
Co-Founder and Director - Shared Living NZ
Co-Founder and Director - Shared Living NZ
Sep 19, 2022
Sep 19, 2022
Adapt & Improve Consulting
There's a lot of bang for buck, and the stimulation of the cohort with you leading it. Alicia's stuff resonates with me and is easy to understand and remember for putting into practice.
The sprints were energising and thought provoking, with the interaction of a cohort, and I didn't need to miss any work as I could do it before work from Perth. I'm thinking more about what the audience needs - the circle of influence - so in 1:1s with my manager I'm being more succinct and not overexplaining. With a team I am delivery lead of, I'm really letting go of the detail and trusting them to deliver, which they are.
Adapt & Improve Consulting
There's a lot of bang for buck, and the stimulation of the cohort with you leading it. Alicia's stuff resonates with me and is easy to understand and remember for putting into practice.
The sprints were energising and thought provoking, with the interaction of a cohort, and I didn't need to miss any work as I could do it before work from Perth. I'm thinking more about what the audience needs - the circle of influence - so in 1:1s with my manager I'm being more succinct and not overexplaining. With a team I am delivery lead of, I'm really letting go of the detail and trusting them to deliver, which they are.
Sep 7, 2026
Sep 7, 2026
Public Health Physician, National Public Health Service, Te Whatu Ora
The course has helped me to refocus, helped me give myself permission to rest and recharge, and given me some new frameworks to apply. I took a week's annual leave at short notice! I loved the group, enjoyed the breakouts, and appreciated the constructive and supportive environment you created. The sprints were succinct, practical, easy to pick up. I appreciated the scope of the course and its practicality, and I am always grateful for online options to learn - so much more time efficient.
Public Health Physician, National Public Health Service, Te Whatu Ora
The course has helped me to refocus, helped me give myself permission to rest and recharge, and given me some new frameworks to apply. I took a week's annual leave at short notice! I loved the group, enjoyed the breakouts, and appreciated the constructive and supportive environment you created. The sprints were succinct, practical, easy to pick up. I appreciated the scope of the course and its practicality, and I am always grateful for online options to learn - so much more time efficient.
Sep 7, 2026
Sep 7, 2026
Investment Strategist, Kāinga Ora
I chose Not An MBA for the length and time commitment, and the practical application of learnings incorporated in work. I liked the break out groups - good supportive people and good size groups. It has given me more clarity, identified some gaps in my behaviour, and given me more confidence in my leadership ability. I'm blaming the system, not the person. I'm not picking up others' work, as it doesn't allow others to grow. I'm aware of how I show up, and I've re-established some boundaries. The best thing about Not An MBA is the little nuggets of gold that will stick around in my mind for years to come. Really enjoyed the course.
Investment Strategist, Kāinga Ora
I chose Not An MBA for the length and time commitment, and the practical application of learnings incorporated in work. I liked the break out groups - good supportive people and good size groups. It has given me more clarity, identified some gaps in my behaviour, and given me more confidence in my leadership ability. I'm blaming the system, not the person. I'm not picking up others' work, as it doesn't allow others to grow. I'm aware of how I show up, and I've re-established some boundaries. The best thing about Not An MBA is the little nuggets of gold that will stick around in my mind for years to come. Really enjoyed the course.
Sep 8, 2026
Sep 8, 2026
I was after a cohort of smart leaders, an understanding of business context, and Alicia’s knowledge on public service. The sprints were excellent for creating a regular rhythm to be thinking about our learning, as well as providing direct engagement opportunities to share ideas.
The naMBA experience has given me new knowledge and frameworks to use that are different to what I had learned in the military. The navel gazing aspects invited me to look at myself and how I lead.
The circle of influence was also quite eye opening. I'm really thinking about the language that I use every day at home and at my part time work place to cultivate how I wish to be seen as a leader - my new work mates have reflected this back at me already.
The best thing about Not An MBA is the container designed and set up by Alicia to be authentic in our learning and engagement throughout. This has been an awesome learning experience. I thank Alicia for the energy and knowledge she brought to the course. It is truly inspiring to watch her in action as a teacher and writer.
