Sustainability Learn while you earn

Sustainability is currently a hot topic in the corporate world. How do we ensure business drives not only profits but also sustainable growth? It’s challenging enough being a young entrepreneur – but what happens when you’re a young entrepreneur in the sustainable innovations and renewable energy sectors, in a country that isn’t necessary favorable to ecofriendly products? Pranay Kumar (MBA 2008), founder of Vasudhaecofriends Projects (Ecopure, Greenworks, and Edusustain) talks about his green ventures and offers up some of the challenges he has faced along the way. ‘Vasudha’ means ‘Mother Earth.’ When I first started out there was quite a lot of resistance to the business concept as regulations in India were not favorable to ecofriendly products. However, I learned at Hult that it’s important to think outside the box and not be afraid of new challenges. The biggest problem I faced was that new ideas and innovations were viewed with skepticism in India, especially when brought forward by a young entrepreneur. The highs about these industries are the long term impacts our work will have on the community, meeting new people, brainstorming and implementing new ideas, seeing the results, and generating happiness in people we work with and for. I am never ‘busy’ and never ‘free.’ I don’t have a job, I have a hobby! That’s the best part of being an entrepreneur. I like to think of entrepreneurs as being like a river; strong yet flexible, clear in thinking and prepared for any bend around the corner, or rock along the way. Finally, and most importantly, there is a larger ocean of purpose that awaits, filled with opportunities to merge with other entrepreneurs. The biggest lesson I learned during my entrepreneurial journey is that passion, perseverance, boldness, listening, and flexibility are the necessary traits of any entrepreneur. If you are not truly passionate about your idea, don’t go for it. Don’t start a venture purely for money. Profitability is the main goal of any business, but the leader has to balance this against the interests of all stakeholders in the company, whether direct or indirect. Second, your ethics cannot be compromised in order to gain more revenue. Third, cash flow must be maintained at all times – because without cash, the vision is meaningless. My advice to budding entrepreneurs and those looking to enter the sustainable innovations and renewable energy sectors would be – don’t enter them based on the hype that surrounds them. These are non-glamorous industries with challenges and issues that have a direct effect on people’s lives. Be open-minded. One of the key features of this sector is how different ideas and knowledge intersect. Economics, finance, the environment, livelihoods, pollution, and cultural interaction with technologies are just some of the fields that an entrepreneur has to be aware of. My final piece of advice would be ‘learn while you earn,’ as these industries are still on a steep learning curve. Continue reading the full article here.   Discover more of Pranays thoughts on sustainability: Water Quality and state of water in India-I Which is more sustainable: Paper or Plastic? Opinion: Decontrol of oil prices is good for environment and economy The Journal of Petrotech  (pp75-79) Make the most of what your career has to offer with a Masters in International Business from Hult. To learn more, take a look at our blog 5 big reasons why to apply early for your MBA or Masters, or give your employability a huge boost with an MBA in international business. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to explore everything about the business world, the future, and yourself. Related posts News Building success: Dual Degree students win at USASBE Community How going beyond business at Hult helped me launch my company Admissions Accepted Students Weekend: A weekend to remember Careers Career mapping: How to become an executive in the next 5 years 0 Thought leadership How to prepare for an uncertain future in a world of AI News Is mail a dying form for businesses and marketing? Instagram Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021 Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021"> During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . Happy New Year, Hultians! . Happy New Year, Hultians! .

