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Meet Your Classmates | University of Cambridge Business Sustainability Management
The University of Cambridge Business Sustainability Management eight-week online short course looks at the potential of innovation and technology to enable and accelerate business sustainability.
Become part of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) global alumni network, and learn and collaborate with like-minded professionals from around the world. Learn from industry professionals while building your international business network.
This course is centred on the notion that sustainability is integral to ensuring businesses can continue to operate on a planet with finite resources, and how sustainability needs to be incorporated throughout an organisation’s value chain.
Click the icons below to find out more about the students of the University of Cambridge Business Sustainability Management course:
October 2018 Students
August 2018 Students
May 2018 Students
February 2018 Students
Sylvie Ligonie 
Associate Director, Bliss Cash S.L.
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Leaving a mark on the people I have collaborated with over my diverse and international career.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I consider sustainability a fundamental aspect of today’s life in the world, all activities must absolutely protect our natural environment, human and ecological health.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Learning the processes that must be actioned for an optimal sustainability impact, as well as becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Be open, be true and let’s enjoy the sustainability journey.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Becoming a sustainability influencer in my community – in Andalusia in South of Spain.
Richard Michael Isaacs
Supply Chain Director, Fresh Food Sector
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Working with, and leading teams that are sourcing from many different countries around the world, delivering first class fresh produce (fruit, vegetables or salads) to the most demanding of retail customers.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I want to be a leader of positive change in my industry, working from end-to-end along the supply chain to ensure ethical and environmental issues are given the same attention in the boardroom as financial results.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Learning from experts in their field, drawing on the experience of others, including fellow classmates, and having some sort of blueprint that will help turn nice ideas into real action plans that will work on the ground.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Good luck to everyone on this course. Above all, I hope we all share our experiences and fully and openly for the benefit of the whole group.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Professionally, when I reach the end of my working career – I want to look back and know that I made a positive difference to the lives of people who worked in the supply chains that I was responsible for.
Georgina Bentue Martin 
Student of Economics, University of Barcelona
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
At this point in my life as a student of economics, I am interested in sustainable management and the circular economy.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I want to learn and become a professional in sustainable management to help other businesses make the right decisions in their business as well as be more conscious of our planet.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
If the economy, in general, doesn’t start to change, we will compromise future generations, and I don’t think anybody wants that. Learning more about this subject is very important for me, because it’s the only way to help the planet, save the nature and also animals that don’t have the choice to choose the planet that they want.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
At the top of my bucket list as a student of economics, is to learn as much as I can about economics and sustainable management.
Jennifer Henry
Director of Global Brand Strategy, Green Circle Salons
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
As the Director of Global Brand Strategy for Green Circle Salons, I have served or coached over 2,000 small and medium businesses in the North American beauty industry on how to become certified sustainable. After developing and growing waste management innovation solutions for the salon and spa industry, I moved to develop the brand and promote our movement across the continent.
Why did you choose to take this course?
Seven years, and over 3.3 million lbs of waste diverted from landfills and waterways later, I am seeking to reach into the restorative, resource, and energy-based facets of sustainability to innovate even deeper into finding solutions for my industry and beyond.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
My message for my fellow CISL classmates is simply that the appetite for sustainability in business lies just under the cover. Dig ever so slightly into an industry, with the right people, and you will uncover its environmental wishes, drive, challenges, and possibilities.
Leonard Limpens
Sustainability Consultant, Greenfeet.nu
Why did you choose to take this course?
I took this course because I wanted to establish a more solid base regarding the understandings of sustainability. Since I spent a great deal of my working life in the financial world, I decided to make myself matter and made a career change towards sustainability consultancy.
Vanessa Wright
VP Global Sustainability and Responsibility, Pernod Ricard
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Building global communications strategies on a wide variety of drinks brands and driving change internally.
Why did you choose to take this course?
Because I am new to CSR.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Learning new things and getting a more in-depth technical knowledge of CSR.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
I am looking forward to learning from and with them, and sharing knowledge.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Own an art gallery.
Juan Paredes
Manager Transport & Logistics, Qatar Airways
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
I am currently working as Manager Transport & Logistics at Qatar Airways and have previously worked in notable companies such as the Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Emirates Airlines. I have also been involved in major events such as the FIFA 2010 World Cup and Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Why did you choose to take this course?
- Have been interested in sustainability for a long time
- Implemented Sustainability certification for my own business (Tour Operator)
- Looking for new business ideas in other industries
- This is applicable for my current role at Qatar Airways
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Learning! And meeting my peers (even if it’s online).
