MBS Emerging Leaders Scholarships, including the FEAL/WIS Scholarship with Women in Super
The FEAL/MBS Emerging Leaders Program Scholarships allow the winners to attend a 5-day residential program at Melbourne Business School focussed on key topics relevant to the industry including leadership, innovation & change, strategy, marketing and finance, and to connect with peers across the industry.
This year we are particularly pleased to have partnered with Women in Super to offer an additional scholarship opportunity, on top of the scholarship which is funded, for the 3rd year, by 1886 Consulting. We have also made an investment in the FEAL/MBS Emerging Leaders Program by offering a 3rd fully funded scholarship and 2 partially funded scholarships.
MBS Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship recipients:
Marianne Pierce, Strategy Execution Lead, HESTA – winner of the full scholarship sponsored by 1886 Consulting
Caroline Melocco (she/her), Relationship Manager, Equip Super – winner of the full FEAL/WIS scholarship offered in partnership with Women in Super
Liz Slavin, Head of Colleague Partners, Governance & Planning, AustralianSuper – winner of the full scholarship funded by FEAL
Damon Vrettakis, Compliance Manager, First Super – winner of a partial scholarship 50% funded by FEAL, with First Super funding the remaining 50%
Claire Broadway, Manager, Adviser & Licensee Services, UniSuper - winner of a partial scholarship 50% funded by FEAL, with UniSuper funding the remaining 50%
2026 Emerging Leaders Program
The dates of the 5-day program: Week commencing 25 May 2026
This program is suitable for senior managers or other high performers who aspire to be a future fund executive and are looking to develop their leadership skills. Taught by some of MBS’s senior faculty. The Program includes sessions on leadership, innovation & change, people management, strategy, marketing, finance, project management and navigating uncertain futures.
Testimonials
“The FEAL MBS Emerging Leaders Program is one of the most pivotal experiences I have had in my career. The program was thoughtfully organised and designed around the key topics foundational to strategic conversations and decision making, and the team at MBS team were so generous with their time, energy, passion, and knowledge. It was such a privilege to be able to spend an entire week completely immersed in learning and growth, surrounded by such an inspiring group of academics and leaders from the sector that are equally committed to influencing the best retirement outcomes for their members.
There are so many things I am going to do and think about differently as a result of the learnings and connections made during the week, and the program challenged me to see horizontally across the wider functions and capabilities needed to run a successful fund, think deeply about leadership values, career development and how I can deliver value today and tomorrow for the members that I serve.
Thank you to the team at FEAL and MBS for your commitment to developing leaders in our sector, to Sam Harris, Lisa Samuels, Alissa Knight and HESTA for your continued support and mentorship, and to Doug and the team at 1886 for sponsoring this fantastic opportunity.”
“The FEAL Emerging Leaders Program at Melbourne Business School was one of those rare experiences that genuinely makes you pause, reflect, and think differently about your leadership.
Being part of the FEAL Emerging Leaders program created a space that was both stretching and supportive, where you could be challenged on your thinking, but also honest about where you’re still learning. The quality of the faculty and the calibre of the cohort made every conversation meaningful and the connections genuine. It wasn’t just about frameworks or theory; it was about how you show up as a leader, especially when it matters most.
What stood out most for me was the opportunity to step out of the day-to-day and really reflect, on my own strengths and weaknesses, my leadership, the impact I’m having, and the kind of culture I want to help create. The discussions were rich, the perspectives diverse, and the learning immediately practical.
I left the week feeling both energised and grounded, with new ideas, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of responsibility to lead with clarity, curiosity and care.
I’m incredibly grateful to FEAL for the scholarship and the opportunity to be part of this experience. It’s an investment that goes well beyond the week itself, and one I know will continue to shape how I think as a leader, as well as foster the connections I have made.”
“I had the opportunity to complete an incredible journey through Fund Executives Association Limited Emerging Leaders Program at Melbourne Business School. An experience that is already reshaping the way I think about leadership, purpose, and impact.