I was after a cohort of smart leaders, an understanding of business context, and Alicia’s knowledge on public service. The sprints were excellent for creating a regular rhythm to be thinking about our learning, as well as providing direct engagement opportunities to share ideas.
The naMBA experience has given me new knowledge and frameworks to use that are different to what I had learned in the military. The navel gazing aspects invited me to look at myself and how I lead.
The circle of influence was also quite eye opening. I'm really thinking about the language that I use every day at home and at my part time work place to cultivate how I wish to be seen as a leader - my new work mates have reflected this back at me already.
The best thing about Not An MBA is the container designed and set up by Alicia to be authentic in our learning and engagement throughout. This has been an awesome learning experience. I thank Alicia for the energy and knowledge she brought to the course. It is truly inspiring to watch her in action as a teacher and writer.
Sep 8, 2026
Sep 8, 2026
Principal Planner Sustainability, City of Moreton Bay
I chose Not An MBA for the authenticity and realness. I was after clarity in my thinking around strategy and some tools to help the process, and to extend myself into learning about leadership in an organisational context.
I loved the perspective - a systems approach. The clarity from the online videos - cutting through to the underlying issues. I liked processing the concepts in breakout rooms with just a few people, and getting to know people's challenges and how they are approaching them.
Now, I feel more confident in my decision making, less stressed about making a mistake, I'm asking for constructive criticism of my work, and delegating more. Quite a lot really. My line manager said he can see a change in the way I interact in meetings - asking questions.
The best thing about Not An MBA is you and the participants - there was a lot of trust within the group, it made for real conversations. Alicia, thank you so much for putting your heart into this program. Everything from the music, to the pictures for each sprint, the presentations, humour and professional approach to this program was outstanding. I've learnt so much personally and professionally.
Principal Planner Sustainability, City of Moreton Bay
I chose Not An MBA for the authenticity and realness. I was after clarity in my thinking around strategy and some tools to help the process, and to extend myself into learning about leadership in an organisational context.
I loved the perspective - a systems approach. The clarity from the online videos - cutting through to the underlying issues. I liked processing the concepts in breakout rooms with just a few people, and getting to know people's challenges and how they are approaching them.
Now, I feel more confident in my decision making, less stressed about making a mistake, I'm asking for constructive criticism of my work, and delegating more. Quite a lot really. My line manager said he can see a change in the way I interact in meetings - asking questions.
The best thing about Not An MBA is you and the participants - there was a lot of trust within the group, it made for real conversations. Alicia, thank you so much for putting your heart into this program. Everything from the music, to the pictures for each sprint, the presentations, humour and professional approach to this program was outstanding. I've learnt so much personally and professionally.
Sep 9, 2026
Sep 9, 2026
Business Analysis Consultant
I chose Not An MBA for Alicia - the smart thinking and practicality. I was after a kick up the bum and a new perspective on work. The sprints were targeted, with very clear intent and content.
The best thing about Not An MBA is the safe and energising space for the participants - it is significant and is what makes the difference. I feel a bit more ready to say No, and to say Yes with intent, and to contemplate a few more challenges.
Business Analysis Consultant
I chose Not An MBA for Alicia - the smart thinking and practicality. I was after a kick up the bum and a new perspective on work. The sprints were targeted, with very clear intent and content.
The best thing about Not An MBA is the safe and energising space for the participants - it is significant and is what makes the difference. I feel a bit more ready to say No, and to say Yes with intent, and to contemplate a few more challenges.
Sep 10, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
Senior Hydrogeologist, Lincoln Agritech
Not An MBA was something I'd had my eye on doing for several years. I wanted a better understanding of what strategy actually was and how to implement it, having been in different organisations who talked about “strategy” except there was no actual strategy. I was also keen to learn how to improve my leadership skills.
There was a good combination of learning material and discussion, and each week was different. It has given me more insight into leadership, what is needed, how to be more effective, and how leadership changes with level of seniority.
I'm now working out what is wrong with a system and trying interventions, accepting that although most problems are due to the system and not personal, people act with positive intent. The best thing was meeting some great and inspirational people from diverse backgrounds, Alicia, and expanding our thinking.
