This summer, I embarked on a transformative journey as an intern, supporting former INSEAD alumni on a mission to make a significant impact in the world of climate technology. In this blog post, I will share the challenges I overcame, the invaluable lessons I learned, and the memorable moments that defined my summer internship experience. Venture capital for climate tech: A bold vision

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The impact valuation partnership between Global Initiative for Sustainable Tomorrow (GIST) Impact and INSEAD’s Hoffmann Global Institute for Business Society (HGIBS) was kicked off in the summer. GIST Impact is the global leader in impact valuation, with data and analytics that harness the power of impact economics to understand the value contribution that businesses make to the world.

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This summer I found myself immersed in the dynamic world of green technology at the Hong Kong Green Finance Association Annual Forum as a student participant. It was a melting pot of innovators, thinkers, and leaders, all committed to the quest for a sustainable future. I was privileged to gain insights into the future of sustainable technology and its crucial role in achieving global carbon neutrality.

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Ingka Group is the biggest IKEA franchisee in the world, operating close to 90% of IKEA stores. They have three business areas: the core business, IKEA Retail with 379 IKEA stores,  Ingka Centres, with 44 meeting places (anchored by IKEA stores) and Ingka Investments, which is focused on making responsible investments in their core business or areas that add value for their customers. Ingka Investments has seven portfolios: capital markets, forestry, renewable energy, real estate, venture capital, growth and business development and since 2022, circular economy.

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When I ventured into the world of INSEAD, the prevailing wisdom whispered that changing three pivotal dimensions of one's career - Location, Industry, and Function - was nothing short of a Herculean feat, if not outright impossible.  Yet, here I stand today, a suitcase in hand, ready to embark on the journey of my dreams - an achievement made possible by the unwavering support of the entire INSEAD community.

• Read more about An Investment in Knowledge Pays the Best Interest: My Journey to Consulting in the UAE

The first week of the INSEAD MBA was definitely nothing like I had anticipated.  One of the first things that hits you is the parties.  I know. I know. Everyone talks about it, but no matter how many times you hear it, it’s not enough – brace yourself :). You can successfully party everyday if you want to. Every. Day. 

• Read more about What the First Week of an INSEAD MBA Really Looks Like

Since I began my Executive MBA, I have been managing my time more efficiently than ever before. In addition to my full-time job, I find myself working most of nights and weekends for pre-readings and projects. I need to learn not only about finance, accounting, strategy, marketing, process and operations management, economics, and organisational courses, but I also need to continue developing leadership skills, doing peer coaching and self-reflection.

• Read more about Embracing Growth: My Reflections after an Evening Run During the Executive MBA Journey

Greetings to all who share a fervent passion for catalysing change and moulding a better world. As I stand at the juncture of my internship voyage with PANL Business Consulting and Services, I am thrilled to unveil the profound imprint of the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Impact Internship Stipend – a journey that transcends financial backing and dives deep into the heart of social impact.  Illuminating the path ahead

• Read more about Catalysing Change: My Journey of Social Impact through the INSEAD Hoffmann Institute Internship

Since college, I have been trying to make a difference in social impact and sustainability. Starting from 2012, I volunteered in South Africa for one month to provide underprivileged kids with quality education. Subsequently, I participated in reforestation as well as marine conservation initiatives. It was then that I realised, compared to traveling abroad, it could be more impactful to help my local community first.

• Read more about My Summer Internship – The Power of Respecting and Preserving Cultural Heritage

When was the last time you felt truly alive? In harmony with yourself, in the flow with your professional tasks, completely in the present moment. At a recent workshop the facilitator asked exactly this question; and it shook me to the core. A simple question that leads directly to existential contemplations.  Am I living my life, or is it just "happening" to me? Am I fully engaged in it, or is it flowing by? Is it perhaps as John Lennon sang in "Beautiful Boy": "Life is what happens to you While you're busy making other plans"

• Read more about "Become What You Are!“ - Rediscover Vitality in the Workplace