Learning to lead: How a Monash MBA powered a bold career move

9 February 2025

Our 2024 Alumni Awards Professional Achievement Award winner Laura Parr traded a career in the superannuation industry for the high-octane tech sector. Now working for one of the world’s largest firms, she helps businesses thrive in the digital age.

Laura Parr’s career is a masterclass in reinvention.

A few years ago, she was deeply entrenched in the predictable rhythm of corporate life in the superannuation sector.
Hungry for a fresh challenge, she decided to pursue an MBA at Monash Business School.

Ms Parr with Senior Deputy Dean (Faculty
Operations) Prof Michelle Welsh.

“I’m always looking to upskill and develop myself,” Ms Parr said.

“I also wanted to personally challenge myself to pivot into a completely new sector and operate in a completely different landscape.”

Her decision paid off in spades.

Now working for tech giant Google, she’s proof that the right skills and mindset can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

In October 2024, Ms Parr was recipient of our inaugural Professional Achievement Award at Monash Business School’s annual Alumni Awards.

Taking a leap of faith

Ms Parr said leaving the highly regulated world of superannuation for the fast-paced tech sector was a big change.

“The current rate of new technologies, innovation and change that is impacting society and business is extraordinary,” she said.

Far from daunted, she relished the challenge.

Today, as Senior Strategy & Insights Manager at Google, it’s her job to help businesses succeed in the fast-moving digital world.
“I’m part of a team that comes up with proactive ideas to shift client strategy based on consumer and industry trends,” she said.

Still just six years into her new career, Ms Parr is already a leader in her field and one of only a handful of Australians to be named Top Retail Expert in the global RETHINK Retail for the second consecutive year.

Her achievements earned her the Professional Achievement Award at last year’s Dean’s Alumni Awards.

Leading change beyond Google

When Ms Parr isn’t shaping strategy at Google, she channels her energy into one of the world’s most urgent causes.

As a trustee for The Nature Conservancy, she wears multiple hats - fundraiser, ambassador, adviser, and advocate - all with one mission: to protect the planet.

She has discovered an unexpected synergy between her career and conservation.

“What I find most important about this work is that nature needs technology,” she said.

“Technology is the catalyst that helps solve some of the biggest sustainability challenges we face.”

The power of influence

Ms Parr believes her Monash Business School MBA was instrumental in her smooth career transition.

The program not only sharpened her strategic thinking, but also provided her with a deeper understanding of the power of influence.
“We’re all in the business of influence,” she said.

“However, the MBA taught me that there’s more to just influencing - it’s about building relationships and rapport, and motivating and inspiring others.”

An avid reader and traveller, her advice to current students is to stay curious.

“Having a growth mindset and being curious about the world, different industries and people means you’re more open to new and different opportunities when they arise,” she said.

Are you an outstanding Monash Business School graduate, or do you know one? Nominations are now open for our annual Alumni Awards.