Chris Harnett

Chris Harnett is currently the Chief Commercial Officer at OneStop. He was inspired to pursue an MBA to grow his knowledge and skillset, recognising the need to broaden his perspective to excel and make a significant impact.

Chris chose AIB for its fully online program specialising in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, which provided the flexibility to continue working while gaining essential knowledge and skills. With his strong dedication, Chris has been able to enhance his performance and support his team by applying practical tools and frameworks learned during the MBA to improve processes at OneStop. His experience at AIB deepened his understanding of business operations and leadership, allowing him to foster a collaborative, high-performing team.

In the interview below, we talk to Chris about his decision to study at AIB, his motivations for pursuing an MBA and how the program has impacted his career and leadership style.

What inspired you to pursue an MBA with a specialisation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and how did you first hear about AIB?

I was working diligently in my field but felt like I was missing something essential. While I had been effective in my role, I recognised that to truly excel and make a significant impact, both personally and professionally, I needed to further grow my knowledge and skillset.  

Being a hands-on learner, I realised that I needed to broaden my perspective to enhance my performance and better support my team. It was more than just personal growth; for me, it was about further developing myself to be better equipped as a leader and mentor. I wanted to create a framework that would provide me with the foundations to drive higher performance within my organisation while uplifting and strengthening my colleagues. 

During my search on various courses, I discovered that AIB offered a fully online program that specialised in the field I am passionate about. It was a perfect fit, as it provided me with the flexibility to gain the knowledge and skills I needed while continuing to work. The opportunity to blend theoretical learning with practical application made AIB the obvious choice for advancing my career and contributing more effectively to my organisation. 

Were there any specific experiences during your MBA at AIB that significantly stood out or benefited your professional journey?

Absolutely. One of the most impactful aspects was gaining a deep understanding of business operational concepts and learning how to apply them in real-world scenarios. These concepts were practical tools that I could immediately use to enhance my performance within my role and develop my team. 

For example, the coursework on strategic management and operations management provided me with new frameworks for analysing and improving our processes at OneStop. Applying these tools streamlined various aspects of our operations, from marketing, and implementations to customer service, ultimately enhancing my team’s efficiency, performance and cohesiveness.  

The emphasis on leadership development was another standout experience. It offered insights into effective leadership strategies and team dynamics, which have been invaluable in my role as Chief Commercial Officer. Implementing these strategies has allowed me to foster a more collaborative and supportive environment, empowering my team to deliver exceptional results. 

Can you tell us more about yourself and your current role at OneStop?  

I’m the Chief Commercial Officer at OneStop. My role involves managing the entire customer experience and overseeing everything from marketing, sales and implementation, customer service, project management, account management, and continuous supply chain industry engagement. I lead a dedicated team of about 40 people, all laser focused on providing our customers with a seamless experience. 

OneStop is a 20+ year old, Australian software company dedicated to modernising and simplifying the movement of goods across the supply chain. We are focused on streamlining freight operational processes to create optimal efficiencies through data integrations. My team and I are committed to solving customer problems, onboarding them smoothly, and continually enhancing our services to anticipate their needs. 

Our commitment to modernisation and simplification helps us meet the evolving demands of our customers and the industry. Personally, I am driven by the goal of creating a framework that drives higher performance within our organisation while uplifting and strengthening my colleagues. This vision aligns with OneStop’s mission, ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and customer satisfaction in the supply chain industry. 

Reflecting on your career growth at OneStop while pursuing your MBA, how has the continuous learning and insights from AIB supported your progression and success in your current role as Chief Commercial Officer? 

The continuous learning and insights from my MBA at AIB have been instrumental for my progress and success as Chief Commercial Officer. Reflecting on my career, I can see how the program has broadened my perspective on advanced business operations and concepts, which has been critical in understanding and navigating the complexities of our industry. I was able to immediately apply the knowledge I gained, implementing best practices and innovative solutions that have enhanced our operations. 

A key benefit of the MBA was the development of a strategic mindset. Being able to analyse and approach challenges and opportunities from different angles has been pivotal in managing a diverse range of core functions at OneStop. This strategic approach has significantly influenced my decision-making and overall effectiveness.  

Additionally, the program emphasised the importance of leadership and team development. I have integrated insights on effective leadership and team dynamics into my leadership approach, fostering a more collaborative and high-performing team. Creating a supportive and empowering environment has enabled my team to deliver an exceptional customer experience while contributing to our corporate mission of modernising and simplify the movement of goods across the supply chain. 

Overall, the continuous learning and practical applications from AIB have better equipped me with the tools and confidence to drive OneStop’s success. They have been a cornerstone of my career growth and effectiveness in my role as Chief Commercial Officer. 

What advice would you give to people who are considering an MBA and to current students at AIB?

For those considering an MBA, I recommend that you approach the journey with an open mind and a readiness to challenge yourself. Even if you don’t see yourself as an academic, an MBA can fill gaps in your professional toolkit that you might not even realise exist. It’s more than just an academic achievement; it’s an opportunity to gain new perspectives, develop strategic thinking and acquire practical skills that can be immediately applied in your career. You may uncover insights and abilities that can significantly impact your professional and personal growth. 

To current students at AIB, I advise you to stay curious and actively apply what you learn. The program is designed to provide advanced business concepts and operational knowledge that can transform your work. Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries and adopt new approaches in your role. The challenges you tackle today might be the key to unlocking new heights in your career.