Digital Magazine A Journey of Unexpected Beginnings: From Yorkshire to Amsterdam Kathleen Cotterill-Strange’s path to becoming a prominent educational leader is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Growing up in a small Yorkshire town, Kathleen’s early experiences with education were marked by a sense of apathy and disinterest. Her disconnection from academics was a source of frustration for her mother, a dedicated teacher who had once taught her during the 1980s—a practice not commonly seen today but one that reflects Kathleen’s early challenges with the traditional educational system. Despite her early disinterest, Kathleen’s story took a significant turn when she moved to Berlin at the age of 21. Leaving behind her small-town roots, she embarked on a five-year journey through the hospitality industry, which allowed her to travel the world and experience diverse cultures. This period of exploration was instrumental in shaping her perspective on education and personal growth. Kathleen’s move to Amsterdam in 2000 was a pivotal moment in her career. Initially planning to stay for just six months, she was introduced to the world of education through a chance referral to Laureate Online Education. It was here that Kathleen’s career began to take shape, as she started in international student recruitment, speaking directly with Masters programme applicants. This role ignited a passion for education, one that would become the cornerstone of her professional life. “My journey into educational leadership was unconventional, driven by a passion to make education accessible to all.” The Awakening of a Passion: Finding Purpose in Education Kathleen Cotterill-Strange’s journey into educational leadership was marked by a defining moment on her very first day at Laureate Online Education. During her induction training, she learned that one of the universities they partnered with allowed students to apply for a Masters programme based on relevant work experience rather than traditional academic qualifications. This revelation was a profound moment for Kathleen, stirring within her a deep sense of purpose and reaffirming her belief that education should be a right, not a privilege. Reflecting on her own educational experiences, Kathleen acknowledges that failing to excel at university initially was a blessing in disguise. She recognized that she had the opportunity to focus on her education when the time was right. A year after starting at Laureate, she began an MSc in International Management with the University of Liverpool, an endeavor that was driven by her newfound commitment to making education accessible for everyone. Kathleen’s experiences working with international students and understanding their diverse backgrounds fueled her drive to provide educational opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access. Her efforts to secure scholarships for high-potential applicants and her focus on supporting students from varied backgrounds became a central part of her career goals. For Kathleen, the joy of witnessing students’ success and hearing their stories of graduation reinforced her commitment to this mission. “I realized on my very first day at Laureate that education should be a right, not a privilege. This belief became the cornerstone of my career.” Pioneering Innovation: Streamlining Admissions and Promoting Inclusivity One of Kathleen Cotterill-Strange’s most notable achievements at Skilled Education is the revolutionary overhaul of university admissions processes. Recognizing that traditional systems often hindered international students due to outdated practices and unnecessary complexities, Kathleen spearheaded the development of a streamlined application portal that now delivers admission decisions within 24 hours. This initiative was realized through the selection of DreamApply as the technology solution for the application portal. Kathleen’s approach was to start with a blank canvas, focusing solely on what was necessary for the application process and eliminating superfluous elements. By creating a system that is both simple and effective, she has enabled applicants to receive conditional offers for missing documents or unconditional offers for complete applications, thus facilitating a smoother and more efficient admissions experience. This innovation not only addressed the challenges of legacy systems but also exemplified Kathleen’s dedication to creating a seamless experience for international students. Kathleen’s commitment to inclusivity is further demonstrated through her development of a non-standard postgraduate admissions route. This approach allows candidates to qualify for their Masters programs based on relevant work experience, breaking away from traditional academic requirements. The success of this initiative is evident in the fact that 54% of applicants are now entering through this non-standard route, significantly enhancing the diversity of the student body and enriching the learning environment for all participants. “Through streamlined processes and innovative technology, we’ve transformed university admissions, offering decisions within hours.” Enhancing the Student Experience: Creating a Comprehensive Onboarding Structure A hallmark of Kathleen Cotterill-Strange’s leadership is her focus on crafting an exceptional student experience from the moment applicants accept their offers. The onboarding process she has developed at Skilled Education is designed to replicate the traditional campus experience for online learners, offering a range of resources and support to prepare students for their studies. The onboarding structure includes a series of tutorial videos and interactive events that cover essential topics such as navigating the virtual learning environment, accessing library resources, understanding financial policies, and maintaining mental health and well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures that students are well-prepared for their academic journey and have access to the support they need to succeed. A key component of the onboarding experience is a live session held just before the start of classes, where students have the opportunity to engage with their peers and instructors. This session fosters a sense of community and helps students build relationships that will support them throughout their studies. On the first official day of class, instructors host detailed introductory sessions that lay the groundwork for the course and facilitate group discussions, further enhancing the student experience. Kathleen’s innovative approach to onboarding extends beyond traditional methods. She has designed a series of engaging video tutorials and step-by-step guidance documents that cover everything from setting up university email accounts to managing finances and balancing academic life with personal well-being. These resources are carefully crafted to ensure that students have a smooth transition into their

