Exploring Sustainable Transformation: My MBA Journey to Milan

Get to know me: my background and career journey

My name is Tobi Owoade, and I graduated from Covenant University in Nigeria with an undergraduate degree in Electrical Electronics Engineering. After graduation, I ventured into consulting and entrepreneurship and have spent most of my career driving innovation and transformation for companies as a consultant/delivery expert.
Currently, I work at EY UK&I where I help clients solve their biggest technology and digital-related challenges, focusing on complex, organization-wide transformations. My experience has positioned me at the forefront of the ever-evolving technology landscape, aligning with my aspirations to transform the world as a business leader.

My motivations for pursuing an MBA at Imperial College Business School

My overarching goal is to assume a leadership role where I can make a meaningful impact and drive positive change in the business world. I believe the MBA will serve as a springboard for this goal by equipping me with a solid foundation in business fundamentals, strategic thinking, and decision-making. The programme has also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of global business dynamics and the intricacies of operating in diverse cultural contexts. 
Additionally, with my passion for entrepreneurship, the MBA arms me with knowledge and skills to branch out into new ventures, leveraging my entrepreneurial spirit and emerging technologies to develop innovative solutions that address market gaps and create value for customers.

Furthermore, I believe in the power of networking and continuous learning. Throughout my MBA programme, I have actively built relationships with likeminded professionals, entrepreneurs, and faculty across the world. I plan to leverage these connections and engage in lifelong learning through events, conferences, and professional development programmes to stay at the forefront of business trends to maintain a competitive edge in my career.

This experience reaffirmed my commitment to integrating academic rigor with practical relevance, preparing me for leadership roles at the intersection of business and sustainability, where I aspire to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Exploring Milan and its impact on my MBA journey

I attended the sustainable transformation course at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan to enhance my MBA journey. Sustainability has become an integral component of contemporary business leadership, and I recognize its increasing relevance in today's global landscape. 

This trip was an opportunity to immerse myself in the Italian business landscape and gain invaluable insights into how top companies in the region approach sustainability. The module structure was well-designed, allowing for in-depth exploration of environmental and social issues from both local and global perspectives. Interacting with fellow students and industry experts in Milan was incredibly rewarding, and I found that the practical knowledge I gained during this trip has already started to influence my view of how and why businesses need to think about sustainable transformation. 

This course provided me with a unique chance to delve into sustainability from the perspective of top Italian companies, offering a fresh lens through which to view environmental and social issues. My time in Milan allowed me to broaden my horizons and gain insights into global sustainability practices, positioning me as a future-forward business leader with the tools to guide organisations toward responsible and sustainable operations. This experience reaffirmed my commitment to integrating academic rigor with practical relevance, preparing me for leadership roles at the intersection of business and sustainability, where I aspire to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Unforgettable highlights of the trip

One of the standout aspects of the course in Milan was the daily deep dives into sustainability challenges encountered by different companies, which allowed me to gain real-world insights and present innovative proposals to their sustainability managers. This provided hands-on understanding of how businesses grapple with sustainability issues. Additionally, the leadership talk and Q&A session with Philippe Donnet, the CEO of Generali Group, was pivotal. His wisdom and experience as a prominent leader in Europe left a lasting impression, and his insights into the journey of leadership were brimming with valuable gems. The dialogue not only inspired me, but also reinforced the importance of visionary leadership in driving positive change in the business world.

The trip to Milan has been a transformative experience, leaving me not only feeling like a sustainability guru but also armed with a profound comprehension of the "why" behind sustainability in the business world.

Key takeaways: applying sustainability insights to drive change

The trip to Milan has been a transformative experience, leaving me not only feeling like a sustainability guru but also armed with a profound comprehension of the "why" behind sustainability in the business world. It's crystal clear to me now that sustainability isn't just a buzzword; it's a fundamental driver for brand reputation, cost management, revenue growth, and mitigating business risk. The daily immersion into sustainability challenges that companies face provided me with a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved. 

As I reflect on this experience, I'm keen to apply these insights to my consulting and entrepreneurial careers. I envision myself as a catalyst for change, advocating for sustainability's integration into core business strategies. Whether it's proposing actionable solutions to organizations or fostering a culture of sustainability, I'm now better prepared to drive meaningful transformation. By leveraging my expertise gained in Milan, I aspire to guide businesses in their journey toward responsible and sustainable practices, making a positive impact on the world and aligning with my ultimate goal of becoming a visionary business leader.