Senior Hydrogeologist, Lincoln Agritech
Not An MBA was something I'd had my eye on doing for several years. I wanted a better understanding of what strategy actually was and how to implement it, having been in different organisations who talked about “strategy” except there was no actual strategy. I was also keen to learn how to improve my leadership skills.
There was a good combination of learning material and discussion, and each week was different. It has given me more insight into leadership, what is needed, how to be more effective, and how leadership changes with level of seniority.
I'm now working out what is wrong with a system and trying interventions, accepting that although most problems are due to the system and not personal, people act with positive intent. The best thing was meeting some great and inspirational people from diverse backgrounds, Alicia, and expanding our thinking.
Sep 10, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
Chief Technology Officer, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
I was after some practical examples of how to improve things to get out of a professional funk. I chose Not An MBA for the real talk and the deep expertise that Alicia demonstrated in her posts and writing.
The sprints were concise and there were significant takeaways each week. Mid course it gave me the tools and courage to have an open conversation and reset an important relationship, which has improved significantly since I did this. That great lesson about the system versus the person reset all of this stuff for me.
In terms of how I have benefited from it in the short term, I would call it life changing. I've also stepped back and realised that I am not responsible for solving every issue I see at the business - it is enough to raise them and then let others make the call on the outcomes.
I can't say enough about Alicia as a facilitator and just an all around good egg. It is great having these complex concepts delivered in such a clear way with a lot of humour and deep knowledge of the subject matter. Pretty inspiring from my point of view. It was choice, kia ora!
Chief Technology Officer, Beef + Lamb New Zealand
I was after some practical examples of how to improve things to get out of a professional funk. I chose Not An MBA for the real talk and the deep expertise that Alicia demonstrated in her posts and writing.
The sprints were concise and there were significant takeaways each week. Mid course it gave me the tools and courage to have an open conversation and reset an important relationship, which has improved significantly since I did this. That great lesson about the system versus the person reset all of this stuff for me.
In terms of how I have benefited from it in the short term, I would call it life changing. I've also stepped back and realised that I am not responsible for solving every issue I see at the business - it is enough to raise them and then let others make the call on the outcomes.
I can't say enough about Alicia as a facilitator and just an all around good egg. It is great having these complex concepts delivered in such a clear way with a lot of humour and deep knowledge of the subject matter. Pretty inspiring from my point of view. It was choice, kia ora!
Sep 10, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
Operations Manager, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini
Operations Manager, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini
Aug 7, 2023
Aug 7, 2023
Delivery Lead, Transformation, National Public Health Service
Delivery Lead, Transformation, National Public Health Service
Aug 14, 2023
Aug 14, 2023
Transformation Manager, Pernod Ricard Winemakers
Transformation Manager, Pernod Ricard Winemakers
Apr 24, 2023
Apr 24, 2023
Strategic Communications Principal Adviser at Christchurch City Council
Strategic Communications Principal Adviser at Christchurch City Council
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Back Gully Ltd
Back Gully Ltd
Apr 26, 2023
Apr 26, 2023
Pou Kaiwhakahaere Matua; GM Māori and Population Health: Tū Ora Compass Health
Pou Kaiwhakahaere Matua; GM Māori and Population Health: Tū Ora Compass Health
Aug 13, 2023
Aug 13, 2023
Aug 21, 2023
Aug 21, 2023
Head of Operations, Redvespa Consultants
I wanted to think more strategically and learn more about systems thinking and chose Not An MBA for Alicia McKay's style, thoughts, models, and the content of the course.
The learning sprints were interactive, putting into practice what we'd learnt and sharing with other super smart humans - Alicia is the best facilitator.
Systems thinking has me asking more questions rather than trying to solve immediately, prioritising better, supporting our strategy better and trying to incorporate more 'how'.
I challenged the leadership team on our strategic theme of Collective Whānau after one of our learning sprints, and I've looked at our strategy and helped the leadership team reprioritise our projects.
I'm really appreciative of the opportunity and thank you for the best learning and development I've done on leadership ever!
Head of Operations, Redvespa Consultants
I wanted to think more strategically and learn more about systems thinking and chose Not An MBA for Alicia McKay's style, thoughts, models, and the content of the course.
The learning sprints were interactive, putting into practice what we'd learnt and sharing with other super smart humans - Alicia is the best facilitator.
