Before pursuing my MBA, I was already working full-time within the transport sector. This hands-on experience became the foundation upon which we built TST Group in 2012. My brother had always dreamed of owning a transport company, and together we took a bold step forward launching the business with a single truck. Those early days were demanding yet rewarding. We had to learn everything from compliance and safety regulations to customer acquisition and fleet management. These formative experiences taught me resilience, problem-solving, and the importance of customer relationships.

During this period, I earned my professional qualifications as a Transport Manager, which equipped me with the technical expertise needed to oversee compliance, a vital responsibility in an industry heavily governed by regulatory frameworks. However, while I gained operational proficiency, I came to realise that scaling a business required a broader set of skills particularly in strategic planning, financial analysis, and leadership.

As TST Group began to grow, I recognised that if we were to expand successfully, I needed to evolve as a business leader. This realisation led me to pursue an MBA at Queen’s University Belfast. Balancing a growing business with postgraduate study wasn’t easy, but the opportunity to gain formal business education was too important to pass up.

The MBA programme offered me the tools to complement my industry experience with academic and strategic insight. I was particularly keen to develop in areas such as financial management, leadership development, and long-term strategic planning, all crucial to sustaining and growing a family business.

The MBA proved transformational in several areas:
Strategic Thinking: I learned to shift from reactive decision-making to proactive, structured planning. This mindset change supported our expansion from a single-truck operation to a multi-depot business employing over 400 people across the UK and Ireland.

Financial Acumen: The financial modules helped me understand key business metrics, enabling better decisions regarding investment, cash flow, and long-term sustainability.

Leadership Development: I gained a deeper understanding of leadership theory, organisational behaviour, and how to lead through growth without losing the essence of our family-run culture.

Networking and Industry Influence: I connected with professionals across various industries, which broadened my perspective and led to further involvement with Logistics UK, where I now serve as Chair of the Freight Council in NI.

Since completing the MBA, I’ve received industry recognition including Transport Manager of the Year and Young Business Personality of the Year. Our family business was also a finalist in the IoD NI Family Business of the Year, reflecting our balance of tradition and innovation.

Today, as Managing Director of TST Group, I continue to apply MBA principles daily. Whether addressing regulatory changes, planning future growth, or tackling sustainability challenges, the MBA equipped me with the confidence, skills, and vision to lead with impact.

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