Heather Tomlinson

Master of Arts in Leadership,  2024

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Embrace the journey, be open to transformation, and don't underestimate the value of your informal leadership experiences

Studying at Royal Roads University was one of the best decisions I've made for my personal and professional growth. What drew me to Royal Roads was their unique cohort learning model, which allowed me to embark on a learning journey with the same group of dedicated peers from start to finish. This approach, paired with the flexibility of virtual learning while maintaining full-time employment, resonated with my experiential learning style.  

One of the most memorable aspects of my program was the two online residencies, where our faculty and fellow students worked tirelessly to create a tight virtual community. These residencies provided invaluable opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world situations, setting the stage for personal and professional growth. Secondly, completing a thesis was an incredible learning experience. It was exciting, challenging, and rewarding to take this journey into the unknown, and the support I received from supervisors and my cohort of peers helped to keep me going.

Completing the Master of Arts in Leadership program impacted me in profound ways. It broadened my understanding of leadership beyond just influencing others, emphasizing the importance of self-leadership. This paradigm shift has been transformative, both personally and professionally. 

For anyone looking to expand their leadership practice, I wholeheartedly recommend the Master of Arts in Leadership program. Embrace the journey, be open to transformation, and don't underestimate the value of your informal leadership experiences. Royal Roads recognizes and cultivates the leadership potential within each student, regardless of formal titles or backgrounds. Trust in your readiness to embark on this enriching educational experience. 

Heather Tomlinson, Speech-Language Pathologist 
Alberta Health Services

Learn more about Heather's research here.