New Free Program for Leaders in Lockdown

MBA Blog / 11th May 2020

La Trobe University is offering support to businesses and individuals facing the challenges of COVID-19 through a free online leadership development program delivered by the highly regarded La Trobe MBA.

Open to everyone, the La Trobe Business School Leadership Professional Development Program is run by leading business academics and alumni from the University’s MBA program who are volunteering their time to help the wider community.

The La Trobe Business School has invited some of the University’s key partners including The Australian Ballet and NORTH Link to participate in the program.

MBA Program Director Dr Geraldine Kennett said she hoped individuals and business owners would see the course as a valuable way to equip themselves with new skills and professional development during the COVID-19 economic slowdown.

“These are challenging times for any organisation, and as a community leader La Trobe wants to do what we can to help our communities and leaders adapt to meet the demands they are now facing,” Dr Kennett said.

“Participants in our three-module, 12-hour program will connect with peers from other organisations to share thoughts, experiences and develop ongoing mutually beneficial relationships. They will gain knowledge, skills and capabilities required to lead an organisation or team in these uncertain times,” she said.

“We want participants to understand their personal leadership style, strengths and gaps. We want them to understand their team’s dynamics and identify forthcoming challenges. But most of all we want them to be able to apply creative problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to the situations they’re facing right now,” Dr Kennett said.

La Trobe Business School Honorary Associate, Dr Susan Inglis, is among the academics and alumni who stepped forward to help run the program.

“I had some free time and was wanting to give back to others who may be finding it tough,” said Dr Inglis, a former Professor of Practice who teaches on the MBA.

“It’s been a privilege to volunteer my skills to help design this program. As a La Trobe alumni and staff member, I feel a close connection with the University’s values of assisting our community – this is such a practical way to do so,” she said.

To register for the program, click here!