“It was perfect for me and my lifestyle.” Q&A with Kelli-Rae Tamaki, MBA ’18

The ability to continue working full time in my business, and complete my MBA. There was no way I could collapse my business or stop working, and attend a program full-time, in person. The online platform gave me the ability to complete the degree, and continue to grow my business, while utilizing lessons learned—in my business! It was perfect for me and my lifestyle.

Human Resources (HR) was actually my favourite type of class because it really got into how under-utilized HR is in business. I believe my teacher even called it “the most under-utilized tool in the toolbelt.”

I was a skeptic at first, thinking it would be a boring class, but it actually helped me realize how important HR is and that made me very interested! Out of all of the classes I took in the program, I use the HR content most in businesses every day. Leadership and managing people are such an incredibly integral part of successful business! Change management was especially interesting to me, which is why I did my final paper on it. I also have used the content and findings from that paper in several ways since, including blogs, articles, videos, and procedures.

Confidence! The MBA program made me a much more confident business consultant and owner. The designation makes a big difference when we’re being considered by other business owners (especially professionals), so it inspires their confidence in me as well.

We work with business owners on financial mastery, effective marketing and sales, and leadership/operations. We deliver the services through:

• one-on-one meetings
• seminars and masterminds
• virtual meetings
• online classes (live)
• online courses (complete at your own pace)

Folks can learn more at my business’ website here.

You can do it!

Thank you for the opportunity to share about my experience. I appreciate everyone at Athabasca University who helped me complete my program.