Learning from the best in business

Learning from the best in business

CEO, board member, marathon runner, scuba diver, pianist, volunteer firefighter, and Master of Business in Applied Computing - these are all strings to the bow of Business School alumna Gracie MacKinlay.

From her childhood in China, to her studies in The Netherlands, Christchurch, and Auckland (the city she now calls home), to working in Beijing, New York City and Montreal, Gracie's ever-enquiring mind positioned her well for a highly successful career in business management and development.

During the October event, Gracie spoke candidly with Associate Professor Matt Raskovic, Deputy Head of Department - Marketing & International Business. She shared highs and lows from her academic, professional, and personal journey.

For example, Gracie recalled how, on her first day on campus, she was unimpressed by a student who arrived late to class and took a seat next to her. Fast forward a few years and that person would become her husband.

Gracie completed her Bachelor's degree in Accounting at AUT in 2002. In 2012 she joined the online retailer Mighty Ape as a marketing analyst. Working in an office squeezed between the kitchen and bathroom in the company's large warehouse in south Auckland, Gracie was assigned a task: make the website better.

Just 10 years later, in 2022, Gracie was appointed CEO of the company.

Asked about "defining moments" of her time as Mighty Ape boss, Gracie cited the challenges of navigating an online retail business through COVID-19, and developing 'Jungle Express', the company's same-day delivery service.

A common theme that runs through Gracie's professional career is the mantra 'push through pain'. She spoke about having to manage difficult situations and lead uncomfortable conversations with colleagues.

"Try not to attach negative connotations to certain words or feelings like 'pain' or 'challenge'", Gracie advised. "Instead of dreading certain tasks or conversations, try to see them in a different light and even find ways to embrace them."

Gracie's journey and success in the business world is testament to her ability to adapt, innovate, and be resilient in the fast paced, ever-changing world of digital marketing and business management.