The business of being a leader

The business of being a leader

We recently reunited La Trobe graduate Brad Dodemond with his Master of Business Administration (MBA) mentor, Associate Professor Geraldine Kennett.

For Brad, Associate Professor Kennett’s lectures pushed him to reach higher. After finishing his MBA at La Trobe, he took on a new role as a Senior People and Culture Business Partner for the Victorian Government’s Level Crossing Removal Project. As one of the largest rail infrastructure projects in the state’s history, it was a huge career step for Brad.

“I’ve grown as a person,” he says. “Geraldine started this fire of leadership inside me. She was absolutely great.”

Associate Professor Kennett has nearly 30 years’ experience in human resources, public administration and senior management. As Director of the MBA Program at La Trobe, she has been instrumental in forging industry engagement initiatives and preparing graduates for meaningful careers in business. She believes in developing leaders who act responsibly and make long-term decisions that sustain future generations.

“Leadership is about stepping up,” says Geraldine. “You choose to be a leader. If you want to step up, then step up and do it. For me, that’s what excellence is.”