Meet Marvel Nartey

Pictured:Marvel Nartey.

You’ve been a nurse for 16 years. What first inspired you to pursue a career in health, and what continues to drive your passion for caring for others?

My passion for healthcare began at a young age after witnessing the compassionate care given to my late paternal grandmother during her final hospital admission. Although she did not return home, the dignity, empathy, and excellence shown by the nurses and doctors left a lasting impression on me. That experience inspired me to become a registered nurse—a role I have now embraced for sixteen years as a true calling rather than just a profession. Nursing allows me to combine compassion, skill, and service while supporting patients and families through some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

You’ve explored interests in health, law and entrepreneurship. What helped you realise that you could follow multiple ambitions rather than choosing just one path?

Alongside healthcare, entrepreneurship has always been part of my journey. From assisting my paternal grandmother in her business during school holidays to being inspired by my father, who pursued business over engineering, I learned early that ambition does not have to follow a single path. Entrepreneurship offers flexibility, creativity, and the opportunity to give back—values that are especially important to me as a mother of four young children.

What motivated you to begin the Griffith MBA, and how does it support your long-term goals— whether that’s launching a business, advancing in healthcare, or preparing for medicine?

These dual passions led me to pursue the Griffith MBA. I was drawn to Griffith University’s emphasis on sustainability, ethical leadership, and strong community values. As a member of the Griffith Business Students Leadership Group, I have felt genuinely supported and engaged.

You’re raising four children, working shifts and studying part-time. How have you built the time-management mindset that enables you to balance these responsibilities while protecting family time?

Balancing shift work, study, and family life has been possible through the time-management, prioritisation, and teamwork skills I developed in acute nursing and through intentional family structure and communication at home with my husband and children.

The MBA has given you a new appreciation for how hospitals operate behind the scenes. How have subjects like economics, leadership and marketing changed the way you understand the healthcare system?

The MBA has expanded my understanding of healthcare beyond the bedside, particularly through economics, sustainability, leadership, and marketing, helping me see how systems, strategy, and culture shape patient outcomes.

You’re developing a business focused on affordable children’s clothing. How is the MBA helping you grow your confidence and skills as an emerging entrepreneur?

The MBA program has also strengthened my confidence as an emerging entrepreneur, equipping me with practical skills to develop customer‑centred, sustainable ventures.

What elements of the Griffith MBA — from the values and curriculum to the sense of community — have had the most meaningful impact on you so far?

The most meaningful impact of the Griffith MBA for me has been the alignment between its values, curriculum, and strong sense of community. Its focus on ethical leadership and sustainability has strengthened my systems thinking and strategic mindset, while the supportive learning environment has built my confidence and clarified my purpose as a values-driven leader.

You’re part of the Griffith Business School Leadership Group. What motivated you to join, and how has this experience shaped your journey as a postgraduate student?

I joined the Griffith Business School Leader Group to engage in purpose-driven leadership. It has strengthened my confidence, collaboration and communication skills, and deepened my sense of belonging and commitment to ethical, service-focused leadership.

Looking ahead, what kind of impact do you hope to make in healthcare and the wider community through your blend of clinical experience, business knowledge and personal resilience?

Looking ahead, I aspire to bridge compassionate clinical care with sustainable, people-centred systems. By combining clinical experience, business knowledge, and personal resilience, I hope to create ethical, impactful solutions in healthcare and the wider community—and leave systems stronger than I found them.