Celebrating a Milestone: Graduating from SETU with a Master’s of Business in Executive Leadership

Reflecting on this journey, I’m grateful for the incredible insights gained through subjects delivered under the 4 pillars of Influence, Engage, Coach and Transform like Advanced strategic management, Sustainable Supply Chains, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Executive Coaching, Global Leadership and Ethics in business, Entrepreneurship & Business Modelling and Sustainable Design Innovation. These modules delivered by passionate (and patient!) lecturers sparked a passion for lifelong learning, deepened my self-awareness, and increased my confidence to take on leadership roles and opportunities I once hesitated to embrace.

I learned to view challenges through a growth mindset, developing a curiosity about how I can create a bigger impact for my clients and my community in Wexford and beyond. The experience has been extremely fulfilling.

Lifelong Learning: An Ongoing Journey

Since leaving my corporate role and senior leadership position in Bank of New York in 2021, I have invested deeply in personal and professional development. From earning a Level 8 qualification in Conduct Risk, Culture & Risk Management from the Institute of Banking (IOB) to completing a Higher Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Irish Management Institute (IMI), and now, this Master’s degree from SETU, each educational step has fuelled my passion for learning and leadership.

At the start of this journey, I established my coaching, training and consultancy business, which has been a platform to help others grow and thrive especially in areas of Emotional Intelligence and Sustainable leadership development. Additionally, I took on the role of President of the Rotary Club of Wexford, where I led both existing and new local and international projects. These experiences have enriched my leadership skills and provided opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the community and put into practice my diverse experience and education skills gained.

A World of Opportunity: Adapting to a Digitally Driven Era

We live in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and digital advancements. Education and the ability to connect—both online and in person—are critical to stay ahead and achieving success. The skills I’ve acquired have highlighted the importance of emotional intelligence capital, and I am excited to continue developing these crucial capabilities.

My advice to anyone contemplating their own investment in lifelong learning is simple: Take the leap!

If you’re hesitating, unsure whether you are capable of achieving your dreams, I promise you that your potential is often far greater than you imagine. When I first heard about this Master’s program at a Network Ireland Wexford event in AIB Wexford in August 2022 , I never imagined I’d be here today. Yet, that spark lit a fire in a number of women that night who proved that through inclusive design, determination, and mutual peer support, anything is possible.

What’s Next?

For now, I’m ready to shift my focus to my family and grow my business, Natasha Hughes Coaching and Consultancy. I hope to inspire my three young daughters by showing them that age is never a barrier to education and that the paths to success are rarely linear. By investing in yourself and leaning into the support of those around you, anything is possible. It’s about having the courage to take that first step and knowing that your dreams are within reach with the right mindset and perseverance I’m optimistic about the future, proud of what I’ve accomplished, and forever grateful for the experiences and people who have supported me. Education is indeed the gift that keeps on giving, and I am eager to apply my learnings to create greater impact and positive change through Sustainable leadership coaching, training and consulting.

Thank you for being part of my journey. If you’ve been inspired to explore your own learning path or want to connect, I’d love to hear from you. Here’s to embracing opportunities and supporting each other in achieving our dreams!

As Nelson Mandaela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”