That moment when I decided to do MBA

I must confess, I am one of those who tak reti duduk diam individual. I'm not satisfied with doing just one or two things in my life at any one time. I must do more and multitasking excite me. Yes, I'm a crazy person and definitely glutton for punishment.

In 2011, some major down turn happened in my career. In short, all my projects were frozen and taken away from me due to some internal change in direction. I would be lying if I tell you I was not devastated but in working life, company's interest will always supersede individual's preference (read that young people, it's not all about you) and accepted the decision. However, me being me, I need to find something to keep me occupied and that's when I decided it's the right time to develop myself. I applied for MBA with 4 universities and Alhamdulilah, got accepted by all 4. I then decided to choose Manchester Business School due to their tagline "Original Thinking Applied". In my whole career journey, I love developing projects and then be involved in the operational part to see whether what's on paper do actually work. That will give me full satisfaction. And this time is not an exception.

I still remember the first introduction to the course session held late 2011. That's when I met my classmates and to my surprise, I was the only female! Alamak! No gang. However, I was really lucky, I have amazing classmates who are always looking out for me, making sure I am coping well, knowing I have to balance work, family and study all at the same time.

The journey was ok at first. I was not that tied down with work at my new work place. There were just several projects and I managed every elements in my life quite well. The classes were not that taxing, only about 3 days for every subject and usually it's spread over the weekend. However, things changed when my workload started to picked up and what made it more challenging was when I got promoted.

There were few occasions I felt like quitting and not continuing. I know I have paid a lot of money for this (FYI, I paid this with my own money, no scholarship, loans or what so ever). I decided to use my own money so I can motivate myself to complete what I started. The course after all is not cheap. It's super freaking expensive, however, it's worth it. Despite all this, I wanted to stop and just focus on work and family. This was when my classmates repeatedly came to my rescue and continue to motivate me to go on. Little bit more Liza, we can do it and we will do it together. Apart from that, support from my better half really helps. When I need to complete my assignments or study for my exams, he will take over my function at home so I can focus. How can I not love this man so very much!

And just when I thought it's tough, it gets tougher. I got to know I am pregnant in my final semester where I am supposed to complete group final year project. Battling with morning sickness and fatigues the first 3 month, I just have to keep on pushing myself. I felt guilty many times, felt like my team members were doing most of my work. Alhamdulilah, I got better and managed to play a bigger role and complete the project.

Yes, I passed. Yes, I graduated. And most importantly, yes, I finished what I started. Alhamdulilah.

It was tough, it was very challenging, it was tiring. However, I'm glad I went all the way and complete it.

I owe this to my family and my classmates, my colleagues and my boss. Without their support, I would have given up LONG time ago!

And now, to move on to the next phase, taking self development to another level. Let's wait and see if I get to do that. 

Liza on the map ~ Trip to Singapore, a holiday it is not

One of the beauty of my MBA class is we got to travel. We get to visit other campuses all over the world based on the subjects we choose. So, for the accounting module, I have to travel to Singapore.

I decided to drag my kids and my better half for this trip. I can focus better when all of them are in front of me. I can sleep better at night having the knowledge they have eaten and provided for. That's very important for me to focus for this difficult module. I haven't been doing accounting for the longest time.

We travelled to Singapore via Jetstar. It was the cheapest way to go there. Much cheaper than other airlines, even buses or cars for that matter. I have made thorough comparison before I proceed with the bookings. We also decided to park our car in KLIA, under long term parking. I have calculated, 5 days will costs us RM140, cheaper than taking a cab to and fro.

Jetstar is a low cost carrier so don't expect even 3 star service. But with the price I am paying and the short duration of journey, it's worth the price. Ilham said he can only listen to 5 songs on his iPod touch, then there's landing announcement.

We stayed in Novotel in Clark Quay. This was where my lecture will be held. The hotel was not too bad. It's near the Singapore River and comes alive at night. Next door, adjacent to the hotel is a shopping mall, so access to food (read Mcdonalds) is convenient. Halal food maybe a distance away. But 5 days only, so can do lah.

I am not gonna share what the kids and my better half did since I was not with them. Sadlah, I am in class and they were out there enjoying themselves. Sacrifices I need to make for this MBA. Sigh...

I only get to enjoy Singapore for one night, and just so happened it's the F1 night in Singapore. There were street festival at Clark Quay showcasing lots of local delicacies. But, I was not aware Ramly Burger is one of them ;).

