Suggestions
Alicia McKay
Rebel 🤘 Strategist 🧠 Catalyst⚡️Speaker 🎤 Author ✍️ No Buzzwords 🛑 No Bullshit
Alicia McKay is a prominent author and public sector strategy expert based in New Zealand. She is best known for her book, From Strategy to Action: A Guide to Getting Sht Done in the Public Sector*, which aims to assist public sector managers in effectively executing strategies and overcoming the complexities of public service operations.12
Background and Career
Alicia has a diverse background, having worked as a strategy consultant and facilitator with senior leaders across various sectors, including government, business, and community organizations in both New Zealand and Australia. Her experience includes collaboration with over 120 government agencies and organizations, focusing on strategic leadership development and organizational strategy.23
Personal Journey:
Alicia's personal story is compelling; she is a former foster child and teen parent, which fuels her passion for supporting others in creating meaningful change. Her professional journey reflects her commitment to helping leaders navigate the challenges of public service effectively.1
Publications
In addition to From Strategy to Action, Alicia has authored two other books:
- You Don't Need An MBA: Leadership Lessons that Cut Through the Crap
- Local Legends: How to Make a Difference in Local Government
These works further establish her authority in leadership and strategic management within the public sector.24
Online Presence
Alicia McKay actively engages with audiences through her website and social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, where she shares insights on strategy and leadership. She also co-hosts the podcast What’s On Your Mind, discussing various topics related to effective leadership and collaboration.15
Through her writing, speaking engagements, and coaching, Alicia McKay continues to influence public sector management practices, advocating for actionable strategies that yield tangible results for communities.
Highlights
Last time I quit a job I couldn't keep the sh*t-eating grin off my face and it hurt my boss's feelings.
That wasn't my best leaving. I was so keen to get out of there I didn't consider they would need sensitivity and care. (What, were you not privy to the long conversations we've had about this in my head?)
I've done a better job with Not An MBA, and the response to my #naMBA leaving announcement has been incredible. I've been flooded with messages, and we've got heaps of new sign-ups for the final cohort (enrolments close tomorrow!).
In my announcement email, I opened up about how difficult it is to leave something you love and asked my subscribers to share their experiences.
Here are a few examples people have generously shared with me about things they've left:
👉🏻Businesses that don't bring them the right balance of stress and joy.
👉🏻 Volunteer and board roles that they love but will resent if they have to keep giving.
👉🏻 Relationships that no longer serve them - romantic, professional and platonic
👉🏻 Jobs that have burnt them out to pursue a passion or goal.
It's got me thinking about what it means to leave well - (and the times in my life where I've got it wrong!)
What advice do you have for people who want to leave a job, relationship, business, city, or commitment? How do you leave well?
PS - I'll write about this in #WednesdayWisdom this week, so your comments may make it in!

"I learned more in 8 weeks than my 20+ year career"
There's just one week left to join the final Not An MBA cohort for 2024.
If you're a smart, curious leader who likes asking tricky questions, you'll love Not An MBA. We've had over 500 incredible people through this programme, and it's transformed their work and lives.
I won't be running Not An MBA again until at least 2025. If you've always wanted to do this course, you'd better jump online and put your deets in, or send me a DM.

