Lucy Johnston

Lucy Johnston, Director and Founder of TCLH Academy, a remote hospitality company that services mining and resources sector, finished her MBA specialising in Finance. Nervous to start her journey, she most certainly realised that the rewards far exceeded her expectations. Not only did she successfully complete her MBA, but she discovered a new found confidence within herself and achieve remarkable success in the business she co-founded with her husband.

How did you feel about starting study?

I was very nervous. I left school to pursue a full-time career in banking so I never did a traditional university degree. I was able to get into the MBA program based on my work experience and recommendations which was really great. So obviously skipping the degree and going straight into an MBA was nerve wracking. But I’m so glad I did it.

How has it helped with your business?
Well, our business has doubled in size every year for the last six years. So, it’s we’re on a big growth trajectory with the business.We’re just going to keep going with our growth and the expansion, which is really exciting, but it’s just nice to do it feeling a lot more confident in myself and my own abilities in taking a company from sort of a small startup to you know, the size that it is now and keeps growing.

How does it feel to finish?
Pretty bizarre. I can’t believe it’s finished to be honest. I when I was in the thick of it all, I was so involved and it was so consuming in a good way. And now that it’s done, I’m kind of like ‘oh really? Have I really done an MBA?’ because it was just such a great journey. I can’t really believe that I’ve come out with this huge qualification. So, I feel very proud.

Any advice to others feeling nervous to start?

I would say just do it. For my career, it’s been the best decision I ever made, hands down.
I would not take it back for a second. Even the long days and nights of getting my assignments done and you know, through the difficult, stressful study periods, it’s so worth it. Just rip the band aid off and do it.

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