Nikki Cornell

Senior human resources advisor Nikki Cornell is ready to “level up” in her career and open up new opportunities in her future.

Originally from Seattle in the USA, Nikki says she enrolled in the Waikato MBA degree because it is internationally recognised and can be used anywhere in the world.

“The programme was highly recommended by my previous manager, and I am really enjoying it,” says Nikki, who works for DMS Progrowers, one of New Zealand’s largest kiwifruit operators.

“The lecturers are brilliant, so knowledgeable and experienced, and they are genuinely interested in our experiences and want to help us succeed.”

For nearly eight years, Nikki led and managed a seasonal labour recruitment programme from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand, which grew from 350 to approximately 1200 people.

“I have a people first approach - leading with empathy, kindness, and consistency – and this has been the key to my success as a leader,” says Nikki. “However to add signifiant value to the company, I must understand how, why, and when to make savvy business decisions to make an even greater impact. I want to set DMS Progrowers apart from the rest - to become the grower and employer of choice.”

“My goal with the Waikato MBA is to be equipped to drive positive change within the business by developing people capabilities, creating efficiencies within teams, and building effective team strategies that are sustainable, functional and highly impactful.”

Nikki particularly enjoyed the papers Financial Analysis and Performance and Understanding the Business Environment.

“It was helpful for me to understand how small businesses grow to be big businesses and the opportunities and challenges that come with that. The paper People and Productivity was also right up my alley, working in human resources, and I got a lot out of that.”

Considered an emerging leader in her community, Nikki was one of four students awarded $4000 as part of the Waikato Management School MBA Emerging Leadership Awards 2023.

“In a world where we experience constant changes, increasing demands on people's time and energy, and competing priorities between work and home, I feel a holistic approach to leadership is the key to success.”