1 July, 2026
For many busy professionals, the prospect of postgraduate study may feel out of reach, however, Kate and Angela have made that dream a reality, thanks to the flexibility of the QUT Executive MBA.
Kate Pearce is the Executive Director of a thriving leadership development business, Personified, as well as a busy mum, so you might think postgraduate education would be an unlikely priority. Yet, Kate not only aspired to further her professional development, she pursued it wholeheartedly, earning a QUT Executive Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA).
Living in regional Queensland, a few hours northwest of Brisbane, Angela Elliott was on a similar journey. Having progressed from a technical specialist into increasingly senior leadership roles in the agriculture industry, she had developed a passion for leading and developing people. As her leadership responsibilities grew, so too did her desire to continue learning. Determined to broaden her business perspective and continue growing as a leader, Angela chose the QUT Executive MBA as the next step in her career.
For Kate Pearce and Angela Elliott, the QUT Executive MBA proved that professional growth doesn't have to wait for the perfect time. Their stories show how the right support, determination and study format can help ambitious professionals continue learning while advancing their careers.
Kate Pearce: Building a business, raising a family, and overcoming the obstacles of time
Kate Pearce, Executive Director, Personified
As a seasoned leadership consultant, Kate empowers organisations through strategic leadership development. With over two decades of experience, she’s worked globally to navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and drive business outcomes. Renowned for enhancing leadership capability and organisational performance, she’s a trusted advisor for long-term success.
Kate’s expertise lies in problem-solving and developing tailored strategies for businesses in complex environments, positioning her as a leading authority in her field. So, when she decided to pursue a postgraduate degree, her goal wasn’t to extend her technical skills but to expand her knowledge and lead her business more effectively.
“While many of us have honed a preferred area of technical expertise, as executive leaders, we can no longer over-rely on our preferred area to successfully navigate today’s rapidly evolving business environments,” she explained.
“So, a broader skill base is critical.”
Balancing professional success with raising a young family, Kate needed a program that offered flexibility without compromising quality.
“I run a business and have a young family, so time is precious in my household,” she said.
Kate found exactly what she was looking for in the QUT Executive MBA, available at QUT's inner-city Brisbane campus. Tailored for busy executives, the program offers a flexible delivery mode, with coursework delivered through intensive classes held from Friday to Sunday once a month across each 8-week teaching period.
Undertaking the program, Kate said, “The Executive MBA has been designed with an executive lifestyle in mind; you come onto campus for three days of the month and then use a hybrid learning structure for the remainder of the program."
“I wouldn't have been able to undertake the program at all without this hybrid approach.”
Angela Elliott: Driving her leadership journey forward
Having progressed from a technical specialist into senior leadership roles, Angela had developed a passion for leading and developing people. At the time, she was Head of Commercial and Technical at George Weston Foods. Determined to continue growing as a leader, she saw the QUT Executive MBA as an investment in her future.
Living a few hours outside Brisbane, raising a young family and running an agricultural business with her husband meant Angela had no shortage of commitments. Even so, she knew there would never be a perfect time to start.
"I had been thinking about studying an Executive MBA for some time,” said Angela.
“I always had this future mindset of, 'Maybe I'll do it when my girls get to high school,’ but my husband helped me realise that no time is ever going to be a good time.”
With the support of her husband and family, she decided to stop waiting for the perfect moment and enrol in the Executive MBA.
Travelling each month for the weekend classes, Angela found the Executive MBA’s delivery model suited her perfectly.
"I live a couple of hours northwest of Brisbane, and I loved the intensive weekend format,” she said.
Like Kate, Angela found that the evening classes offered by many institutions didn't suit her circumstances. The long commute to each class would mean more time spent travelling than learning, so she needed a more innovative approach.
Designed for a national cohort, the QUT Executive MBA allows regional and interstate professionals to travel in for the weekend and return to work with minimal disruption, making it an ideal solution for those seeking a flexible delivery structure without sacrificing the valuable in-person study experience. Participants can engage face-to-face and connect with highly motivated, experienced professionals and senior leaders from across Australia.
For Angela, the Executive MBA fit seamlessly into her busy life. Traveling to Brisbane each month, the intensive weekend format allowed her to access a world-class learning experience without putting her career or family life on hold.
Now graduated and serving as Chief of Staff at Hewitt Foods, Angela looks back on the Executive MBA as one of the most rewarding investments in her professional development.
“Studying an Executive MBA while working and raising a family wasn't easy, but it was absolutely worth it,” Angela said.
“You learn to be deliberate with your time and give yourself some grace along the way,” she said.
The power of a cohort: learning from experienced leaders
While the flexible delivery structure of QUT’s Executive MBA was a key reason Kate and Angela chose the program, both also praised the program's focus on experienced executives, noting that the cohorts became a valuable support network.
“The cohort model is key to the Executive MBA experience,” said Kate.
“It’s like coming into your own Board of Advisors.
“You gain exposure to different industries and styles of thinking that perhaps you wouldn’t have been exposed to in the past.”
Angela agreed, adding, “Learning alongside people from different industries and backgrounds was one of my favourite parts of the Executive MBA.
“I absolutely adored meeting everybody and understanding what they did.
“I'm still close with a good handful of people from the program and, years later, I still call them.
“They become your own personal board of advisors.
“Just the other day, I called someone and said, 'This is your wheelhouse. This is happening in the business—can you give me some direction and advice on where I should look?'
“Having that network has been incredibly valuable,” she said.
Beyond the classroom, the Executive MBA gave both women a trusted network they continue to rely on today.
Achieve your goals with a flexible Executive MBA
Kate and Angela’s stories show that even the busiest professionals can achieve their professional development and leadership aspirations, no matter where they are located, with the right support and structure. Whether you’re managing a business, leading a team, caring for children or relatives, or navigating the challenges of a regional or remote lifestyle, QUT’s Executive MBA makes it possible to pursue executive education without compromising your personal or professional responsibilities.
With its flexible delivery mode, dynamic cohort environment, and targeted curriculum, the QUT Executive MBA equips executives with the leadership skills, global networks, and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.
Ready to take the next step?
Discover how the QUT Executive MBA could transform your leadership journey. Find out more about QUT’s Executive MBA.