Meet Our Students: Ryf Quail

Otago MBA 37 Student, Ryf Quail

The stated purpose for his blog, as it pertains to future Otago MBA students, is to introduce you to Dunedin and provide a look inside our programme.  This includes allowing you to meet my friends and colleagues: meet Ryf Quail, one of our 2013, MBA 37 students.

Ryf is an Aussie who grew up throwing rocks at snakes and quickly riding away as the snakes gave chase. He proudly boasts that he can trace his ancestry back to criminals on both his mother's and dad's side.  Ryf arrived in Dunedin last April along with is wife, Nichola, a talented business professional, and three-year-old daughter, Izzie, who wraps dad around her little finger.  Ryf describes himself first as a surfer and then as a seasoned media and marketing professional.

Ryf was easily the most impactful student in this year's class, with the most uninhibited approach to life: he laughed loud and often; perpetually supported the wrong sports teams; fueled Aussie vs. Kiwi rivalries; and rode a wave of adrenaline through our programme.  No one was left unscathed and we'll all remember Ryf as a great friend.

He will complete an international exchange at Grenoble Ecole de Management before undertaking a BUSI 540 project aimed at launching a high tech, Internet business venture (no details).  This is something I know about: Ryf and I argued for three months about the wisdom, and credibility of this venture.  He championed from a base of experience in Internet technologies and client needs, while I challenged from neuroscience and the risk that technological innovation could doom the venture.  He eventually won me over through his sheer stubborn commitment. 

Little doubt exists: Ryf will become a successful (and wealthy) entrepreneur, maybe by launching and selling this venture before moving on to the next.  To Ryf, an Otago MBA forever!

Read about Ryf's experiences in our programme.

We are constantly on the lookout for MBA candidates of the
 caliber of Ryf Quail.  I invite you to apply to our programme if you dream big and
 have the guts to follow those dreams.

David