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MBA student Magdalena Kupfersberger named one of Europe's leading social enterprise role models

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Social entrepreneur Magdalena Kupfersberger has been named as one of Europe's Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise for 2023.

Euclid Network's list recognised Saïd Business School’s MBA student Magdalena as an 'outstanding leader and trailblazer, building an innovative, impact business'. The Euclid Network (EN) celebrates women making an impact by creating sustainable solutions that deliver significant social or environmental impact.

On receiving the recognition, Magdalena commented: 'It's wonderful to see our work with sister*hood recognised - that's exciting for our whole team. With the support of Euclid Network, Google.org, and the European Commission, this group of Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise has been a key cornerstone to highlighting achievements and careers of women in the social impact ecosystem.'

Magdalena, a renewable engineer consultant with McKinsey & Co, was named a social entrepreneur for her social impact-mission company, sister*hood vienna. The company she founded with her sister is an ethically sourced, socially conscious interior design company connecting low-income female artisans with global design communities and design lovers. Euclid Network aims to create a European network for social enterprise support organisations (SESO). It combines the expertise, good practices and lessons learned from social enterprises across Europe and neighbouring states to drive social change. 

The School's focus on impact and dedication to social enterprise made me want to do my MBA here.

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Magdalena explains why she chose to pursue her MBA at Oxford Saïd: 'The School's focus on impact and dedication to social enterprise made me want to do my MBA at Oxford - in fact, it's the reason why I applied only to Oxford. Coming from consulting, I was (still am?!) sceptical of the value-add an MBA has to offer. I knew that I would only pursue such a programme if it could deliver a new and inspirational dimension that my consulting environment could not necessarily provide me with. The Oxford Saïd MBA and all its work in impact-driven academia and business gave me that option. And I'm glad I made that choice.'

Citing an additional takeaway from the MBA programme, Magdalena commented: 'One thing the MBA has certainly taught me, with regards to running my own company is, 'Get the word out there'. Don't be shy to tell people what you're working on. Gather their thoughts and feedback. Then, use the pieces of advice that will help you grow, and ignore those that won't.' 

 

 

 

One thing the MBA has certainly taught me, with regards to running my own company is, 'Get the word out there'.

Looking ahead, she said scaling the business is the next goal. 'Most conversations I had at the School (whether with peers, mentors or professors) went along the lines of "Maggie, you'll have to choose one path eventually". But something in me continues to refuse to accept this notion - for the time being! 

'My current plan is to go back to McKinsey and continue my work in sustainability, renewables energy and cleantech - but at the same time, scale our mission-driven company. Of course, this will likely mean that I won't be a partner as fast as other colleagues or our company revenues won't grow as quickly as it potentially could. But I'm fine with that. I'm in it for the journey, so I might as well enjoy the views along the way.'

Magdalena's business also carries unique interior items in an online shop, and works on special design projects in the hospitality sector.