Clare Swallow

Clare Swallow felt inspired to start her Mulberry St. consultancy business after a 4am epiphany during the Covid-19 pandemic in April 2020.

After six years as marketing manager and then general manager of a successful technology consultancy, Clare realised she needed to be courageous and follow her true passion - for customer experience, design thinking, strategy and innovation.

Her goal for Mulberry St. is to help businesses "take a human-centred approach to change in this crazy and changeable world we are in. And we do this so we can show the world what amazing people, innovations and businesses New Zealand is home to."

Clare decided to enrol for Waikato’s Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies in Tauranga in 2013 in a desire to "round out" her previous business education and experience.

“I was hoping to fill in the gaps in my understanding of a range of management topics that make up the core of my role, such as interpreting financial information, people management, and building a sustainable innovative company in a tricky industry,” says Clare.

The programme has "absolutely delivered" on her expectations, and she would strongly recommend it to others.

“The course has given me the confidence that I can tackle a pretty demanding role and back myself to take on opportunities when things are going well, and trust myself to find solutions when things are not 100% on track.”

Being able to complete her studies at home in Tauranga through a recognised institution such as the University of Waikato was a massive drawcard, she says.

"Being exposed to some great lecturers who are also leaders in their field of expertise was a real highlight, and working with students from a diverse range of cultures and industries taught me a great deal about myself."

In 2015, Clare received one of five Westpac Millennial Women of Influence Awards, which recognised the country’s top digitally savvy young women aged 25-35 who are making a difference in their chosen field.

“I’m really passionate about seeing the next generation of young Kiwis use technology to develop and grow internationally recognised businesses," she says.