David Millward, '01 MBA

David Millward (MBA '01) is a Management and Consular Officer with Global Affairs Canada whose career has taken him around the world in service of Canadians and Canada's international interests. Guided by a belief in servant leadership and a lifelong curiosity about people and cultures, he has embraced opportunities to live, work, and learn across multiple continents. Over more than 25 years in the foreign service, he has served in countries including Taiwan, South Korea, Brazil, Jamaica, Ecuador, and Israel. Today, he is currently studying Mandarin and preparing for his next diplomatic adventure in China.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in international affairs and public service?

I wanted to work for the government long before I started my MBA. I was drawn to public service and was already exploring government career opportunities when I participated in a large-scale foreign service recruitment process. I still remember the scale of it — approximately 6,000 people applied, about 1,000 were interviewed, and only a small number were ultimately hired. Going through that process reinforced my interest in the foreign service as a career.

I've always been interested in history, geography, and writing, but I also enjoy working with people, solving problems, and making things happen. The foreign service stood out because it brought all of those interests together. It offered the opportunity to engage with international issues while working directly with people and contributing to Canada's interests abroad.

What motivated you to pursue an MBA in International Business, and how has that education shaped your approach to international operations throughout your career?

After completing my undergraduate degree in the arts, and experience in government I was looking for a graduate program that would prepare me for an international career. I considered several paths, including law and the humanities, but ultimately chose business because it provided a broad foundation, practical skills, and a well-rounded education. The focus on International Business was particularly appealing given my interest in working across borders and cultures.

Throughout my career as a Management and Consular Officer (MCO), I have regularly drawn on what I learned during my MBA, particularly in areas such as organizational theory, leadership, and operating within complex international environments. The organizational theory courses were especially valuable because they offered practical insights into managing people, processes, and resources. In many ways, my role involves administering operations in highly complex contexts, and my MBA provided the tools and frameworks to do that effectively.

What does a typical day look like for a Management and Consular officer, and what aspects of the work do you find most rewarding?

One of the interesting things about being a Management and Consular Officer is that there is rarely such a thing as a typical day. Under the direction of the Ambassador or Head of Mission, the MCO oversees a wide range of programs that support the operations of a Canadian mission abroad, including finance, human resources, real property, logistics, information technology, security and emergency preparedness, and consular services for Canadians.

On any given day, I might meet with the Ambassador to discuss mission priorities, review financial approvals, work through housing or operational issues affecting Canadian diplomats, plan emergency preparedness activities, conduct performance reviews, or support Canadians requiring consular assistance. The work can range from routine administrative decisions to highly sensitive situations involving hospitals, prisons, deaths, evacuations, or interactions with local authorities.

The variety is what makes the role so rewarding. I often joke that I can be approving a toilet fixture in the morning, delivering a diplomatic démarche on behalf of the Government of Canada in the afternoon, and responding to a consular emergency at a police station later that evening.

What I find most rewarding is knowing that the work directly supports both Canada's international objectives and the well-being of Canadians abroad. Much of it happens behind the scenes, but whether it is helping a mission operate effectively or assisting a Canadian during a difficult moment, there is a strong sense of purpose in knowing that your work can make a meaningful difference.

You've served in a variety of international postings. Is there one assignment or experience that stands out as particularly memorable or transformative?

Every posting has brought memorable experiences and unique challenges, but from an MBA perspective, my posting in Brasília stands out. At the time, Global Affairs Canada was undergoing a significant transformation initiative, and I had the opportunity to work closely with the Management and Consular Officer in São Paulo to develop new approaches for allocating and maximizing our resources.

What made the experience especially rewarding was the chance to apply concepts I had studied during my MBA, particularly around organizational change and process improvement. We were given considerable flexibility to think creatively, test new ideas, and redesign how certain functions operated. It was both professionally challenging and enjoyable, and it gave me the opportunity to help build a program with lasting impact. Seeing ideas move from theory to practice in a complex international environment was a particularly fulfilling experience.

Looking back on your career, what lessons about leadership, service, and global citizenship have stayed with you the most?

Living and working around the world has and representing Canada abroad given has reinforced both my gratitude for what we have and my belief that Canada has much to contribute on the global stage.

Personally, I have learned the importance of perspective and balance. One philosophy that has guided me throughout my career is that I work to live, not live to work. My wife and I raised five children while serving on postings abroad, and those experiences taught me that success is measured not only by professional accomplishments, but also by the life you build with the people you care about.

I have also learned not to spend too much energy worrying about things beyond my control. “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of its own”, In my experience, focusing on what can be done today is far more productive than dwelling on uncertainties about the future.

I am a strong believer in servant leadership. While positions may come with formal authority, trust and respect must be earned through consistency, honesty, and service. I have always tried to keep my door open, make time for people, and remove obstacles where I can. Looking back, the lesson that has stayed with me most is that meaningful leadership is not about power or status — it is about helping others succeed.

Have your international experiences introduced you to any new interests, hobbies, or perspectives that have become part of your life? What’s next for David?

One of the greatest gifts of an international career has been the opportunity to immerse myself in new cultures, languages, and experiences. Along the way, I have learned French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean, and I am currently studying Mandarin full-time in preparation for my next posting to China as a Consular Officer. I have also developed a love of gardening with tropical plants — something I never would have discovered had I stayed in Canada.

At the same time, an international career comes with sacrifices. My family and I have had extraordinary experiences, but we also missed out on some of the everyday Canadian life. As I look ahead, I am excited about my next chapter in China, but I am also beginning to think about retirement in Alberta in five or six years. After 25 years of travelling the world, I look forward to some of life's simpler pleasures: gardening, restoring an old pickup truck, learning to fish, and spending more time with family and friends.

Thank you, David!