Andrew Kent (1983)

The ability to recognise change and turn it into opportunity has been central to Andrew Kent's (1983) career. Across business, technology and leadership, he has helped organisations evolve and grow, while also pursuing a passion for storytelling through the publication of his recent book, An Australian Country Childhood: Growing Up in the High Country.

After leaving Ballarat Grammar, Andrew’s career took him across a diverse range of industries. Early roles included helping accountants embrace emerging technologies at CPA Australia and supporting newspaper organisations through the rise of the internet while at Fairfax. These experiences laid the foundation for a career focused on business growth, leadership and change management.

Today, Andrew is the founder of Growth Creators, a business dedicated to helping people grow their business. Working with organisations across industries including education, childcare, manufacturing, entertainment, marketing and trades, Andrew partners with business owners to develop sustainable growth strategies and build strong teams.

Reflecting on the lessons he has learned throughout his career, Andrew believes success depends on far more than technical expertise alone.

“Being good at what you do is only part of the recipe for success. No matter what you want to achieve, understanding people and money will be part of it. To grow a business you need to manage change, understand your own limitations and empower others to do the things that you are not good at.”

More recently, Andrew added published author to his list of achievements. Written initially for his children, nieces and nephews during the COVID period, the book captures memories of a country upbringing that Andrew realised would be almost unrecognisable to younger generations today.

The process of writing the book also prompted reflection on his years at Ballarat Grammar.

“The lasting memory for me was how much fun we had and the lasting positive impact of good teachers,” he says.

One story included in the book recalls the many excursions and experiences that shaped his school years.

“One of the big differences I noticed between Haddon Primary School and Ballarat Grammar, other than the number of kids, was the number of different places we went. In Grade 4 alone we went on at least six different trips. I remember visiting the Old Melbourne Gaol while studying bushrangers and then heading to a Chinese restaurant for a banquet before travelling home. It was not unusual for the School to combine multiple experiences into one trip, even if they were academically unconnected.”

When reflecting on his life since leaving Ballarat Grammar, Andrew is most proud not of his professional achievements, but of the family he has built.

Writing his book gave him a deeper appreciation of the challenges his own parents faced and the unwavering love they provided through difficult times. That experience reinforced what matters most to him today: creating the same sense of love, support and security for his own wife and children.