a Leader.


What skills and knowledge do you feel you developed?

Confidence, empathy, and emotional intelligence to name a few. It’s given me a broader perspective of the business world, and I’ve acquired a better understanding of the psychology of people in organisations.

It’s the first time I’ve been encouraged to critically analyse, and change my perspective since my Post-Grad.

The MBA gives you the tools to venture outside your comfort zone and to continue thinking outside the box.


What did you learn from the MBA guest speakers and masterclasses?

I particularly remember a guest speaker stating that emotional intelligence, personality and the ability to engage and motivate people are as equally important as being academically capable of doing a job.

This example was born from being isolated with a team in the artic and the importance of integration was paramount to the success of the study and maybe even human survival.


Did you make use of the careers support available?

Around a month after graduating, I met with Fiona as I was looking for tips on how to present myself in a job interview given the person's specification was for a career promotion.

It was the first post-MBA job I applied for and I got the job. Nine weeks on it was the best career move I've ever made. 


What aspects of the programme did you find most useful?

I found financial management, marketing, entrepreneurship, strategy and consultancy the most useful as they have perfectly aligned themselves with my role as Business Performance Manager.

The leadership modules explore successful management styles and questioned my behaviours, analysed my reactions and utilised personal reflections to improve my ability.


How did you manage to juggle MBA study with work commitments?

It’s difficult to manage full-time work and an MBA but I made a decision to dedicate my free time to investing in my future career and as a result, I have a flourishing career in Highways and Infrastructure services.

It is a sacrifice, but it’s one that’s achievable if you’re organised. Working full-time made it easier as the lack of spare time made me plan better!


Where are you working now, what is your job title and what does your role entail?

I work at Ringway Infrastructure Services in a new exciting role as Business Performance Manager.

I am responsible for managing and evolving the performance of the business using instilled techniques and innovation to propel the business forward.

Some of my day-to-day tasks include maintaining the Company Contract Electronic Performance, personal development of Supervisors and encouraging staff to be innovative, continual review of processes and procedures to drive improvements, monitoring KPIs and managing stakeholder and client feedback.  


Do you feel the MBA has helped your career progression?

I now enjoy going to work in a company that values my work ethic. I'm a senior manager only 4 levels away from CEO.

The MBA allowed me to apply for varied roles outside of my previous "pigeonholed" engineering roles.