One thing I was so happy about, I managed to get some Zam Zam Murtabak. Okaylah, I don't get to go to Universal Studios or Orchard Road, or even Mustafa Center, Zam Zam Murtabak will do. We walked from our hotel right to Arab Street, it was about 25 minutes walk. And it's worth every sweat (and nearly tears, rasa macam jauh sangat)

I always enjoy Singapore. Just that this time around, it's not a real holiday, more like Touch n Go series. Lesson learned, when I go for lectures in other locations, be sure I will extend my leave to enjoy the cities *Fyi, Boss, please approve leave saya*

Signing off,

liza365.blogspot.com

Liza Goes To Oxford - When feeling lost, step back and restrategise

I must admit, September has been horrible. Most of the classes this semester is scheduled in September and what's worse, one of the classes was in Singapore. Balancing between work, study and personal life seems to be too overwhelming for me this September.

 

One thing is this Business Simulation. I have tried my very best to contribute to the team. This is not something I do on day to day basis, hence I might be slower than everyone else. Though I graduated in accounting field, that was more than 15 years ago and I have never practised accounting. I felt like I did not contribute enough and tried my best to bring some values to the team, but ended up feeling more stupid than before. Just when I thought I have prepared enough, there are still big gaps that need to be filled. I don't think trying to catch up at my own pace even an option. Believe me, I am trying to move as fast as I can, and it's not easy for me. I deal with human capital issues on daily basis which does not have direct involvement of financial statements or decisions on selling price or how much we need to spend on marketing and which area we need to embark in. Suffice to say, our team did not do too well and I can't help to put the blame on me for failing to give good financial advise. Of course we have a long way to go before all this will end in January, which to be honest, I don't know if I can endure this till that month.

 

I feel totally messed up which means only one thing, I have to take a step back and restrategise. Started by clearing all my study related filing. Once that is done, I started looking into my schedule to see how else I can use my time more effectively. This is my current daily routine :

 

Wake up at 5am

Bath and get ready to work. Solat. Make sure kids are ready for school (I am blessed my better half helps to prepare breakfast for kids, thanks Sayang)

Off to work at 6.30am

Back from work latest by 7.30pm.

Bath, solat, prepare dinner, send kids for mengaj

Study with kids at 8.30pm

Kids ready for bed at 9.30pm

Fold clothes at 10.00pm

Clean house, laundry, prepare tomorrow's clothing for my better half

Off to bed by 12am

New routine which I have to implement immediately. This is taking into consideration how I am falling behind in my studies as well as I have not been exercising at all in 2012. Bad, very bad. Don't even ask me what's my weight now. Changes captured in caps.

 

Wake up at 5am

Bath, EXERCISE and get ready to work. Solat. Make sure kids are ready for school.  FOLD CLOTHES.

Off to work at 6.30am

Back from work latest by 6.30pm. TO UTILISE FWA

Bath, solat, prepare dinner, send kids for mengaji. Clean house.

Study with kids at 8.30pm

Kids ready for bed at 9.30pm, LAUNDRY

CONTINUE TO STUDY UNTIL 11AM

Prepare tomorrow's clothing for my better half

Off to bed by 12am

 

I knew it's not gonna be easy but never thought it will be this tough. At times, I feel like giving up but thinking what kind of values will I be showing to my kids if I give up now just make me sick.

 

Let's see if this work. Well, it will work if I want it to work. Discpline, diligent and tawakkal to Allah. Insyallah, all is well.

 

Signing off,

 

liza365.blogspot.com

 

Liza Goes To Oxford ~ Why MBA Liza? Why?

When I shared with a few friends I got accepted to do MBA in Manchester Business School (well, initially I rold some friends, while others got to know cause someone who was processing my claims just decided to be the broadcaster), the reactions received were mixed. Some were so happy for me, it's not easy to get accepted to such school while others said "La, tak habis2 lagik nak belajar. Ada masa ke"

 

Well, let me tell you why I decided to do MBA.

 

1. Meeting my personal KPI

I was raised by my Arwah Wan. One thing she has always taught me, is to have a dream. Infact, she enrouraged me to dream big. She kept telling me there is nothing that I can do. The moment I entered college, I have this personal KPI ~ to complete Master by the age of 35 and pHd by 40. It's pretty obvious I started my Master when I am 36 therefore no way I can complete by 35, and the domino effect will caused for the pHd target to be further delayed. However, I believe that is better than not doing at all, then, it will continue to be just another dream (same category as loosing weight, by the way)

 

      2. Self development Self esteem

 

Let's not play this cliche game. Some may say, MBA is good for self development. Yada yada yada. No one, at least no one in the right mind does MBA purely for self development and nothing else. Of course it will be tied back to other agendas like career progression and many other reasons. I for one, do this for my self esteem. I have never considered myself as a smart person. I have always feel I am no where as smart as my peers. Yes, I looked down on myself. However, after one and half semesters, I realised I may not be the smartest but I am not that dumb either.

 

     3. I want to make my parents proud

 

There have been many many occasions I let down my parents, particularly my dad. I know how disappointed he has been but being a dad, he still accepts me for the way I am. He did not get to celebrate my first graduation, I hope I can make him proud by taking him to UK and witness my graduation in 2014 Insyallah. I pray for him get to see that, praying very hard.

