Jeanette Purcell,
Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs

Jeanette Purcell is the recently-appointed Chief Executive of The Association of MBAs, an independent accreditation body which assesses the quality of MBA programmes and provides a network for MBA students and graduates around the world.

Her responsibilities include the delivery of services and assessment to over 65,000 students worldwide and the accreditation of over 500 educational institutions.

Jeanette has gained extensive experience in further and higher education and joined AMBA from The Association of Accounting Technicians (ATT) where she played a key role in its growth and in establishing its reputation as an innovative and successful professional association. She is currently a visiting lecturer for City University's Cass Business School where she also achieved her MBA with distinction.

She is also an authority on competence-based approaches to learning and assessment and has published in this area.

What's the phrase that best sums up the philosophy of The Association of MBAs?

Developmental - The Association of MBAs works with individuals and organisations in the MBA community to promote the MBA qualification and to ensure its continuing value and quality.

What has been the most significant change in The Association of MBAs in the last 5 years and what will be the biggest challenge in the next 5 years?

The most significant change in our organisation has been the growth of MBAs and the rapid changes in business. There is a need to maintain quality and to ensure continuing relevance in order to keep pace with change. The biggest challenge in the next 5 years will be to stay in touch with our market and remain responsive to change both in the UK and internationally.

How do you keep in touch with the grass roots of your organisation?

There is no substitute for face-to-face contact. I go to all of our events and ask people for their feedback. This helps them to feel involved and valued. Of course, in our diverse community opinions differ, so quantitative research and judgment are also important.

What other companies or organisations do you admire and why?

I admire my previous company - The Association of Accounting Technicians! It is an organisation which demonstrates its values through its activities. The AAT believes in encouraging creativity and risk-taking whilst ensuring that its procedures are transparent, enabling and capable of managing risk. You normally find that successful organisations are those which recognize how important it is to value and communicate with your people and your customers.

What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

As a bereavement counsellor I learnt how to listen and this training has stood me in good stead throughout my career. Much of my job is about understanding people, their beliefs and particular perspectives. You can only do this if you truly listen - sounds easy, but it is surprising how many people are incapable of doing it!

What was the best break of your career?

I happened to be in the right place at the right time when the old polytechnics gained independence from local authorities in 1989. I had just started work for the Committee of Directors of Polytechnics and was seconded to set up a new organisation to represent directors on employment and industrial relations issues. This experience forced me into a position where I had to take responsibility, make my own decisions and develop leadership skills - very quickly!

What is the best thing about arriving at work in the morning?

There are a diverse range of challenges and that's what makes the job exciting. The knowledge that the Association of MBAs has so much potential and that I can play a key role in helping to achieve this. We've also got a great team here and helping people to develop their own potential to the full is really rewarding.

How do you stress bust?

When I arrive home my young son quickly ensures that I switch into a different pace as I take on a new set of responsibilities. I do invest in staying balanced and particularly enjoy pilates and cycling.

Do you read business books? If so, what do you recommend?

I read numerous business books while completing my MBA and enjoyed many of them. One which I found myself referring to a lot was John Kay's 'Foundations of corporate success'. The author discusses how a successful organisation's distinction in its market is derived from a unique structure of relationships with employees, customers and suppliers.

The Association of MBAs,
25 Hosier Lane, London, EC1A 9LQ,
United Kingdom
Tel : +44 (0) 20 7246 2686
Fax : +44 (0) 20 7246 2687