My third term of the MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ESCP Business School, which started in Kreuzberg, was filled with motivation and enthusiasm. Although it was relatively short, it was perfect in every sense.
Highlights of the Term
One of the standout moments was finalizing the Sustainable Lifestyles Venture (SLV) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). We had the opportunity to pitch our ideas to real investors. My team and I presented EGGyard, an e-commerce company specializing in chicken starter packs. EGGyard is the essence of SLV, aiming to transform lifestyles and behaviors sustainably. Reflecting on the past nine months, I feel immense gratitude and pride for my team’s efforts and achievements.
Guidance and Support
Our advisor Peter Borchers played a crucial role in preparing us for our big day. He ensured that no group faltered and that our messages were clear and compelling. The comprehensibility of the course was outstanding, and I am deeply thankful for his support and guidance.
Leadership and Intercultural Management Insights
The courses on intercultural management and leadership were incredibly enriching and transformative. They not only changed my perspective on other cultures but also equipped me with essential leadership skills.
The intercultural management course was a real eye-opener, profoundly changing my perspective on other cultures and my relationships with people. The diversity and the various perspectives we encountered were incredibly enriching. One of the highlights was the serious game ‘Moving Tomorrow,’ which featured eight episodes (30-45 minutes each) about two newcomers at a company. This innovative approach allowed us to empathize with the protagonists and understand the typical struggles of a first job.
The Leadership course went hand-in-hand with these insights, teaching me vital skills like conflict management and effective communication. Understanding how to navigate and resolve conflicts is crucial in a multicultural environment, and this course provided practical tools that I am eager to apply in my future career. The combined knowledge from these courses has significantly broadened my understanding and prepared me for real-world challenges.
ESCP Berlin Campus
Extracurricular Fun and Connections
The term wasn’t all about academics. The Euromasters, hosted by Germany, were a lot of fun, especially with our international class. Having Dutch, French, Italian, and other European nationalities in the course really brought us together and elevated the experience. We watched the games at several places, celebrating wins and commiserating over losses, which strengthened our bonds.
With the start of summer, we found ourselves frequently drawn to the parks. We played spikeball, rented volleyball courts, and visited multiple lakes on several occasions. These outings were perfect for relaxation and team bonding, enhancing our overall experience.
Sustainable Product Development
Mr. Figeac’s course on crafting sustainable products was incredibly insightful. We learned about the importance of considering sustainability from the concept and design phase and how to finance such ventures. He introduced us to companies like Ceezer, Coolar, and Time to Act Capital, sharing their innovative approaches and solutions. His energy and determination were truly inspiring, and I am grateful for his expertise.
Looking Ahead
Looking back on this impactful semester, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and preparedness as I advance in the MSc program. The hands-on experiences and diverse insights gained have strengthened my commitment to driving sustainable change in the business world. As I now delve into the remaining terms, I’m excited to continue learning and to translate these lessons into future projects and ventures. Here’s to the journey ahead!
Jannis Duckek is currently a second-year Master student studying Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation at ESCP Business School. He is from Koblenz, Germany, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Industrial Engineering from Hochschule Koblenz. Jannis has previously worked in business development, R&D, and consulting for both SMEs and multinational companies. He is currently working on an impact project in the FMCG industry and hopes to dedicate his future career in combating climate change.