 

       4. Setting the tone for my kids

 

My kids are the most important element in my life. I want to set the right messaging and examples. I want to tell them how education is very important and there is no such thing as too old to do what you want to do. Of course, Baby just have something to say about this. One day, while she was observing me working hard to complete my assignment, she candidly asked me, "When I'm old like you Mama, do I still need to study hard like how I am doing now".

 

      5. I want to be less stereotype

 

I am one of the culprits, as much as I tried to refrain myself from doing so, who just automatically stereotyped. One recent example is this accounting module I just completed in Singapore. When I was told I need to be part of the Singapore cohort for Accounting, I was super worried. What if I am not smart enough for this cohort, what if they demanded too much from me (with the reputation of being kiasu) or what if we just don't get along. Boy, was I wrong. Despite accounting module was so taxing on me, I enjoyed the Singapore cohort. They are nice and open to share ideas and input. One of them even taught me how to have a Dropbox without making me feeling like an idiot. I am so glad I came to Singapore and meet this awesome people. I do hope our friendships will continue from here. Yes, you don't know what you don't know

 

Yes, I have concrete reason why I am doing MBA. I know my status as a wife, mother and employee. So far I don't think I have neglected any of those responsibilities. It's al about balancing and juggling. If I want this so badly, I will make it work.

 

While typing this, I know I have made a wise decision to still continue chasing my dream. Insyallah, by 2020, I will be known as Dr Siti Norliza Mohd Sahar, and I am pretty sure my dad will be beaming with joy just uttering that name tagged to his name. I know it's not impossible...

 

Now, to sustain the momentum and continue working hard...Insyallah, it will be a fun ride.

 

Signing off,

 

liza365.blogspot.com 

 

Liza Goes to Oxford ~ Business Simulation Rocks

We are now embarking to what I intially perceived as a scary experience. Why? I went through business simulation exercise under this leadership development program where I work. I did not like it, in fact I felt it was too extreme and was not managed well. And with that pre-conceived judgement, it causes me not to look forward to this module.

 

First challenge already slapped us all on the face. The simulation consisted of 5 person in a group. And this 5 individuals that already have a day job while juggling to complete the MBA program. It's a no brainer scheduling will be the top utmost critical issue. We had our first meeting, which clearly showed to have everyone in the same room at the same time will not be easy, one of us was not able to attend the session. Next session was done using the google hangout. That's when we encountered the next problem, technology may not want to cooperate with us, my unifi was up and down. And one of my team mates accidently muted me resulting to her not able to hear me. On the flipped side, after being the only female student in my current MBA cohort, finally to have another woman in this group is just an awesome feeling!

 

Yesterday was however, a different experience. And different in a pleasant manner. We spent 7 hours to working on several decisions for our company. Like production and sales quantity, areas to sell, marketing expenditure and strategies with ultimate aim to maximise profit and share price.

 

From the 1st simulation experience, I have observed points which I feel are the key takeaways :

 

Generation gap

Gen-Y have this nature on the tendency to take risks and promoting a more agressive approach. I deal a lot with Gen-Y on daily basis as it is required by the roles I am playing in my day job. So, what I saw yesterday was not something unusual. Even in our office, we have different blend of generations. We have the baby boomers, Gen-X and Gen-Y also the latest, Gen-Z. So, we all work together, agreeing to disagree. Give it sometime, I think we will get the hang of each other in our simulation group. We will eventually understand each other better and learn to respect each other's approach.

 

 

We don't know what we don't know

This simulation also see we need to explore to know if things can be done or not. As we don't have the visibility of other groups' strategy, it's more like a trial and error while we try to read the trends. We win some, we loose some. It's still a long way to go, the simulation will end in January. As long as we keep an eye on the ball, remained focused, we will do just fine.

 

 

Different folks different strokes

Each of us came from different background, doing different things. It can be in human resource, finance or project management. We bring different experience and expertise to the table. We bring different views and try to contribute different thoughts with the same end game in mind - to create more value to the team and ultimately win the simulation. It's important to see the value in every input and if we look deep enough, it will be adding value to the team. As reminded by our professor, Frank, the loudest may not necessarily win, infact, study has shown, the loudest usually lost.

 

I personally need to step up to the game. I don't have that much exposure in finance but it will no be an excuse for me not to contribute. I chose the role to be the Financial Controller cause it will then force and push me to learn more abour finance in decision making. To give advise from finance perspective requires me to have knowledge in that. More readings, more practise and more learning, obviously.

 

 

I will be writing this journey from time to time. I want to document this MBA, the journey which I have dreamed of for many years and finally have the guts to do it.

 

Signing off,

 

liza365.blogspot.com