Being naturally introverted can be a hurdle in business, but Drew Dale has refused to let it hold him back.
The Moreton Bay-based First Nations (Dhungutti) businessman not only owns a successful supply chain company, but on Thursday 2 October, he graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Master of Business Administration.
“No one can aspire to achieve greatness if they don’t push beyond their own self-imposed limits or fears, and UniSC is really good at supporting and encouraging that.”
This self-belief wasn’t always the case. Drew worked in supply chain operations for 40 years prior, but said “imposter syndrome” had always held him back from stepping into leadership.
The MBA program helped change that and inspired him launch his own company.
“I already had the idea, but when I did the innovation subject, the entire concept for this business suddenly emerged and it was illuminated by the real-world context that we were studying,” Mr Dale said.
By the end of the program, he knew that he was in control of his destiny, not a teacher or a boss. Himself.
“Coming into the program, I had that mindset where I’m naturally introverted so not the one asking the difficult questions.
“But the UniSC environment encouraged me to move past that, without question.
“No one can aspire to achieve greatness if they don’t push beyond their own self-imposed limits or fears, and UniSC is really good at supporting and encouraging that.”
Now he helps other businesses integrate new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things or big data to streamline operations and remain profitable. He’s also helping Indigenous businesses streamline operations and remain profitable.
“By understanding the research and the best practice, you know what works and what doesn’t - and you can apply it,” Mr Dale said.
His consultancy is in high demand, hitting 12-month revenue targets in eight months.
He says removing fear around new technologies is vital for business success.
“It used to be that you could build a good career without having any tertiary qualifications because the technology wasn’t changing as quickly as it is today. But now it’s changing on an hourly basis, so you need to be on top of it,” he said.
As well as running his consultancy, Mr Dale is juggling new opportunities in academia and considering a PhD at UniSC.
I can honestly say in every instance I was able to make a real connection with every single one of my lecturers. I was treated as a peer responsible for my own education, and it felt very collaborative.
“My entire experience at UniSC has been nothing but positive,” Mr Dale said.
“I can honestly say in every instance I was able to make a real connection with every single one of my lecturers. I was treated as a peer responsible for my own education, and it felt very collaborative.
“The cohort was emerging leaders, a lot younger than me, and it was wonderful to engage with them and see the world from a different perspective. That’s one of the benefits of a postgraduate education.”
Drew Dale outlined his experience further at the Postgraduate Business Masterclass webinar on Thursday 25 September at 5pm.
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