In conversation with MBA course director, Dr Paul Harrison, Kali talks about her MBA experience and the ways her learning supported her work as she progressed to more senior roles.
When it comes to pursuing an MBA, especially online, the experience is often what you make of it. Building networks, achieving balance, and finding those “aha” moments don’t just happen on their own; they require a proactive approach. Deakin MBA graduate Kali Harris is an excellent example of how taking responsibility for your learning and being intentional about connections can turn a virtual experience into one that’s deeply enriching and transformative.
Working remotely while balancing her role at the Queensland Ballet, Kali took the initiative to make her online MBA journey more than just a series of assignments and lectures. I spoke with Kali about how she took charge of her learning experience, proactively built connections, and found ways to balance her studies with her professional responsibilities, along with the unexpected insights and growth she discovered along the way. In early 2025, Kali left the Queensland Ballet after eight years and joined the Queensland Government as a Senior Project Officer in the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
Paul Harrison: It’s great to see you, Kali. How are you?
Kali: I’m really good. Thank you. How are you?
Paul: Good. How are things now that you’ve graduated?
Kali: Same, but different, you know. But I’m very happy to have reached that point. It was such an amazing experience.
Paul: That’s great to hear. Tell me why it was an amazing experience. I’m curious.
Kali: Many reasons, but for me, it was the quality of the degree and the experience of online learning. I was hesitant at first, thinking, “How am I going to balance this with work? How will it work online?” because I’d previously studied in person. But it was exceptional. The layout was very clear, and I knew what to expect for each class, even though each lecturer or unit chair had slightly different ways of setting things out. I think the content was exceptional, and the way it was provided was impressive. Plus, I got to meet incredible professionals, see what they’re doing, and learn from them. The guest lecturers, the unit chairs, and the content were outstanding, and having a network of these exceptional people was invaluable.
Paul: How did you overcome the ‘screen distance’ in terms of networking?
Kali: For every unit, I found a study group. I connected with people on WhatsApp or whatever method was used. We tried to have a face-to-face connection once a week, which really helped outside of the lectures, just to have that touchpoint and to bounce ideas. Studying online allows you to fit it into your schedule without travel time. So, finding those touchpoints outside of lecture times was really helpful.
Paul: It sounds like you were really motivated.
Kali: I was.
Paul: And did you find other students who were equally motivated?
Kali: Definitely. That’s the beauty of finding study groups; you gravitate toward people who are geared toward getting the most out of it. Part of the reason I chose Deakin was its reputation. I looked at other programmes with fast-track options, but I wanted the full content for each unit because I wanted to learn. Through the degree, I found other like-minded people, which was really positive.
Paul: You’re based in Queensland at the Queensland Ballet. Why didn’t you choose a Queensland university?
Kali: I considered it, but despite the chance to meet people face-to-face, I found Deakin’s structure more convenient. My hours can shift, and Deakin’s format let me fit the degree around work and life. Also, Deakin’s reputation and feedback from people who had studied there, even if not the MBA, influenced my decision.
Paul: How did the Deakin MBA help you grow professionally and personally?
Kali: They’re connected. Personally, I was on the younger side; I was 25 when I started. It was a big growth journey in terms of self-belief and confidence in my abilities, improving them with best practices and current knowledge. Professionally, having a network of professionals to work alongside was invaluable. Initially, I was hesitant if it would be relevant to me as a nonprofit arts worker, but the case studies and assignments were directly applicable. The degree bolstered my knowledge and provided clear frameworks, structures, and theories that I could apply daily.
Paul: It’s interesting because you defined it down to nonprofit arts, but it could be refined even further. Often, we think our field is unique, but it’s nice that you were able to borrow ideas from other sectors. You mentioned being one of the younger members of the cohort. Did you feel like you didn’t fit in, or did you feel welcomed?
Kali: I felt very welcomed. Initially, I was a bit nervous, joining people who had done incredible things in their careers while I was just starting mine, but my ideas were always welcome. It was a great opportunity at this point in my life, and it’s given me so much.
Paul: This information is really useful for me as the MBA Director. When I see someone who’s 25, my concern is always, ‘Will they feel welcome? Will they feel they can participate in conversations with someone who has 20 years more experience?’ You’re a great example of embracing it and knowing you had something to bring. Can you share a specific moment during or after your MBA that shifted your perspective?
Kali: There were many moments. I stepped into an acting Head of Operations role, taking on higher duties, and around the same time, I used the Executive Ready program for some recognition of prior learning, so I was doing that alongside MBA units. What surprised me was that the challenges I faced at work were directly supported by both the Executive Ready programme and my MBA units. It felt cyclical, where each new unit would support what I was doing at work.
Paul: It sounds like it was a series of ‘aha’ moments.
Kali: Yes, exactly. At times, I did two units while working full-time, and even if they were different, there were synergies I could apply to my day-to-day.
Paul: What were some of the most valuable skills you developed at Deakin, and how do you apply them in your current role?
