After 10 years of formal training and tertiary education the Diploma in Strategic Leadership has enabled me to understand the strategic role that I can play within an organisation as a professional. Medical training focuses on managing individual health issues - however many doctors now undertake roles within organisations that sit well outside the clinical arena; requiring a combined understanding of the needs of patients and professionals as well as the needs of the organisational structure. Our formal, specialized training does not prepare us for the complexity of these tasks.

When I started this Diploma I knew I wanted to be more than just a coal face worker I wanted to influence the direction of my organization but I wasnt sure where to start. The Diploma has provided a framework that has enabled me to draw together the key elements required for organisational success, strategic insight, leadership, planning, project management and financial awareness. I can now influence the strategic direction of my organization from a position of confidence and solid training.

I have experienced the course and found it to be stimulating, challenging, educational and fun too!
The course material provides a distillation of modern leadership theory in a concise, practical and user-friendly format - I know I will refer back to these notes again and again. There are many opportunities to apply me new found knowledge to my current situation, effectively cementing the learning within the working environment. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to be part of setting the direction for any organization, be it a volunteer organization, small business, corporation or board. I would also encourage professionals moving up within an organisation to reap the benefits of a broader exposure to and understanding of what makes an organisation succeed.

Dr Kerry Macaskill-Smith
MBChB, Dip Paeds, DCEM, FRNZCGP

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