Chair's corner
David Morgan

Welcome to the second edition of Transforming Business, the Griffith Business School Alumni Network (GBSAN) newsletter.

The GBSAN has had a busy start to 2015, our first two events have sold out and our next event is quickly reaching capacity!

On Thursday 22 January, over 50 members of the network attended an exciting professional development seminar entitled 'Skills for managing complex negotiations', led by Dr Larry Crump. Larry's presentation on negotiation strategy and power was followed by a group negotiation exercise - 'Fitzroy River Clean-up Challenge'. The group thoroughly enjoyed completing the activity, comparing and learning from outcomes shared afterwards.

On Friday 27 February, Karen Schmidt from Let's Grow, presented to a group of 85 GBS alumni and friends at the first GBSAN breakfast and networking series event for 2015. Karen provided a wonderful presentation - 'How to lead your team to success in 2015'. She inspired the audience to take the opportunity of a new year to refresh their leadership philosophy. Karen shared with the group her five leadership tools that help create greater success. Karen will return to conduct another leadership event on the Gold Coast mid-year.

The next GBSAN event will feature brand strategist Wendy Pavey. Wendy will present 'How to create a powerful personal brand for career success' on Tuesday 21 April at the Ship Inn, South Bank. Registration for this event is now open and spaces are filling quickly. Don't miss out - register now!

Gold Coast-based alumni, we have not forgotten about you! Our first Gold Coast breakfast and networking event has been scheduled for Friday 15 May. GBS alumnus Sonia McDonald, from Leadership HQ, will present 'Confidence - it is so HOT right now' at the Royal Pines Resort. Registrations for this event will open later this month. If you are interested in attending please complete the expression of interest form to secure your place.

Finally, the GBS Annual Alumni Gala Dinner and Awards Night has been confirmed for Friday 30 October at the Sofitel Brisbane. Further details for this event and the 2015 GBS Outstanding Alumnus Awards will be circulated in the middle of the year.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our events and activities throughout the year.

Best wishes,

 

 

David Morgan
Chair, GBS Alumni Advisory Group


Spotlight on alumni
 
Meet Johanna Marsh
After finishing her accelerated Bachelor of Business (Management and Marketing) in late 2012, Johanna Marsh recently completed the two year Graduate Program at John Holland.

After only three months of employment, Johanna was presented with the opportunity to undertake a Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) role in Gladstone. Being thrust into a contracts- and finance-focused role, Johanna brought a different perspective and quickly began finding more effective and efficient processes. She grew a reputation for always wanting to know more, often shadowing the engineers in the hope of learning the technical aspects of construction and further understand the impact of her role.

Having always been passionate about 'giving back', Johanna also implemented a range of community engagement initiatives and fundraising events. Johanna was awarded the 2014 Young Achiever Award from the National Association of Women In Construction, for her enthusiasm to go above and beyond her role and provide a positive environment for those around her.

Johanna is now a key member of the John Holland Strategy & External Affairs team and volunteers on three committees for the National Association of Women in Construction. In her role as Marketing & Communications Chair, she hopes to demonstrate to other young women that the construction industry has a great culture and endless career opportunities for people of all backgrounds.


Young entrepreneurs | Paula and Dani-elle
GBS alumni Paula Grant and Dani-elle Davidson are the sister act in charge of end-to-end business consultancy XiXi Lu.

Dani-elle, a former corporate litigator, and her sister Paula, a former marketing executive, started XiXi Lu (pronounced She She Lu) as a marketing and public relations business in 2012. It has since grown in revenue more than 260 per cent from the end of that financial year to the most recent financial year.

The sisters were featured in the 2014 young entrepreneurs edition of Brisbane Business News. The edition celebrated a diverse range of the city's finest young and talented individuals. It shared their stories of aiming high, taking risks and achieving amazing results.

Read Dani-elle and Paula's Brisbane Business News article.
BOSS Magazine | Young Executive 2015
Each year BOSS magazine recognises successful Young Executives in Australia. Applications for the 2015 Young Executive Awards are now open. No doubt we have some of Australia's most motivated young corporate leaders in our midst. Entrants must be aged 35 years (or younger) at 31 July 2015. More details and an entry form can be found online. Be sure to let us know if you nominate!
News from Griffith Business School
World recognition for new finance degrees
From Griffith to Wall Street.

It's a dream that could very well become reality for Gold Coast businessman Andrew Hack. He is among the first students to enrol in one of Griffith's new postgraduate finance degrees, which have just been recognised by the world's biggest finance professional designation.

Two postgraduate programs - Master of Finance and Master of Finance and Investments have been admitted into the prestigious CFA Institute's University Recognition Program the most respected and recognised investment credential in the world.

