A day in the life of a Diploma in Sustainable Business student
22 November 2024 – Sonia Ventosa García-Morato, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Manager at Equatorial Coca-Cola Bottling Company and student on the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Business, shares her experience of studying the programme and details what a day looks like during one of her residential workshops in Cambridge, UK.
My day begins with...
I woke up in the cosy comfort of Turing Locke, where my family and I are staying – my husband and our lively 4-year-old daughter. After a quick morning chat with my colleague from the Diploma Cohort, who’s also staying here with her family, we grabbed a cappuccino and hopped into an Uber. We made it to West Hub just in time for the 9am morning reflection session – a perfect way to pause and absorb the lessons from the previous day.
The workshop starts with…
The day kicked off with a session by Professor Rachel Garrett on ‘Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Practices.’ We learned that agriculture is the second-largest source of carbon emissions and the largest employer, with 900 million people working in the sector. Next, we had an unexpectedly engaging talk by a lawyer, who used real cases to illustrate how biodiversity can be effectively protected through legal means.
Between sessions…
During the breaks, there are plenty of chances to enjoy sweet snacks while mingling with fellow Diploma students from my Cohort. We share our thoughts on the morning sessions and catch up on some work emails. The workshop brings together students from various Masters and Diploma cohorts, so there's always a new person to meet and a new story to learn from.
After lunch we…
We continued our day with a session on Business and Nature, focusing on 'Intrinsic Values for Nature' and the economics of biodiversity. The discussion highlighted that we are all assets of nature. While I appreciated the insights, it was disheartening to reflect on how human activities have caused mass extinctions of animals. Fortunately, we also explored solutions to the biodiversity crisis: reduce per capita consumption, lower future global population, embrace a circular economy for greater efficiency, invest in nature conservation and restoration.
I reflected on how I can contribute to these solutions. I believe I need to look beyond the operational boundaries of my company and try to extend my area of influence, one person at a time. When I became a vegetarian 15 years ago, I started as an activist, but it didn't have the desired impact. I realised that leading by example was a more effective strategy to inspire others to change their diet.
We ended the day with insights from four colleagues who completed their Master’s some time ago. Their advice was invaluable: stay in touch, keep evolving as a leader, continue learning, and remember there's a wealth of knowledge out there.
After sessions finish, I have the opportunity to…
We wrapped up at 6pm, and I joined my family for a picnic in one of Cambridge's beautiful green parks. My daughter played with a diverse group of kids at the playground while my husband and I enjoyed a pint on a terrace. I shared some of the amazing insights I gained during the day, making it a perfect end to a fulfilling day.
After a day of learning I feel…
Feeling inspired and more open-minded, I reflected on my new understanding of sustainability. I pondered the intrinsic value of nature and resources like water, which can't be measured solely in economic terms. While technology will play a crucial role, it can't do it alone. The importance of agriculture, dietary habits, and consumption trends became clear to me. I particularly loved the term 'supermarket revolution.' Being based and working in Africa, I observe that big supermarkets are relatively uncommon in many countries.
I am inspired to…
I want to delve deeper into the value chain of my company's business model as I narrow down the topic for my literature review essay, the second assignment I will be completing as part of the PG Diploma. Beyond my work, I aim to keep learning and influencing one person at a time, ensuring that my daughter can enjoy this beautiful planet and its nature.