Discussion with Fiona Price, MBA Aspirant, at Biffa Corporation

Discussion with Fiona Price, MBA Aspirant, at Biffa Corporation

Hey Fiona! Let's dive into your journey. As the Head of Process at Biffa, how did you climb the corporate ladder?

Well, buddy, after graduating from St Andrew's University, I ventured into the financial services sector as a graduate trainee. I spent 17 years working for giants like Lloyds and HBOS, starting off in customer service and eventually specializing in process. Process seems to have been my sweet spot. I established a consultancy, but it wasn't the best fit with my young family, as it involved a lot of travel. Nine years ago, I joined Biffa in a process role, and I've been on the move ever since!

In your current role, what exactly do you oversee?

I'm the Head of Process at Biffa. I'm responsible for process governance, continuous improvement, and managing the process framework and methodology. It's a fascinating gig, as I get to dip my toes into many areas of the business and have a global perspective of its operations.

What prompted you to sign up for an MBA apprenticeship?

I've always been itching to do an MBA, but I was always chasing the "right moment." Tragically, I lost my father, a fellow passion seeker for learning. I realized that there never really is a perfect time, so I just went for it. The MBA has been an absolute blast, as I can apply the learning directly to my work.

Has the on-the-job aspect of the apprenticeship been challenging?

I've been fortunate to have a supportive boss who's been fantastic about learning opportunities and fostering personal growth. The MBA apprenticeship has been an incredible journey!

A key highlight for me has been tackling our Change module at the perfect time, as my boss had recently transitioned, and our operating model had undergone a shift. I was able to use the tools and strategies discussed in the module to navigate these changes and help the teams I work with adapt as well.

What industry issues have you tackled through your work?

The Sustainability module was particularly relevant to our business, so I delved deeper into it and shared my findings with the company. I also highlighted the UN goals and other sustainability concepts that are often discussed only within specialized areas or high-level management. This broadened the understanding across the entire organization and sparked some inspiring conversations.

How do your cohort members, hailing from diverse industries and sectors, work together?

We've formed a tight-knit group with our mixed backgrounds. It's astonishing to realize how much overlap there is, regardless of the industry or sector. We all face similar business challenges, and it's enriching to compare notes and pool our knowledge.

What practical insights have you brought back from the apprenticeship for your team?

I've focused on improving my team's personal impact, especially since they are senior individuals supporting various project teams. I've emphasized the importance of personal development and guided them in fostering their skills, which has been crucial for our success.

Lastly, have there been any unexpected benefits to this apprenticeship?

I've been grateful for the chance to explore areas of the business I don't usually delve into, like marketing. Discussing marketing strategies with our marketing director has been a unique and valuable experience that definitely wouldn't have happened without the apprenticeship. The MBA apprenticeship has played a significant role in expanding my professional network, opening up exciting new opportunities for growth.

Thank you, Fiona, for sharing your story, and we wish you the best of luck on the rest of your MBA journey!

Enrichment Data:

Benefits of an MBA Apprenticeship

Pursuing an MBA apprenticeship offers numerous benefits for professionals looking to advance or transition their careers:

1. Career Advancement: MBA apprenticeships equip professionals with strategic management and leadership skills, making them more attractive for promotions and leadership roles.[1]
2. Specialization and Industry Transition: An MBA allows professionals to specialize in their preferred business areas, increasing the appeal to different industries.[2] [5]
3. Networking Opportunities: MBA programs, including apprenticeships, provide chances to connect with fellow professionals, industry experts, and mentors, which are crucial for career development.[2][5]
4. Enhanced Employability: Apprenticeships can address skills shortages in the workforce, improving employability, and increasing productivity.[3] The combination of MBA education and hands-on experience provided by apprenticeships makes professionals more competitive in the job market.
5. Financial Benefits: Holding an MBA often leads to higher salaries.[1] Employers may cover the cost of MBA programs for employees participating in apprenticeships, reducing financial burdens.
6. Experiential Learning: MBA apprenticeships provide experiential learning, ensuring professionals are well-prepared for real-world challenges and positioning them for career success.[5]
7. Fiona Price's decision to pursue an MBA apprenticeship is an example of how such programs promote personal growth and learning by providing an opportunity to apply new skills directly in the workplace.
8. Through her MBA apprenticeship, Fiona demonstrated that leadership can drive innovation, as she successfully applied learned concepts to help her team adapt during organizational changes.
9. Spearheading the adoption of sustainable practices within Biffa, Fiona showcased how education-and-self-development can play a significant role in fostering industry-wide change, propelling the company towards marketers' preferred trend of ethical business practices.

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