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
I am very keen on being part of this course and I would love to get a chance to network with everyone.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Travel, learn and help others.
Lina Lim Poh Imm
Investment Specialist, Endowments & Foundations Group, J.P Morgan
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
In my professional role, I work closely with endowments, foundations and large family foundations. I have the opportunity to support my clients missions which are in line with my personal value and belief system.
Why did you choose to take this course?
Sustainable business in an area that is very relevant to what I am doing today. Apart from my job, I am serving on two not-for-profits as board members. To me, sustainable business is the biggest opportunity and challenges today. I want to be equipped with the right knowledge on this topic and also get connected with like-minded people around the world
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
It would be the course content and the sharing of experiences and best practices among the participants.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Together we can strive for a more sustainable world.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I want to be a strong advocate and influencer for sustainable business.
Jacqueline Jager
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Being able to continuously adapt and change, reinventing myself from designer to brand strategist and now to move to sustainability expert.
Why did you choose to take this course?
To broaden and deepen my knowledge in the area of sustainability.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Looking forward to connecting with like-minded souls and collectively creating more awareness and solutions for the changes the planet and people need.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Find a new job in the area of sustainability that is meaningful.
Dr Stephen Phillips
Senior Lecturer in Building Surveying, London South Bank University
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
I have been in the UK Construction Industry since 1978 and have held a number of senior positions and roles including; Managing Director of a niche surveying practice, member of the UK Government working party for leasehold reform in 2002/2003 and executive board member of a major social housing landlord.
I obtained an Engineering Doctorate from Loughborough University (pass with no corrections) and am now a full time academic.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I already hold an MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge and I want to include aspects of sustainability management into a construction management module that I teach at London South Bank University.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Learning about sustainability business management per se as opposed to it being related to construction or engineering management and virtual networking with the other members of the cohort.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Good luck!
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Sailing into New York harbour with my partner, past the Statue of Liberty aboard a transatlantic Cunard Liner.
Mette Skoulund
Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Michelin AIM FZE
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
My most noteworthy professional achievement is creating a CSR and sustainability program for my company from scratch and leading it for the past three years.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I’m taking this course to learn more about the theoretical background for what I’m currently doing and to gain new inspiration for my sustainability program.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
I’m looking forward to hearing from real experts and to broadening my understanding of sustainability.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Top of my bucket list is to see Northern Lights.
Annabelle Thebaud
Head of Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator, APAC, SCOR
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
- Global mind – Over the past 20 years in leadership roles spanning across Banking/Re-Insurance/Technology industries between Europe and APAC, I have cultivated curiosity in other cultures
- Have transformed and shaped the culture of my current organisation to create a safer place to work
- Engaged – Co-chair of the HR Committee at the Eurochamber, volunteer with Room to Read, Diversity Champion at CS, part of the launching of a Women Network (SIGN) and sponsor of a Social Committee in APAC with SCOR to create a stronger sense of belongings
Why did you choose to take this course?
My role has been expanded to Corporate Social Responsibility in APAC.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Can’t wait to interact with them and get to know them better to create a community of influencers.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Be healthy to see my children and future grandchildren grow up in a better world.
Bradley Richard Frankel
Co-founder, Flooglebinder
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Setting up a business that I care deeply about and no matter what obstacles we came across, continued to pursue.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I want to expand my knowledge on sustainable practice and have the knowledge and skills to help others.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
I’m looking forward to learning about different strategies to analyse impact.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
To be able to make a significant change.
Alex Jordan
CEO, Hyperlink
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
I started my first business aged 14 which I sold aged 22. I’m now CEO of a digital agency called Hyperlink, whilst I also mentor small businesses and hold the position of part-time CTO at Image Source.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I’m going through the application process to become a trustee of a national environmental charity and this course will provide additional experience on sustainable business practices.
What are you looking forward to most about the course?
Using the knowledge of sustainability management to assist my dissertation for a part-time MBA that I am currently reading at University of Durham and completing this year.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Let’s meet for a coffee.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Score a snooker century break.
Emily-Jane Murrel
Sustainable Finance Policy Manager, HSBC Holdings Plc
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Representing the UK Government in the UN climate negotiations at the COP20 Climate Change Summit in Lima.
Why did you choose to take this course?
In order to learn more about how to drive social responsibility and environmental priorities across a large corporate environment.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
Hearing the perspectives from experts in the field and real-life examples of the challenges and opportunities they have faced.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
I hope we can all meeting in person one day!
What is at the top of your bucket list?
