In conversation with Moja: leadership in entrepreneurial business
Newcastle University Business School sat down with alum Rachael Cook to chat about her experience of our part time programmes for senior leaders and how this shaped her leadership style.
11 April 2025
Newcastle University Business School part-time programmes for senior leaders are designed to support organisations and their people to lead in a fast-changing world and enhance business performance. These flexible, part-time programmes focus on real-world challenges, fostering responsible leadership and innovation.
Learners come from a diverse range of roles and sectors. They gain new knowledge, skills, and behaviours which support their personal growth and advance their organisations.
We discussed the benefits of these programmes with Sophie Milliken, CEO of Moja, and Rachael Cook, Newcastle University Business School alum and Moja COO.
Can you tell us a bit about Moja?
Sophie: We work with entrepreneurs and senior executives to increase their visibility and improve their reputation in their industry. Whether that's through speaking engagements, award recognition, media and press coverage or hosting their own podcast.
What is your leadership role in Moja?
Rachael: As the COO, I oversee the operational side of the business, ensuring it aligns with our strategic objectives to drive growth. I lead the team and ensure we consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Why did you sign up for the Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship and complete the MSc Strategic Leadership?
Rachael: I wanted to enhance my leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of leadership theory to support both my personal growth and my team's development. Completing the Level 7 Senior Leadership Apprenticeship gave me the knowledge and tools to implement meaningful changes directly in the workplace.
Having never been to university before, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and grow in my role.
Everyone thought I was mad; it's not something you tend to take on in your forties. It did involve making sacrifices and overcoming a few challenges along the way, but the experience, opportunities, and connections I gained during my apprenticeship were worth it.
How has the programme developed you as a leader?
Rachael: I struggled with imposter syndrome. The opportunity to explore and apply different leadership perspectives in the workplace cemented my leadership experience and has given me the confidence to fully own it. I now approach decision-making more thoughtfully and take a more strategic perspective.
What has been the most significant benefit for Moja?
Sophie: Rachael's final project explored the connection between a people resource strategy, start-up growth performance, and business exit. This was pivotal in shaping Moja's people strategy. The insights and best practices from her research have been incorporated into our recruitment processes, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting future growth with a clear plan for how each role aligns with the broader organisational goals.
What does the future hold for you and your leadership?
Rachael: With a strong team now in place to support our operational goals, my focus is on nurturing their growth and empowering them to take on more responsibilities. This will allow me to dedicate more time to business development and increase my visibility to support the transition to Managing Director when the time comes.
What would your advice be for another business considering the Level 7 Apprenticeship and or the MSc Strategic Leadership?
Sophie: I'm an advocate of both lifelong learning and supporting colleagues who want to develop themselves. This programme stretches individuals in a positive and supportive way and provides lots to take back into the business.
Rachael: Don't let a non-academic background stop you. Balancing work, university, and home takes a lot of effort and is challenging but worth it! Plan and think about how you can link your assignments directly to the workplace so you're demonstrating the knowledge you've gained while positively impacting your organisation.
