Saïd Business School, renowned for its innovative approach to business education, amongst other, has introduced a groundbreaking event for its Executive MBA alumni: EMBA Inspires. This event offers a unique opportunity for alumni to come together over the course of a few days, engaging with peers from similar sectors and meeting new alumni who share a commitment to exploring critical global challenges. The inaugural theme for EMBA Inspires focused on the offset of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and strategies to eliminate them—a topic of increasing urgency in today’s climate-conscious world.
A call to leadership
EMBA Inspires is designed to empower alumni who hold leadership and decision-making roles. The central message for EMBA Inspires June event is clear: those in positions of influence share the responsibility to drive environmental sustainability within their organisations. By shifting the focus of their companies, corporations, or departments toward environmentally friendly decisions, leaders can significantly impact the global effort to combat climate change. This approach aligns with the broader goal of developing and implementing effective Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) plans.
Key discussions at EMBA Inspires June 2024
The discussions at the event were dynamic and diverse, reflecting the complexity of the carbon offset market and its implications for business and policy. Some key points of discussion included:
- Support for the carbon offset market: The carbon offset market has garnered support from the U.S. government, and there is a strong belief that this support will persist, irrespective of political changes. This bipartisan backing provides a stable foundation for businesses to invest in carbon offsetting initiatives, confident that policy support will continue.
- Innovative approaches to carbon offsetting: Traditional methods of reducing CO2 emissions, such as capping outputs in industries like electricity generation, were contrasted with alternative approaches. One such alternative is encouraging producers to subsidise activities that reduce CO2 emissions elsewhere—a process known as offsetting. For instance, while planting trees is a straightforward method (as trees absorb CO2 while growing), there are more sophisticated techniques emerging. These innovations promise to offer more efficient and scalable solutions for carbon offsetting.
- Economic incentives for reducing carbon emissions: A central aim of the discussions was to explore ways to make the price of carbon sufficiently high to deter high-polluting activities. Unlike most industries, which strive to lower costs, the goal here is to increase the financial burden of carbon emissions. This economic incentive could drive industries to innovate and adopt cleaner, more sustainable practices.
The role of female leaders in environmental decision-making
An interesting and insightful point that emerged from the discussions was the observation that female leaders and executives tend to make more impactful environmental decisions within their organisations. Studies suggest that female leaders are more inclined to prioritise sustainability and take decisive action toward reducing their company’s carbon footprint. This tendency underscores the importance of diversity in leadership, particularly when addressing complex global challenges like climate change.
Looking forward
EMBA Inspires is a movement that is bringing together a diverse group of alumni leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their respective sectors. Oxford Saïd is fostering such communities dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues and discuss potential solutions. As the event evolves, it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and equip executives with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to lead their organisations.
In conclusion, EMBA Inspires initiative is a powerful example of how educational institutions can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of business leadership. By focusing on themes like carbon offsetting and ESG, Oxford Saïd is not only educating its alumni but also inspiring them to be catalysts for change in their respective fields. For executives looking to make a meaningful impact on the world, events like EMBA Inspires provide the perfect platform to learn, connect, and lead.
