University of Oxford is an institution renowned for its rich history and academic excellence.
The oldest university in the English-speaking world, embodying the spirit of learning and discovery. As William Blake once said, "The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom." Oxford has long been a place where the pursuit of knowledge is boundless and transformative.
I was particularly excited to be part of the Oxford Sustainable Business Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment.
This programme represented a forward-thinking approach to integrating sustainability into business practices, perfectly aligned with Oxford's tradition of addressing critical global challenges. The programme offered a unique blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, equipping participants with the tools needed to drive meaningful change in the business world.
The programme offered cutting-edge insights into business decarbonisation and net zero, highlighted strategic opportunities for innovation, and refined approaches for addressing cross-functional implementation challenges.
Engaging with experts and fellow participants further deepened the understanding of climate action and sustainability leadership, with a robust action plan to advance the organisation from decarbonisation to broader business transformation, there is renewed energy to develop impactful strategies and communicate them effectively to stakeholders.
What a transformative journey!
From our first day as a cohort of strangers, we’ve grown into a supportive community of individuals. I’m genuinely inspired by them, and it has been a privilege to learn alongside such passionate individuals.
Beyond the classroom, the rich heritage of Oxford and its vibrant community have made this experience even more special. The city’s blend of history and innovation mirrors our commitment to driving sustainable practices in business.
While our formal studies may be over, it’s clear that the connections we’ve formed are just beginning to flourish, and we have exciting plans to catch up with each other soon!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone; the delivery and programme team and everyone who contributed their efforts to make this programme a success.
Key Highlights:
- The programme offered powerful insights into decarbonisation, change management, and navigating regulatory challenges. Mary Johnstone-Louis set the stage with a strong focus on building sustainable futures.
- Participants developed transition plans to guide their companies toward NetZero, with post-programme action led by Cyrus Suntook, Charlie Curtis, John Goodwin, and Tristram Walsh.
- An inspiring dinner at Balliol College with Arlo Brady, where he delved into the Sustainable Markets Initiative and visionary corporate leadership.
- Alexis McGivern brought fresh perspectives on youth-led climate action, spotlighting the next wave of sustainability leadership, and Kaya Axelsson discussed navigating Net Zero essentials challenges.
- The programme fostered collaboration, with hands-on sessions turning ideas into steps toward meaningful change. We also discussed energy transition trends from Cameron Hepburn, along valuable insights from Sam Fankhauser, Marya Besharov, Juliane Reinecke, Pegram Harrison, Jonathan Trevor, Matt Scott, and Anette Mikes.