- A long list of countries remain on my bucket list
- Buy my first Tesla!
Maria Dolores Camarero Cisneros
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
Working for my country in the Prime Minister’s office in Perú.
Why did you choose to take this course?
Because I want to learn more about sustainability from cases and experiences around the world.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
To expand my knowledge and study cases from around the world.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
We really can make this world a better place for further generations.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Create value for my country.
Maria Llubitza Larrauri Pineda
Translator and Interpreter
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
- As a conference interpreter, I am able to work in different fields of knowledge, traveled significantly and assisted companies from different backgrounds to communicate and understand each other
- I have participated in projects involving the public as well as the private sector, which has given me a very privileged view of things
Why did you choose to take this course?
I chose this course because I want to learn more about this exciting topic, and being able to apply what I learn in my work with Peruvian companies that are starting business in an increasingly aggressive market.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
I’m looking forward to learning from experienced people and share my own views with my classmates.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
I think we can all learn from each other. We need an open mind to understand that business management will never be the same, and in order for businesses to be sustainable, we need to consider we are a big network who kind of depend on each other.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
- Travel more and get to know more people
- Help others to find balance and enjoy life by being considerate to each other
José Miguel Yturralde Torres
CEO, YPSILOM
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
I’m the founder and CEO of YPSILOM, a consultancy firm specializing in sustainable development and corporate responsibility.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I’ve been looking for a course in the CISL but the big distance from Ecuador and my complicated schedule made it impossible for me to take a regular course. This online option is perfect for me!
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
I’ve been looking forward to getting a world-class education in sustainability, and the CISL is the most renowned institute in this field.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
I’ve worked with indigenous communities in the tropical forest, working with children in slums, the top Ecuadorian businesses and so on. I have a wide and deep knowledge about sustainability, but I’m sure I can also learn from all of you. I would like to hear your experience, your achievements and your fails. I’m excited about this rich exchange of knowledge.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
- Making YPSILOM an international and renowned consultancy firm
- Becoming the Environmental Ministry of my country
- Going with my wife to Mallorca (it might be Galapagos Islands) after our retirement and see my grandchildren grow
Ismeta Curkic
Sustainability and Stewardship Manager, Syngenta
Why did you choose to take this course?
I chose this course to get a better and holistic overview of the challenges in sustainability.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
I am looking forward to learning about different aspects of sustainability that will help me drive sustainability within my organisation.
What message would you like to give to our future classmates and support network?
I am looking forward to an exciting course!
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Pursuing further education that will help me with my future career in sustainability.
Adiya Atuluku
Strategy and Operations Manager, Deloitte Nigeria
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy achievements, professionally?
Conceptualizing and leading a survey of the biggest commercial banks in Nigeria to assess their progress with sustainable banking.
Why did you choose to take this course?
I chose to take this course because I have not had an immersive and structured training on sustainability concepts and tools.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
I am looking forward to having such an amazing experience as well as getting a better picture of specific cases across the world.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
My message is to encourage everyone to share their experiences as much as possible, and be open to different ways of thinking (as can be expected in a multicultural class).
What is at the top of your bucket list?
To travel abroad more frequently.
Ornella Cosomati
Manager, Burson-Marsteller
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy achievements, professionally?
- The creation of a network of students invested in sustainable development
- Sharing best practice across universities
- The launch of the global CSR Foundation of one of my clients
Why did you choose to take this course?
I currently help clients define and deliver on their corporate purpose from a business communication angle and would like to have a more holistic understanding of the impact sustainability can have on business.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
All of it!
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
To stay in touch and exchange opinions and best practices that can provide practical examples of what we will be learning.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
To travel to Brazil.
Jeroen Oldenhuis
Owner/Director, I’ll Manage
What would you say are your most interesting or noteworthy professional achievements?
- What I am most proud of in my career is that I have continued to learn my whole life and have become a successful entrepreneur
- I have built up companies and sold them again
- I have been the owner of a consultancy firm for 10 years, from which I share my knowledge and experience
Why did you choose to take this course?
It cannot just be about making money, the road to it and the method is just as important. The care for the environment may now become part of this trip. If something can be carried out sustainably, then I would like to know.
What are you looking forward to most about this course?
New knowledge, experiences and a new network.
What message would you like to give to your future classmates and support network?
Let’s work together!
What is at the top of your bucket list?
I want to become CEO of a company that most people can talk about positively because this company adds a lot to society in a sustainable way and takes good care of the environment.
Are you ready to lead your organisation in sustainable business practices?
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