Read more about World recognition for new finance degrees


Trading room honours stockbroking pioneer

The formal opening of the Margaret Mittelheuser AM Trading Room at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus has honoured one of life's true pioneers.

A one-hour tribute, led by the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO, revealed Dr Mittelheuser as someone who always wanted to know more.

Dr Mittelheuser AM DUniv was the first woman to be registered as a stockbroker in Australia and one of the first in the world.

Read more about Trading room honours stockbroking pioneer


Griffith team into $1m Hult Prize regional final

A team of Griffith University business students is a step closer to $US1 million and a meeting with former US President Bill Clinton after advancing to the regional finals of the sixth annual Hult Prize.

Hailing from the School of Government and International Relations in the Griffith Business School, the team comprises: Australian Postgraduate Award recipient Brad McConachie; Prime Minister's Australia-Asia Endeavour Awardees Chris Eigeland and Janna Mallon; and New Colombo Plan Scholar Elise Stephenson.

Read more about Griffith team into $1m Hult Prize regional final


CEO Magazine ranks Griffith MBA among best

The Griffith MBA has started the year on a high, ranking among the country's leading MBA programs in CEO Magazine. It also features in the magazine's top 20 Global MBA Rankings for 2015.

"This ranking is a nod of acknowledgement to the attention to detail now associated with the Griffith MBA," Program Director Associate Professor Nick Barter said.

"In developing and improving our MBA we are always conscious of what the modern student needs. We've tailored our MBA for those who know what they want and just want to go out and get it."

Read more about CEO Magazine ranks Griffith MBA among best


Events

Griffith Business School Alumni Network is pleased to offer another full calendar of great events in 2015.

Please continue to refer to our newsletter and event updates emailed to you each month, as well as our Facebook and LinkedIn  for the latest event news.

How to create a powerful personal brand for career success

Join the Griffith Business School Alumni Network and personal brand strategist, Wendy Pavey, to discover how to create your powerful personal brand for career success.

No-one will tell your story for you. You must learn to tell it for yourself.

Your personal brand distinguishes and differentiates you. Personal branding has become a critical element of our professional lives. It is no longer sufficient to rely on your track record and your established network to be recognised or rewarded by your employer (current or prospective).

Date: Tuesday 21 April 2015
Time: 5.30 - 8.30 pm
Venue: The Ship Inn, South Bank
Presenter: Wendy Pavey, Digital and Brand Strategist, Compelling
Cost:  $25 alumni, staff and students | $35 general admission

Your investment includes a 2.5 hour workshop and a light supper.

More information and online registration


Confidence - it is so HOT right now

Join us at our first Gold Coast business breakfast for 2015. GBS alumnus Sonia McDonald, from Leadership HQ, will provide an interactive and engaging presentation on the importance of confidence in the workplace.

Studies show confidence means more than competence. Leaders not only need the technical know how but the confidence to lead and drive change and strategy within their organisations.

Date: Friday 15 May 2015
Time: 7.00 - 9.00 am
Venue: Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast
Presenter: Sonia McDonald, Leadership HQ
Cost: $45 alumni, staff and students | $50 general admission | $450 table of 10

Registrations will open later this month.

Expression of interest form


Edition #2 2015

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Tell us your story!

Would you like to contribute to our next newsletter, perhaps share your story and feature in our 'Spotlight on Alumni' section?

Email:
gbs-alumni@griffith.edu.au

Phone:
+61 7 3735 7648 


Date Claimers

Professional Development Series

How to create a powerful personal brand for career success

Date: Tuesday 21 April
Time: 5.30 - 8.30 pm
Venue: The Ship Inn, South Bank
Presenter: Wendy Pavey, Digital and Brand Strategist, Compelling
Cost:  $25 alumni, staff and students | $35 general admission

More information and online registration

Breakfast and Networking Series

Confidence - it is so HOT right now

Date: Friday 15 May
Time: 7.00 - 9.00 am
Venue: Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast
Presenter: Sonia McDonald, Leadership HQ
Cost: $45 alumni, staff and students | $50 general admission | $450 table of 10

Expression of interest form

Alumni Benefits

Take advantage of the fantastic discounts offered exclusively to Griffith Alumni from our partners at:

  • 7D Cinema
  • Di Bella Coffee
  • Dejan SEO
  • Exceptional Training
  • Gold Coast SUNS Football Club
  • Home Realty Group
  • MRC Clinics
  • Palazzo Versace Hotel
  • Physiotherapy Links
  • Thrifty Car Rentals
  • Vision Direct

Visit Alumni Benefits and Discounts for more information


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