Systems thinking has me asking more questions rather than trying to solve immediately, prioritising better, supporting our strategy better and trying to incorporate more 'how'.
I challenged the leadership team on our strategic theme of Collective Whānau after one of our learning sprints, and I've looked at our strategy and helped the leadership team reprioritise our projects.
I'm really appreciative of the opportunity and thank you for the best learning and development I've done on leadership ever!
Sep 10, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
Manager, Library Service Operations, Geelong Regional Libraries
Manager, Library Service Operations, Geelong Regional Libraries
Sep 12, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Yarra Valley Water
Right price, right time, right size. When I read through the spiel about naMBA, it really resonated. I was after a reset and refresh of my approach to leadership, and new tools and frameworks to apply to my work. The weekly sprints were fun, well paced and engaging, and I liked learning from others. I now have a greater awareness of my role as a leader, and I'm better equipped to navigate uncertainty in a resilient, sustainable way. I've set boundaries around some challenging interpersonal relationships, and I'm using decision-making frameworks to prioritise.
Yarra Valley Water
Right price, right time, right size. When I read through the spiel about naMBA, it really resonated. I was after a reset and refresh of my approach to leadership, and new tools and frameworks to apply to my work. The weekly sprints were fun, well paced and engaging, and I liked learning from others. I now have a greater awareness of my role as a leader, and I'm better equipped to navigate uncertainty in a resilient, sustainable way. I've set boundaries around some challenging interpersonal relationships, and I'm using decision-making frameworks to prioritise.
Sep 12, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Senior Project Manager, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network
Senior Project Manager, Pinnacle Midlands Health Network
Sep 12, 2026
Sep 12, 2026
Roy Hill
Roy Hill
Aug 6, 2024
Aug 6, 2024
Agility Lead
Agility Lead
Jan 13, 2024
Jan 13, 2024
42IT Ltd
42IT Ltd
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 5, 2023
Dec 5, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
Dec 10, 2023
Helping senior leaders & software teams to understand how to keep it simple, focus on the right things at the right time by developing a mindset of continuous value delivery and high performance. Helping senior leaders & software teams to understand how to keep it simple, focus on the right things at the right time by developing a mindset of continuous value delivery and high performance.

Helping senior leaders & software teams to understand how to keep it simple, focus on the right things at the right time by developing a mindset of continuous value delivery and high performance. Helping senior leaders & software teams to understand how to keep it simple, focus on the right things at the right time by developing a mindset of continuous value delivery and high performance.

Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Dec 8, 2023
Dec 8, 2023
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Sep 19, 2023
Sep 19, 2023
Mar 16, 2023
Mar 16, 2023
Mar 16, 2023
Business Alignment & Strategy at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Insightful, Inspiring, Though-provoking, Engaging - my favourite one so far!
Business Alignment & Strategy at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Insightful, Inspiring, Though-provoking, Engaging - my favourite one so far!
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Manager at Te Whatu Ora Health
Energy, Variety of interaction approaches, Ted-Talk, mix of group and break out sessions.
Manager at Te Whatu Ora Health
Energy, Variety of interaction approaches, Ted-Talk, mix of group and break out sessions.
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Head of Enterprise Improvement at Tainui Group Holdings Limited
The vibe, the great ideas flying around the arena, the way the environment catered to all types of people - ambiverts, extroverts, introverts and everyone in between!
Head of Enterprise Improvement at Tainui Group Holdings Limited
The vibe, the great ideas flying around the arena, the way the environment catered to all types of people - ambiverts, extroverts, introverts and everyone in between!
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Operations Manager at Haines Attract
I LOVED the debates - It was great to see passion come out of people on some topics and I enjoyed being questioned and challenged.
Operations Manager at Haines Attract
I LOVED the debates - It was great to see passion come out of people on some topics and I enjoyed being questioned and challenged.
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Digital Analytics & Optimisation Manager at Countdown
I really enjoyed Alicia's enthusiasm, the activities that we did and the metaphors that she used.
Digital Analytics & Optimisation Manager at Countdown
I really enjoyed Alicia's enthusiasm, the activities that we did and the metaphors that she used.
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Chapter Lead Strategic Insights at Countdown
Honest conversations. Great course to take to open up your mind to different perspectives.
