Nicole’s path to stronger leadership and self-discovery

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

With 27 years of experience as a Town Planner across local government and private consultancy, Nicole Reynolds is not an obvious candidate for going back to school. Despite a rich academic background, most of Nicole’s professional development had centred on technical expertise, so last year she decided to add one more string to her bow – confidence and capability as a leader.

iTFE’s Diploma of Leadership & Management offered Nicole the structure, tools and a deeper understanding of modern leadership that she believed would give her a competitive advantage and help elevate her career.

Nicole was attracted to the range of modules on offer, particularly those focusing on communication, diversity and team motivation. They appealed to her desire to become a more intentional, values‑based leader and one who could drive the development of a more diverse and dynamic workplace.

Six months into a new role with a new employer, Nicole says simply: “I’m thriving.”

Finding her rhythm as a learner again

Returning to study after decades in the workforce wasn’t easy.

Nicole admits she was “out of practice”, not just with academic work, but with digital learning platforms, study routine and carving out time amid work and family commitments. She had to learn how to study again.

The learning experience at iTFE made the process easier. Practical content, comprehensive resources, interactive workshops and accessible online delivery all worked together to create the supportive learning environment that allowed Nicole to adapt.

Nicole said the workplace‑based observations and assessments created opportunities for direct application – turning theory into conversations, documents and decisions that Nicole could apply to her work.

“I was quite transparent with my work colleagues about what module I was studying and I actually found that they were really interested,” Nicole says. “They could see a change in me. And the way I was applying what I was learning to the way I worked, which was really rewarding.”

Nicole said the course helped her identify her own emotional intelligence, empathy, and self‑awareness. She now focuses on fostering growth in others, asking more questions and encouraging accountability.

“One thing I learnt about being in a leadership position is that you can actually empower others to find the best in themselves. Prior to this course, I had a tendency to jump in and problem solve, whereas what my role really should be as a leader is to help people find solutions themselves. I’ve really tried to live and breath that active listening – trying to listen more than I speak,” she said.

New challenges and the rewards that follow

During the program, Nicole secured a new role in a new local government area. She stepped into the challenge with greater confidence, clarity and courage. And that confidence is the achievement she’s most proud of. She said her study helped her believe in herself again – not as a planner, but as a leader.

For anyone thinking of enrolling, Nicole offers thoughtful advice:

• Plan your study time and protect it.
• Use real workplace examples to bring assessments to life.
• Involve your team and share what you’re learning.
• Seek support from your educators.
• Back yourself, even if you’re nervous.

“For anyone coming back to formal education and out of their comfort zone, I’d say you’ve got to take a chance, you’ve got to back yourself. Sometimes when it got a bit heavy or I fell a bit behind, it was just taking that one step that ultimately got me there. By learning and developing yourself, you actually become better as a leader,” Nicole said.

“I would encourage anybody considering the course because there are rewards both professionally and personally.”