Digital Magazine In the ever-evolving landscape of human resources, Elise MacFarlane emerges as a visionary leader fueled by her unwavering dedication to people and organizational growth. Transitioning from her roots as a corporate psychologist to her current position as Head of Human Resources at Shorthand, Elise’s journey epitomizes her relentless pursuit of cultivating thriving work environments and advancing HR standards. Navigating the Path of Growth: Elise’s voyage into the world of HR commenced during her time at Coles Supermarkets, where she seamlessly transitioned from corporate psychology to human resources. This career shift was sparked by her desire to have a more direct impact on employee well-being and organizational success. Motivated by her aspiration to make a tangible difference in employee well-being and organizational prosperity, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. At Coles, Elise flourished as a versatile HR generalist, leaving her mark across the entire employee life cycle. Her journey was marked by significant milestones in talent management and organizational development, laying the groundwork for her remarkable career ahead. Elise MacFarlane exemplifies resilience and innovation in HR. Leading Shorthand’s HR department, her focus on a positive work culture and employee development drives the company’s success in the competitive software industry. Global Experience and Tech Expertise: Driven by her passion for people and organizational growth, Elise continued to ascend in her HR career, eventually landing pivotal roles at Groupon. As the Head of HR for APAC and later as the Global Head of Talent Acquisition, she gained extensive global exposure and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the tech industry. Her tenure at Groupon was marked by a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which she views as essential pillars of effective HR leadership in today’s diverse and remote work environments. Throughout her career, Elise has remained dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces where every voice is valued and heard, and she continues to bring this ethos to her role at Shorthand as the Head of Human Resources. Leveraging Psychology for HR Success: As a corporate psychologist turned HR leader, Elise brings a unique blend of psychological expertise and HR acumen to her role at Shorthand. She leverages her deep understanding of human behavior to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees thrive. From mental health training to performance evaluation and coaching, Elise integrates her knowledge into various HR practices to ensure the well-being and development of Shorthand’s team members. With a focus on empathy and support, Elise encourages open communication and transparency, fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to succeed. Her approach emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of employees, contributing to a positive and collaborative workplace at Shorthand. Balancing Demands with Well-being: In a fast-paced and hands-on environment like Shorthand, Elise understands the importance of prioritizing employee well-being while maintaining productivity. She emphasizes the importance of cultural fit during the recruitment process, ensuring that new hires are aligned with Shorthand’s values and work ethic. Additionally, Shorthand offers comprehensive well-being benefits, including health and wellness allowances and uncapped annual leave, to support employees in achieving work-life balance and personal growth. Driving Collaboration and Innovation: Elise fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation at Shorthand by promoting open communication and teamwork. As a fully remote team, Shorthand relies on asynchronous communication channels and encourages employees to share ideas and feedback openly. This transparent communication style enhances cross-functional collaboration and enables the successful implementation of strategic HR initiatives. Milestones and Reflections: A defining moment in Elise’s HR career was the realization of the power of recognition and appreciation in the workplace. A simple gesture of gratitude towards an employee sparked a profound insight into the importance of acknowledgment and validation. This experience reinforced Elise’s belief in the value of HR as a driver of positive organizational culture and employee engagement. Promoting a Healthy and Inclusive Environment: As a leader, Elise is committed to promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment at Shorthand. She leads by example, role-modeling healthy behaviors such as prioritizing well-being, maintaining work-life balance, and openly discussing mental health. By creating a supportive and inclusive culture, Elise empowers her team to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute to Shorthand’s success. Guiding Principles in Leadership: Elise’s leadership approach is guided by the principle of prioritizing her team’s well-being and development above all else. She believes in the importance of investing in her team’s growth and providing them with the support and resources they need to thrive. By fostering a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration, Elise ensures that Shorthand’s HR department is a place where employees can reach their full potential. Coaching and Mentorship for Growth: Elise adopts a strengths-based coaching approach to develop talent within her team. Rather than focusing on weaknesses, she identifies and nurtures employees’ strengths, empowering them to excel in their roles. Through personalized guidance and support, Elise helps her team members achieve their professional goals and contribute to Shorthand’s success. Continuous Improvement and Employee Development: At Shorthand, Elise fosters a culture of continuous improvement by empowering employees to take ownership of their development and experiment with new ideas. She encourages a growth mindset and provides opportunities for learning and skill development through an annual training allowance and other resources. By investing in employee development, Elise ensures that Shorthand’s HR department remains agile and adaptive in the ever-evolving tech industry. Differentiating HR Excellence: Elise believes that best-in-class HR practices are characterized by strategic alignment, proactive problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making. By embracing authenticity, diversity, and innovation, Shorthand’s HR department sets itself apart in the industry. Elise’s commitment to fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement ensures that Shorthand remains at the forefront of HR excellence in the software development industry. Future Aspirations: Looking ahead, Elise is excited about Shorthand’s growth trajectory and its potential to revolutionize visual storytelling. Her goal is to align all HR initiatives with Shorthand’s mission and values, ensuring that every HR strategy contributes to the company’s success. By