Tyler O’Connell is IT Team Leader
and Cybersecurity Analyst at KU.
He has been recognised as a highpotential
employee due to his
commitment to the organisation
and its values. Tyler was one of 16
managers who participated in the
inaugural KU AIM Mini MBA.
What value did you get out of the KU AIM Mini MBA?
The course was a great opportunity to interact with a diverse group of managers from different departments within KU, which gave me an even better operational understanding of our organisation. It was fascinating to observe the unique skill sets each professional brought to the table. Engaging in direct, open and honest communication with the other department managers was very motivating and helpful in building better relationships.
What were the key highlights of the course?
One concept that particularly resonated with me was the importance of keeping an open mind. This was introduced on the first day of the program, and I immediately noticed a positive change in how everyone engaged with the material and interacted with each other.
The course covers a broad range of topics that are applicable directly and indirectly to most roles. I think it is important to know the basics of all types of business processes as it helps you know the right questions to ask when problem solving.
We also received practical advice on achieving work-life balance, which can be especially useful in the context of remote work or work from home.
Now you’ve completed the course what will you do differently?
One of the things I have tried to do is change my approach to solving complex problems. I make sure to offer all possible solutions to everyone involved and explain the reasoning behind each recommendation. This way, stakeholders can make informed decisions, and we can choose the best solution based on the specific context of the situation.