The course challenged me to think bigger, lead with integrity, and connect more deeply with my purpose. I walked away not only with new strategies and tools, but with a renewed sense of responsibility to lead with vision and impact.
In just a short time, I’ve been surrounded by brilliant minds, thought-provoking conversations, and a learning environment that challenges me to grow, stretch, and lead with greater intention. Meeting a fantastic group of fellow leaders who I learned just as much from their stories as I did from the curriculum.
This opportunity isn’t just a chapter in my career—it’s a catalyst. Thank you FEAL and 1886 Consulting for sponsoring, Chris Davies, Melinda Huggins and TelstraSuper for supporting my professional development. I’m committed to paying it forward, creating impact in the communities and spaces I serve.
If you’re considering the Emerging Leaders Program, I wholeheartedly encourage it. Growth doesn’t begin with comfort—it begins with opportunity. And I’m incredibly grateful to have found both.”
“Participating in the MBS Emerging Leaders Program was a remarkable experience. The depth of knowledge and passion exhibited by the team from Melbourne Business School was impressive and the opportunity to engage with my industry peers has had an immediate, positive impact on my work. I left with a greater appreciation for the wider function of my industry and a clear path for my own personal development. The only regret I have, is that I didn’t enrol sooner!
Thank you to FEAL for making this happen, UniSuper for supporting my professional development and to the amazing 1886 Consultants for sponsoring the scholarship that enabled me to attend.”
Presented in partnership with
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Applications closed Friday 17th October 2025.
To apply for the MBS Emerging Leaders Scholarships click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab above to complete an online application form. If you need assistance please contact FEAL.
Eligibility
This program is suitable for senior managers or other high performers who aspire to be a future fund executive and are looking to develop their leadership skills.
The winner of the FEAL/WIS MBS Emerging Leaders Scholarship must be a member of Women in Super at the time of the Scholarship.
What are the selection panel looking for?
The selection panel is looking for concise, relevant and informative responses to the questions posed in the application form. In a two or three paragraph response provide a strong ‘business case’ as to why you should receive a scholarship this year. Consider how the program content would assist you in meeting your professional and career goals, or in achieving specific KPIs. Try to be clear and direct and help the selection panel understand how the scholarship opportunity would be helpful to you.
Who is on the selection panel?
Your application will be treated with the strictest confidence at all times by our selection panel:
Vivek Chaudhri, MBS program facilitator
Doug Talbot, 1886 Consulting
Jo Kowalczyk, CEO, Women in Super
Chris Davies, FEAL director
Brian Delaney, Chair, FEAL
Key dates to remember:
Scholarship applications opened on Wednesday 3rd September and closed Friday 17th October 2025. The winners were announced at the FEAL AGM on Thursday 13th November during the lunch break at the ASFA Conference on the Gold Coast.
I have submitted an application previously but was not successful – should I apply again?
Former applicants are encouraged to reapply. Review your previous scholarship application and consider how you could improve it. Ensure the question responses reflect your current thoughts and needs.
I am not a FEAL member. Can I still apply?
The ability to receive FEAL scholarships is one of the benefits of FEAL Membership. First check FEAL Membership if your employer is a member of FEAL, in which case you are eligible to apply for all FEAL scholarships. If your employer is not currently a member of FEAL but is a profit-to-member superannuation fund then contact us at FEAL to discuss FEAL membership.
Past winners
Terms and Conditions
Applications received after the specified deadline will not be considered
The decision of the selection panel is final and no subsequent correspondence will be entered into
The MBS Emerging Leaders Scholarships are open to FEAL members only
The winner of the FEAL/WIS MBS Emerging Leaders Scholarship must be a member of Women in Super at the time of the Scholarship
Granting of the partially funded scholarships are conditional on the applicant and/or their fund meeting the remaining 50% cost of participation in the Program
Applicants must be employed with their fund at the time of the Scholarship
Successful applicants may be called upon to deliver a report to FEAL members
FEAL Directors are not eligible to apply
The scholarship covers tuition and accommodation (travel expenses, and costs outside this must be covered by the recipient)