DCU Executive MBA Alumnus in profile: Brian MacNiece of Kotinos Partners

Brian MacNeice graduated from the DCU Business School Executive MBA in 1997, and, following a career in management consulting, founded Kotinos Partners in 2010 offering tailored services in performance consultancy, strategy and training grounded in over ten years’ research and experience in the field of High Performance. Brian is the recently published author of the book “Powerhouse: Insider accounts into the world’s top high-performance organizations”.

DCU Executive MBA alumnus Brian MacNiece

We asked Brian a few questions about his time on the MBA, kicking off with what inspired him to do an MBA?

Brian: I was really keen to get a well-rounded knowledge base across every element of business and the MBA provides that given the breadth of areas covered. I already had a computer science and marketing qualification so for me it was a means to broadening my business skillset and acumen.

Why did you choose DCU?
DCU was attractive to me as it allowed me to complete the MBA whilst continuing to work full time (albeit with the generous support of my employer in terms of weekly time off to attend lectures). The programme was also comprehensive, and the faculty was impressive with a good balance between academic and business practitioners.

How did the MBA change the way you work?
The MBA gave me a more rounded perspective on business and helped me to comfortably understand and work across any part of a business. It also gave me a host of tools and models to work with in addressing various business issues as they arise.

How do you apply the MBA in your role now?
As an advisor to many diverse businesses I am constantly reverting to some of the techniques and learnings from my MBA. The knowledge base I developed has stood me in good stead throughout my career. Also, it gave me the confidence to explore the area of high performance in business further and I have subsequently published a book in that space which I am very proud of.

Any advice for someone considering an MBA?

Go for it. It is a major commitment both in terms of time and intellectual challenge but is hugely rewarding from a personal point of view. Also don’t underestimate the value of the learning from your peers within the class group which are as valuable as the formal learning on the programme.

For more information on the DCU Executive MBA please see: