Yale School of Management course enriches local publisher
March 5, 2018
In 2017, the Managing Director of Insight Publications, Mizz De Zoysa-Lewis, received an IGNITE grant of $4000 to attend a Leadership Strategies in Book Publishing course at the Yale School of Management.
The intensive week-long program helps publishing professionals understand the challenges and opportunities created in an increasingly global and digital publishing landscape. “By attending this course, I was hoping to extend my knowledge on how successful international publishers handle every aspect of their business,” says Ms De Zoysa-Lewis. “I was able to test and challenge my current strategies, my leadership style, and to gain new ideas relating to innovation and consumer behaviour.”
Participants in the highly-coveted course heard from industry leaders such as Marcus Leaver (The Quarto Group Inc.), Kirsty Melville (Andrews McMeel Universal), Nihar Malaviya (Penguin Random House) and Rick Joyce (formerly Perseus Books Group). They spent up to 12 hours a day in discussions about the industry and solutions to challenges such as the impact of Amazon. Attendees were also encouraged to share personal experiences, forming strong relationships with publishing colleagues from all over the world.
“Attending this course at Yale University has been one of the most satisfying and enriching learning experiences I’ve ever had,” says Ms De Zoysa-Lewis. “It has pushed me to become actively involved in passing on my knowledge to my staff by delivering workshops and to seek opportunities where I can help students in publishing as well.”
The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund IGNITE grants support individuals working in the writing, publishing and visual arts sectors to acquire professional development through mentorships, internships, residencies and leadership opportunities.
Cultural Fund and Reading Australia Officer, Nicola Evans, says, “The Yale program is a fantastic opportunity to engage in important and relevant conversations about the future of the publishing industry on a global level.
“As we mark International Women’s Day 2018 this week, it’s important to support opportunities for leadership skills for publishers and to celebrate success.
“We are thrilled to have supported Mizz with this opportunity which has helped her bring back insights she can share with her publishing peers in Australia.”
Learn more about the IGNITE grants and apply for 2018 funding before 20 April.