Sean Jacobs wins 2021 QBW Griffith MBA Responsible Leadership scholarship competition
The winners of this year QBW Griffith MBA Responsible Leadership scholarships competition want to drive change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
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With his focus firmly on the 2032 Olympics, major projects adviser Sean Jacobs’ career is akin to a marathon, not a sprint.
The 35-year-old public servant, author, mentor and sports coach has just scored the best-ever performance-enhancing boost.
Mr Jacobs is the winner of this year’s QBW Griffith MBA Responsible Leadership Scholarship.
The Griffith MBA dovetails perfectly with Mr Jacobs’ role in planning for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He currently works as a principal advocacy and major projects adviser to the Moreton Bay Regional Council. This includes building the business case for an $85m Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre and other infrastructure and ensuring the Olympics has a lasting positive legacy for the region.
“The fact that this MBA is values-led is very important,” said the former national water polo champion who still coaches young players as well as mentors students at Griffith University.
“It is focused on sustainable business practices, responsible leadership and has an Asia Pacific perspective. I want to apply those values to my work with the Games and drive a legacy - not just for the Moreton region but across Queensland.”
Mr Jacobs, the author of Winners Don’t Cheat: Advice For Young Australians From A Young Australian, has recently published a biography celebrating the achievements of Neville Bonner, the country’s first indigenous federal politician.
Mr Bonner’s life has inspired Papua New Guinea-born Mr Jacobs in his own career.
“The key lessons are all about resilience and the importance of community,” he said.
It’s the sixth year The Courier-Mail, now through its Queensland Business Weekly section, has partnered with Griffith Business School to offer the popular scholarship competition.
Mr Jacobs has won a full Griffith MBA scholarship valued at $57,750 and three runners up - Rachell Hansen Alexander Bowen-Rotsaert and Shelley Hartland - have each picked up half-scholarships valued at $28,875.
Rachell Hansen hopes the MBA will provide her with the tools, leadership skills and networking opportunities to make lasting environmental and gender equality changes.
“I compared a lot of MBAs and I was really drawn to Griffith’s for its strong focus on sustainable development goals and responsible leadership,” said Ms Hansen, who is currently leading a Queensland Government department’s carbon neutral project.
“The MBA aligns with my values and where I see myself going. I really want to be a strong advocate for change. I am looking at solutions for challenges and how we can collaborate and move forward.”
In a volunteer capacity, Ms Hansen has in recent years established the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Gold Coast hub which finds practical, grassroots ways to promote the circular economy, tackle environmental issues and mentor young people.
“I live my life with purpose. I need to be waking up and not just doing a job but knowing I am making a positive difference in my community,” said Ms Hansen, who has ambitions for a leadership career in the public service, sustainability sector or to potentially go into politics.
Griffith University pro vice chancellor (business) Professor David Grant said Griffith MBA graduates have a distinct career advantage because values of sustainability, responsible leadership and global orientation are embedded in the course.
“The challenges and opportunities facing contemporary business calls for responsible leadership and creative solutions,” he said.
The Griffith MBA has taken out top place globally in the Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking for two consecutive years.
“This prestigious ranking further cements the values embedded in our MBA and confirms the high quality of our program on the global stage,” he said.
Associate Professor Stephanie Schleimer said the Griffith MBA demonstrates that it is possible to turn the world’s most corporate degree into a transformational journey for students.
“Our students want to have a genuine change: They want to be more than good leaders, they want to lead into a better world,” said prof Schleimer, the MBA director.
“Our curriculum is designed to empower leaders from diverse industry sectors with a skillset to make that much-needed change.
“Each year, the QBW Griffith MBA Scholarships competition allows inspiring individuals to join our program – individuals that come from diverse paths of life but each leading with their own values. It is exciting to welcome our remarkable, 2021 scholarship winners to the program and we look forward to being part of their inspiring learning journeys.”
Mr Bowen-Rotsaert, a systems engineer at Boeing Defence Australia, will use the MBA to propel his career in the space industry.
“I am currently in a technical role and see this MBA as giving me the crucial business skills for my career,” he said.
The Griffith MBA’s responsible leadership focus was a big drawcard for Mr Bowen-Rotsaert. “Beyond what is good for a business’s P&L (profit and loss statement), leaders need to make purposeful actions that will grow the industry and support local suppliers,” he said.
He is already guiding the next generation of young Australians who dream of following in his footsteps. He is president of Space Design Competitions Australia which over the past five years has nurtured the talents of more than 1000 school age students.
Ms Hartland also expects the MBA to take her career to the next level.
“I know whatever leadership position I have, an MBA is going to be a wonderful asset,” said Ms Hartland who is currently deputy director of policy and research at London’s Forward Institute.
She said the Griffith MBA’s responsible leadership credentials stuck a chord with her.
“What massively appealed to me is that I can learn accounting but I can learn it through the lens of how I can be a responsible leader,” she said. “That is how I want to live my life.
“And for me responsible leadership is not just about the practicalities of sustainability, it is also about treating people really well and with kindness ... not just as a resource.”
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