Emma Pawlowski

Emma Pawlowski, General Manager of Healthcare Management and Products at Australian Unity, has had an extraordinary career journey. Starting in banking and rising from contact centre roles to leadership positions, Emma transitioned to the health insurance industry, where she faced new challenges and opportunities. Her decision to invest in an AIB MBA became a turning point in her life.

Below, Emma reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and how the AIB MBA has transformed her career.

What motivated you to pursue further studies? 

I found myself at a crossroads in my career and life. After 15 years in banking, I had gained experience across retail, capability, strategy and commercial banking. However, when I transitioned into health insurance, I felt unsure about the direction my career was taking and whether my skills were transferable to a new industry.

I’d heard about MBAs for years but didn’t know much about them. I wasn’t even sure I was capable of taking on such a challenge. Seeing a childhood friend share his own MBA journey and achievements on social media gave me the inspiration I needed. I reached out to him, and his experience with AIB made me realise that I could take the leap too.

The MBA offered the perfect opportunity to refine my skills, explore the broader fundamentals of business, and prepare myself for new opportunities. It was a decision to invest in myself and my future.

How has the MBA impacted your career? 

The MBA has been absolutely transformative. It gave me a comprehensive understanding of how different areas of business—marketing, finance, operations and strategy—are interconnected. These learnings allowed me to contribute more effectively in my first health insurance role, where I was able to take on additional responsibilities and demonstrate my value to the organisation.

Ultimately, the skills I gained led me to my current role as General Manager of Healthcare Management and Products at Australian Unity. I now lead a diverse portfolio and apply my MBA learnings daily, whether I’m preparing board papers, leading cross-functional teams, or making strategic decisions. The MBA not only boosted my knowledge but also my confidence, enabling me to take on leadership roles with a broader perspective.

What was it like balancing work, life, and study?

Balancing work, life, and study can be a challenge, but AIB’s flexibility made it manageable. The ability to access webinars at a time that suited me, revisit recordings and use transcripts allowed me to fit study around my demanding schedule. I also appreciated being able to pause and revisit material to ensure I truly understood the concepts.

For me, this flexibility was critical. I didn’t have to sacrifice my career progression or personal commitments to pursue the MBA. Instead, I was able to integrate study into my life in a way that worked for me. It felt like AIB understood the realities of working professionals and designed their program to accommodate those needs.

What advice would you give to someone considering an MBA?

Believe in yourself. You’re more capable than you imagine. There will be moments where it feels overwhelming, but those moments are temporary. Push through, because the investment in yourself is worth it.

Graduating today is one of the proudest moments of my life. Completing the MBA not only helped me grow professionally but also gave me a sense of personal achievement. I now feel that anything is possible. For anyone considering an MBA, I’d say: take the leap, trust yourself, and embrace the journey.

Emma’s story highlights the transformative power of education and self-belief. Explore more AIB student stories to see how an MBA can change your career trajectory.