The role of religion in human ethicality - Free Essay Example

In the eighteenth century America was obsessed with ethicality; people lived by the rules of religion. Although, who is to say what is ethical? It is another being who determines ethicality and it is only in accordance with their rules, you must conform to their standards of right and wrong, thus the question is â€Å" Whose ethical views are most important to follow? From the making of America religion has played the biggest role in human ethicality, with the Bible being our handbook. However, in a time of evolutionary discoveries such as Darwinism, Emily Dickinson questions the idea that conventional faith, such as Christianity, is the belief in ethicality or a truth. It is evident that Dickinson declines the customary religious ideas of truth, but this does not mean declined faith. By exploring Emily Dickinsons lifestyle and experiences through both her biography and her poetic works I aim to argue that it is not religion Dickinson doesnt conform to but societys standards of ethics through religion and she instead follows her own faith, in truth. Dickinson instructs the reader to, Tell all the Truth but tell it slant (1) because ?The Truth must dazzle gradually / Or every man be blind (7-8). She is stating that people have the ethical obligation to tell the truth, yet she warns her reader to tell it at an angle because the truth can be too much for peoples weak perceptions to cope with, and you must protect the people from the pure and blinding light of truth. Some may infer, the truth Dickinson speaks of, is the truth of reality or facts that reject the notion of faith, but perhaps she is really referring to personal truth that is idiosyncratic. She wants the reader to tell the truth but their own truth, as she does, she wants them not feel pressured to conform to the truth that is placed on them by society and religion. Emily Dickinsons audience and unique secluded lifestyle helped her find her truth and which played a major role in her writings. With never having the intentions of being published or the need for fame, as she suggests in, Im Nobody! Who are you? her writings are exclusively her own truth. She says, how dreary â€Å" to be â€Å" Somebody! / How public â€Å" like a Frog, here she is pointing out that anonymity is preferred over public recognition and privacy is a thing of luxury. Dickinson inherited Puritan traits of simplicity, practicality, and a discerning observation of the inner self, yet her communication with religion was much more distant than her God-fearing forefathers would have dreamt. Thanks to her familys wealth and understanding Dickinson was permitted to escape the pressures of society and the role most women were required to play at the time. Through this Dickinson was able to do the things she wanted to do, she never married or barred any children, and she never had to tailor her writings in order to succumb to the needs and wants of American society, allowing herself to pursue her truth. The Bedford Anthology of American Literature states, Dickinson resolutely refused to join or attend church, although perhaps she was more certain of God, her own God, than her forefathers where of theirs. Some keep the Sabbath going to Church / I keep it, staying at Home. While Dickinson doesnt attend church like the rest of her community she claims she still practices faith, her faith, at home. In the end of this work she announces, So instead of getting to Heaven, at last / Im going, all along. In many of her other works Dickinson bears doubt in religion, claims she does not understand the conventional God, or have faith in his ways, but with this line she conveys that she does not fear him. This belief grants Dickinson to be a rare individual, especially of her time, affording her inner freedom and self-truth. On the exterior Dickinson seems backwards, unsocial and almost awkward although she truly holds great power when she answers only to herself, and this confidence is preced ent in her works. Dickinson dwells in possibility, opening herself up to new interpretations, as each moment in time becomes a new subject of interest. Alongside this her writings can become contradictory, specifically when she writes using the theme of death. I Hear a Fly Buzz â€Å" When I Died, presents an idea of death in which there is no eternal resting place or afterlife. With Blue â€Å" uncertain stumbling Buzz She depicts herself lying with a fly buzzing around waiting to do his part in the cycle of life and enviably eat her rotting corps. Between the light â€Å" and me / And then the Windows failed â€Å" and then / I could not see to see, here Dickinson wraps up her feelings of death with the belief that the process of death leads to nothingness and the soul that is believed to be found in the eyes fails and dies with her. In comparison her poem, Because I Could Not Stop for Death, she represents death as a spiritual journey to eternity. The Carriage held but just ourselves / And Immortality, In lines five through thirteen she describes this journey and lists things the speaker passes by, We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain / We passed the Setting Sun. The speaker in the carriage transcends and goes to a space where time seems not to exist; its equitably continuous. In this poem death is not something to be feared but instead a relaxing ride. Unlike in I Hear a Fly Buzz â€Å" When I Died, this work romanticizes death and makes the reader feel at peace with death. While these two examples seem to contradict Dickinsons views of death this does not mean she isnt speaking her truth. Dickinson writes poems to capture a moment in her time of life. As people grow and experience new things their views alter to fit the new moment. This might make some feel uneasy, that Emily Dickinson doesnt exhibit ethos in her writings, but when in context to her overall theme of truth, she does indeed stay true to her truth, whatever that may be. In addition she brings to light the truth of the human thought. Our beliefs change; Dickinsons world, like many others, is confused and disrupted thus she is incapable to come to any certain conclusions and that is okay. Rather than be exclusively for faith or fact, Dickinson incorporates both faith and fact or religion and science into her truth. She doesnt dismiss religion entirely because she is aware of the importance of faith. Instead, she finds a balance of the two, like we observe in her short four lined poem which reads, Faith is a fine invention / For Gentlemen who see! / But Microscopes are prudent / In an Emergency! Dickinson, at first, seems to be mocking the Church because she claims God could not really help someone in a true emergency. Faith is a good idea but holds no true power when it comes to science, you cannot solely rely on faith. However, by her expressing, faith is a fine invention, she does recognize that it is comforting to have faith and even though it might not physically amount to science, it is soothing to possess. In a time period when many people chose faith over fact Dickinson, caring for the people she wrote to, wanted it to be known that in order for real help you c ant remain caught up in prayer, you need to also seek professional help. We can see examples of her balancing these two elements in not only her words but within the format she writes in as well. Dickinson writes many of her poems in a hymn meter rhyme scheme, which is used in religious texts and songs such as Amazing Grace, and Christmas Carol. A model of this scheme is portrayed in her poem A Bird came down the Walk. By her following this traditional writing form but then altering the punctuation and capitalizations she does not completely conform to the straightforward rubric a hymn meter rhyme scheme is supposed to obtain. These modifications may seem insignificant but they speak loudly. In all of the works she applies this format to she is allowing herself to express her faith and truth. As Emily Dickinson ages she experiences detrimental events such as, the civil war, the death of her close friends and family, and also with her personal health problems pertaining to her eyesight and kidneys. These events altered her perception of faith and in her later life she became angry at the absence of God. She shows this transition in her work. After the start of her seclusion in 1862 she writes, Of Course†I prayed† And did God Care? In this work she expresses her fury with God, which in turn allows the reader to see she undoubting confesses her belief in faith.