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Gaicd Frances Eden
Director - Online Learning - EduTech - Leadership Coach - Staff & Client Experience - Service Mgt - Change Mgt - GAICD
Professional Background
Frances Eden is a distinguished corporate and higher education executive leader who specializes in online learning, educational technology (EdTech), and student services. With a career dedicated to fostering agility, resilience, and collaboration within organizations, Frances has demonstrated an exemplary ability to navigate and lead change in response to global shifts in technology and education. Her expertise encompasses strategic development, operational excellence, and cultural transformation, with a strong emphasis on enhancing customer and employee experiences.
At the heart of Frances’ leadership philosophy is the belief in the 'leader as a coach'. She emphasizes building adaptable teams that prioritize innovation and customer experience across the enterprise. Throughout her career, Frances has successfully led diverse teams to create high-quality, innovative online learning opportunities. This commitment to educational excellence has been showcased through her roles within leading global learning organizations and higher education institutions.
Most recently, Frances spearheaded a transformative initiative at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) known as HiQ, which represents a centralized and integrated service model designed specifically for students. This initiative not only enhanced digital and service capabilities but also placed the student experience at the forefront. By co-designing HiQ in collaboration with students, Frances ensured that the support provided was not only sector-leading but also included pathways to employment for students, underscoring her dedication to student success.
Frances is passionate about empowering individuals, particularly students, millennials, and emerging leaders. Her teaching background has fueled this passion and drives her desire to create environments conducive to personal and professional growth. As a leader, she dedicates herself to building capabilities, supporting ongoing development, and establishing psychologically safe workplaces that encourage innovation and hone emerging talent.
Education and Achievements
With an impressive educational background, Frances has equipped herself with numerous qualifications from some of the most prestigious institutions. Her studies include a Master's in Education specializing in Innovative Learning Design from Queensland University of Technology (QUT), as well as certifications in Change Management through PROSCI and Leadership Coaching at The Forton Group. Frances has also engaged in transformative learning experiences at MIT Professional Education, where she studied the Intersection of Leadership and Innovation, and RMIT University, focusing on Developing an AI Strategy.
In addition to these accomplishments, she completed an Executive Graduate Certificate in Business (with a remarkable 6.5 GPA) at QUT in the area of Leading Through Coaching and Mentoring. Frances has not only embraced education as a tool for her growth but has also been committed to lifelong learning, reflecting her belief in the power of knowledge in leadership and change mastery.
Frances also holds a Diploma of Business Administration from The University of Queensland, showcasing her foundational business knowledge, and she has continuously strived to expand her understanding of emerging educational theories and practices through specialized studies such as the Neuroscience of Conversations at the NeuroLeadership Institute and a Certificate in Service Excellence from Arizona State University.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Frances has made significant contributions to the field of online education and student services. At Pearson Australia, she demonstrated her profound expertise in educational publishing by serving as the Editor in Chief for Higher Education Product Development. Here, Frances played a key role in shaping educational resources that effectively meet the needs of learners and educators alike. Furthermore, her role as Senior Acquisitions Editor allowed her to influence the direction of higher education publishing significantly.
As the Director of HiQ at QUT, Frances led the implementation of the university's enterprise-wide eLearning services and library services, transforming the way students and staff interact with educational resources. Her proactive approach to leadership and ability to engage stakeholders in the development of digital products exemplify her dedication to creating customer-centric solutions within educational settings.
Frances’ role as the Lead for Learning Design and Development at Pearson Online Learning Services further highlights her commitment to driving customer and staff centric transformations. Her innovative methodologies have led to operational excellence and improved student engagement through the development of effective online learning environments and resources.
A strong advocate for change management and leadership, Frances has not only led initiatives during times of organizational transformation but has thrived in these challenging circumstances. Her enthusiasm for guiding teams through change is matched only by her commitment to empowering others to reach their full potential.
Overall, Frances Eden stands out as a leader who embodies the spirit of transformative education. Her extensive experience, combined with her passion for personal development and excellence in student services, positions her as a respected figure in the realms of online learning and higher education.
