Meet Annika Westrenius

B.Mgmt, B.Bus(Hons1), PhD(Mgmt) (UON)

Why did you join the University Council?

Becoming a university student after a career in business was a much more positive experience than I had anticipated. I have respect for the very important contribution the university makes to the future success and wellbeing of Australia. I believe it is a privilege and perhaps a moral obligation to give back by helping ensure higher education remains available to support a well-educated population able to compete internationally, to the benefit of everyone.

What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?

Having access to all the knowledge in the university library, lecturers and tutors who were passionate about learning and their area of knowledge. Being actively encouraged to think beyond the obvious and short-term perspective and to question things.

Biography

Annika is one of two staff representatives on the University Council and lectures in management within Open Foundation and the Newcastle Business School. Prior to coming to higher education, Annika was engaged in the running of businesses in Sweden and Australia. Enrolling in Open Foundation was a life changing experience and she went on to complete a Bachelor of Management and a Bachelor of Business (Honours) with a University Medal in quick succession, before embarking on a PhD in Management.

Annika has a particular interest in how strategy and culture affect staff and other stakeholders of organisations and the impact those relationships in turn have on levels of productivity, effectiveness and efficiency that underpins successful organisations.