Chapter Lead Strategic Insights at Countdown
Honest conversations. Great course to take to open up your mind to different perspectives.
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Chapter Lead Strategic Insights at Countdown
Alicia has a real talent to engage with the audience.
Chapter Lead Strategic Insights at Countdown
Alicia has a real talent to engage with the audience.
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Tribe Lead at Countdown
Alicia was great she was very personable, pragmatic, honest and real.
Tribe Lead at Countdown
Alicia was great she was very personable, pragmatic, honest and real.
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Tribe Lead at Countdown
Tribe Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Digital Fulfillment Specialist at Countdown
Digital Fulfillment Specialist at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Store Manager at Countdown
Store Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Marketing Manager & PO at Countdown
Marketing Manager & PO at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Customer Lifecycle Manager at Countdown
Customer Lifecycle Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Renewal Development Manager at Countdown
Renewal Development Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Content Chapter Lead at Countdown
Content Chapter Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Content Chapter Lead at Countdown
Content Chapter Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Assistant Marketing Manager at Countdown
Assistant Marketing Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Senior Business Analyst at Countdown
Senior Business Analyst at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Product Manager at Countdown
Product Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Chapter Lead Digital Trading at Countdown
Chapter Lead Digital Trading at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Brand Planning and Media Chapter Lead at Countdown
Brand Planning and Media Chapter Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Assistant Marketing Manager at Countdown
Assistant Marketing Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Senior Client Partnership Manager at Countdown
Senior Client Partnership Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Business Analyst at Countdown
Business Analyst at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Strategic Analytics at Countdown
Strategic Analytics at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Product Owner (Supply Chain & Logistics) at Countdown
Product Owner (Supply Chain & Logistics) at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Merchandise Manager at Countdown
Merchandise Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Operations Manager at Countdown
Operations Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Operations Manager at Countdown
Operations Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Business Analyst at Countdown
Business Analyst at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Analytics Lead at Countdown
Analytics Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Content Manager/ Product Owner at Countdown
Content Manager/ Product Owner at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Senior Client Partnership Manager at Countdown
Senior Client Partnership Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
New Ventures Manager at Countdown
New Ventures Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Master Data Manager at Countdown
Master Data Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Logistics Specialist at Countdown
Logistics Specialist at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Delivery Lead at Countdown
Delivery Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Content Manager | Product Owner at Countdown
Content Manager | Product Owner at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Senior Test Engineer at Countdown
Senior Test Engineer at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Group Client Partnerships Manager at Countdown
Group Client Partnerships Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Agile Team Facilitator at Countdown
Agile Team Facilitator at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Digital BA & ATF at Countdown
Digital BA & ATF at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Chapter Lead at Countdown
Chapter Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Assistant Marketing Manager at Countdown
Assistant Marketing Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Partnerships Manager at Countdown
Partnerships Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Senior User Experience Designer at Countdown
Senior User Experience Designer at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Content Manager - Direct Communications at Countdown
Content Manager - Direct Communications at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Chapter Lead at Countdown
Chapter Lead at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Senior Marketing Manager at Countdown
Senior Marketing Manager at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Workforce Planner at Countdown
Workforce Planner at Countdown
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Strategic Communications Principal Adviser at Christchurch City Council
Strategic Communications Principal Adviser at Christchurch City Council
Jan 14, 2023
Jan 14, 2023
Strategic Advisor, Strategy Group, Toka Tū Ake EQC
Strategic Advisor, Strategy Group, Toka Tū Ake EQC
Dec 5, 2022
Dec 5, 2022
Director, The Switch Agency
Director, The Switch Agency
Dec 4, 2022
Dec 4, 2022
Data Strategy Lead at Callaghan Innovation
Data Strategy Lead at Callaghan Innovation
Nov 29, 2022
Nov 29, 2022
Global Marketing Manager at Wyma Solutions
Global Marketing Manager at Wyma Solutions
Sep 20, 2022
Sep 20, 2022
Dec 9, 2021
Dec 7, 2021
Dec 7, 2021
Apr 4, 2022
Apr 4, 2022
Apr 4, 2022
Apr 4, 2022
Apr 6, 2022
Apr 6, 2022
Oct 19, 2021