Company visit: Green Estate

We had the unique opportunity to visit the Green Estate, a social enterprise dedicated to creating thriving urban green spaces

We were hosted by Roz Davies, an EMBA alumna from Sheffield University Management School and the Chief Executive of the Green Estate, at their beautiful and serene grounds in Sheffield. The event was more than just networking. We gained valuable insights into the Green Estate's mission of fostering resilient and engaging urban environments. It was inspiring and humbling to see their dedication to environmental sustainability firsthand. 

Roz Davies wasn't just our guest speaker, she was a force of nature full of confidence and charisma

What truly struck me about Roz Davies was her unwavering conviction. The glimpse I received into her tenacity and ability to thrive in the face of adversity was incredibly inspiring. It was especially empowering to see a fellow Management School alumna leading such an impactful organisation. Her passion for about creating positive social, environmental, and economic change in the world was palpable, and it resonated deeply with me.

Beyond her impressive career trajectory, it was her warmth, humility, and genuine hospitality that left a lasting impression. She is a role model for aspiring leaders, particularly women, demonstrating the power of combining passion with purpose.

The highlight was the strategic challenge we were tasked with

We were tasked with developing a three-year strategic plan to address a specific problem faced by the Green Estate. Working in groups, we tackled this real-world business challenge, putting our classroom learnings to the test in a practical setting which provided us a hands-on experience with invaluable exposure to the complexities and rewards of working within the environmental sustainability sector. 

When presented with the challenge of devising a three-year plan for the Green Estate, we had to draw upon our knowledge from the MBA programme of strategic frameworks and business analysis techniques to develop viable solutions. Additionally, the event highlighted the significance of effective teamwork and collaboration. Working in groups, we leveraged each other's strengths and expertise to brainstorm ideas, conduct research, and formulate strategies. This mirrors the collaborative nature of many business environments where cross-functional teams must work together to achieve common goals.

The event bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom and its practical application in a real-world business scenario, reinforcing the relevance and importance of our MBA education. It was a truly enriching experience that solidified an MBA programme's impact in tackling real-world issues, and as an individual, it did give me some food for thought.

The Green Estate visit resonated with me on multiple levels

As an MBA student, it was a powerful illustration of how theoretical concepts translate into real-world problem-solving. The challenge helped me to think critically, analyze information, develop practical solutions, and be agile at the same time.

From a citizen's perspective, the event ignited a passion for environmental sustainability. I’ve always been a corporate person, but witnessing the Green Estate's dedication was truly inspiring. It solidified my belief in the power of businesses to be a force for good, encouraging environmental and social responsibility alongside economic growth.

Lastly, as a woman, seeing Roz Davies lead with such passion and conviction was incredibly empowering. Her journey as a successful leader in a purpose-driven organization challenged the stereotypes and demonstrated the power of combining ambition with social impact. It was empowering and humbling at the same time.

The learnings from the Green Estate visit will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours in several ways

The event has equipped me with a deeper understanding of the practical applications of sustainability within business operations. This knowledge will be invaluable to me where I can contribute to creating sustainable solutions and driving positive environmental impact within organizations.

It has also strengthened my problem-solving skills and ability to develop strategic plans, both of which are essential in navigating complex business challenges in the real world. These skills will serve me well in my MBA career journey and beyond, enabling me to approach future projects and opportunities with confidence and expertise.

Finally, the event has expanded my professional network and introduced me to influential leaders like Roz Davies, Lian Pictorial Meadows, and Samson Shikabonga. Establishing connections with individuals who are passionate about sustainability and business innovation will open doors to potential mentorship, collaboration, and career opportunities in the future.

Overall, the company visit has had a profound impact on my MBA career journey.