John Crean, MSc Executive Leadership

My name is John Crean and I have studied the MSc Executive Leadership programme. My career began in hospitality at Ashford Castle in Ireland, where I learned that excellent service is an art and mindset. I completed a management internship in Geneva which deepened my experience in luxury hospitality. In 1990, I moved to the U.S. through the Diversity Visa Lottery and spent 13 years managing a golf and country club on Long Island, NY. Most recently, I served as Chief Operating Officer at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida, overseeing a $35M operation and guiding over $100M in capital projects. I've built a rewarding career in the private club industry and actively participated in the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) and Europe (CMAE), focusing on my professional growth and leadership development.

Why I chose to study at Ulster University

I chose to study at Ulster University as it has a strong blend of academic rigor and practical application. I was particularly interested in its international focus, including the Study Visit at Boston College, and the experienced faculty. The part-time structure, offered on campus and online, enabled me to maintain my executive role while engaging in reflection, research, and personal development. The 27-month programme covered strategic, ethical, and transformational leadership, executive coaching, and a capstone research project. It challenged me to enhance my decision-making and apply academic concepts to real-world leadership.

About the course

I particularly valued modules like Creating the Future, Corporate Governance and Business Ethics, and Executive Coaching and Mentoring. Each one brought new insights into the complex, fast-moving environments I’ve worked in for years. The Leading for Transformational Change module resonated strongly with my belief in the importance of shaping and preserving organisational culture, which can be easily lost without careful leadership.

As previously mentioned the Study Visit at Boston College was one of the many selling points for me. The visit was a standout experience. Meeting with global leaders and discussing leadership across different cultural and institutional contexts brought academic theories to life. It was a powerful reminder that leadership, at its best, is a shared global endeavour. I would be remiss if I did not mention that attending an online class from Florida at 3:30 am was memorable; however, I enjoyed flying over to attend class on campus.

Outside the formal curriculum, I contributed insights from my long-standing civic engagement and sustainability involvement, especially around public-private partnerships. These experiences enriched class discussions on governance, policy, and innovation and often sparked conversations that continued beyond the classroom.

Impact from the course

The course has transformed how I think strategically and solidified my leadership philosophy. It has deepened my understanding of the economic and policy forces shaping industries and helped me approach problems more analytically, always asking the next question. My research study allowed me to examine the impact of leadership on the intersection of policy and economic development in the hospitality sector. On a personal level, the experience reaffirmed my commitment to lifelong learning and leading with knowledge and curiosity. If I had to sum it up in three words, I’d say: it builds confidence.

A supportive environment

The support I received throughout the course was excellent. As a mature student returning to academic life, I had many questions, especially around my research paper. The course director, Nancy Brown, was always generous with her time and guidance. I also benefited greatly from the diverse cohort of students. Their varied perspectives made for rich discussions and created a shared purpose and support I will carry with me beyond graduation.

Future aspirations

Looking ahead, I plan to continue championing community-driven sustainability and innovation. With this academic experience now part of my foundation, I hope to contribute more meaningfully to cross-sector collaboration, policy discussions, and mentoring the next generation of leaders.