What was my most important learning? I think a broad understanding of everything is more valuable to you than a deep understanding of one thing, and that’s what the MBA allows you to have. You can specialise, or you can have a special interest in a specific area even before an MBA, and you can bring that in with you, but actually getting that broad understanding of so many areas is important. You never think at the time how it will be of use to you, until in your career suddenly you realise its value. That’s something I’ve learnt on my MBA and actually now I know how to tap into it
obviously are trying to improve exports into the UK following Brexit and so on. I really enjoy that as well. What’s next? I will keep doing that. But one thing that keeps drawing me back is colleagues and local government who, I am pleased to say, still ring me regularly, asking for support and advice. I’d like to bring on the next generation of successful leaders in local government. I hope I’ll inspire the next generation of successful leaders in local government as well. I think I would like to do more mentoring and support to make sure that local government gets a next tier of leadership that is worthy of the public’s trust and worthy of local government.
and how to make use of that. So, be open-minded and embrace it all. What is next for you on your career journey?
I don’t know. I passed the magic 60 at Christmas, so I should really be thinking about retiring and allowing the younger generation to come in. I’m enjoying the work I do with Municipal Partners. As I said, I feel like I’m bringing something back to local government. I also do some advisory work for Enterprise Ireland – the export board for the Irish government – and they
Theresa Grant is an MBA alumna of Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) She has been awarded an OBE in recognition of her outstanding leadership, innovation, determination, and commitment to Northamptonshire in the UK.
Grant has dedicated 42 years of service to local government, most recently in her role as Chief Executive of Northamptonshire County Council.
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Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
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