Kali: Broad thinking and challenging things respectfully stood out, ‘Is this really the best way to go about it?’ That approach came up in the marketing and consumer behaviour unit. Also, the rigorous frameworks around business processes, such as writing business cases, were invaluable. You understand what’s needed, but you need communication skills to convey that clearly to others and demonstrate the business need.
Paul: That’s great. You only did the online programme, right? Were you aware of the other elements, the residentials and study tours? Why didn’t you do them?
Kali: I almost did an intensive, but it didn’t fit with the Acting role, and I couldn’t take a week off. I did complete two micro-credentials, which gave me the right skills at the right time. I regret not attending an intensive or residential; I’ve heard amazing things, but it wasn’t possible at the time.
Paul: The good news is, you might be able to come back as an alum. We’re looking at options for students who want to up their skills or come along as mentors, especially for study tours.
Kali: That’s very cool.
Paul: How did the diversity of the student cohort influence your experience?
Kali: In the study groups, some were close to me in age, while others had different lives and careers. The ideas that came from that diversity were invaluable. Everyone’s ideas were welcome, and the breadth of perspectives was enriching. It was interesting to see that despite different careers, we all faced similar work challenges, just in different shapes and sizes. Working with a diverse cohort provides unique ideas and moments when someone says something that you’d never have thought of.
Paul: That’s the beauty of the generalised nature of an MBA. Looking back, what advice would you give to someone starting their Deakin MBA journey?
Kali: Open your mind. Be ready to work very hard, but you’ll be rewarded for it.
Paul: That is music to my ears… What are some hobbies or passions outside of work that help you stay balanced?
Kali: My dogs—I joke that my miniature schnauzer-poodle should be an honorary MBA because he studied with me the whole time. Taking breaks outside in nature helped me balance while studying.
Paul: I can imagine it gets overwhelming. On a practical level, what tricks did you use to maintain balance?
Kali: Planning is key. There will be intense times, whether because of work or study demands, so planning in advance is essential. Listen when unit chairs or lecturers advise on what should be done by certain points; they’re looking out for your stress levels later. Also, stepping away from the screen sometimes lets you have those revelations about what to write, which happened to me a lot.
Paul: It’s amazing. It’s as if the research on this is true! Many people think if they just sit and stare at the screen, ideas will come, but often, the best ideas come when you step away. How do you define success in your personal life, and has that definition evolved?
Kali: This was important for me when I started the degree. Success, especially while studying, was about balance. I needed to be challenged and in a growth mindset, but I also needed to balance that with things that recharge me. It was about finding a good balance between fast-paced learning and time for things that make me happy, like friends, family, and time in nature.
Paul: Just to confirm, you used to be a dancer, right?
Kali: Yes, a long time ago.
Paul: I’m curious about your transition from being a performer. How did you go from that to where you are now?
Kali: Yes, I studied dance as my undergrad. Unfortunately, I had severe injuries, which made me reflect on what I wanted. I wanted to stay involved in the arts meaningfully, but I realised performing wasn’t going to be it. I did a 180 and thought, ‘I love discipline, planning, and some of the skills you get in the studio; how do I use them differently?’ That unknowingly set me on the path to the MBA, as I wanted to refine my skill set and have strong frameworks and knowledge for best practice.
Paul: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
Kali: Japan. I feel like I haven’t travelled enough, and Japan has an amazing cultural background. I’d love to learn more and immerse myself in it.
Paul: How long would you go for?
Kali: I’d like three weeks, though that might not happen. It’s got nature and culture; it ticks all the boxes.
Paul: Have you been before?
Kali: Not yet. It’s on the list.
Paul: What is a personal or professional accomplishment you’re most proud of, and how did it shape who you are today?
Kali: Can I say the MBA?
Paul: Of course.
Kali: Also, I think it’s taking on higher duties while studying. I wondered how it would work, knowing it would be a lot of hours and extra effort, but I’m proud of that achievement. Studying actually helped support the role.
Paul: You didn’t feel it was overwhelming?
Kali: There were moments, but overall, yes, it helped.
Paul: Well, thank you. I’ll let you get back to work. It’s lovely to see you again. If I’m up in Brisbane, I’ll pop in and say hi.
Kali: Please do.
Paul: Great to see you.
Kali: Thanks, Paul.
Kali Harris
Kali Harris is an experienced Arts Manager and Deakin MBA graduate, specialising in strategy development and project management. With over eight years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, she worked as the Academy Manager at Queensland Ballet and performed in the role of Acting Head of Academy Operations. In early 2025, she joined the Queensland Government’s Building and Construction Commission as Senior Project Officer. Dedicated to organisational efficiency and fostering sustainable practices, her strengths lie in strategic planning, analytical problem-solving, and emotionally intelligent leadership. An advocate for continuous learning and professional growth, Kali is always exploring innovative approaches to drive improvement and encourage future focused decision making.