It was intriguing to be exposed to some of the contemporary theories that unpinned social enterprise strategy development. However, interpreting and applying these theories to real-life enterprise scenarios was initially challenging, especially with my quest to narrow it down to how it will inform my work in the sustainability and carbon credit market space. To overcome this challenge, my participation in group discussions, case scenarios, exchange of knowledge with and experiences from co-scholars were critical to helping me underscore the interplay between theories and enterprise development. This empowered me to tailor my understanding to my work needs.

An unexpected thing that surprised me during the MCI Summer School was the idea that loans are better than charity in terms of promoting financial independence among the poor, as stated by Muhammad Yunus on Day 3. This challenged my assumption that charity is always the best approach to helping others. I was moved to ask the facilitator, Desiree, why we revert to charity if loans are more effective, and this sparked a new line of thinking for me about the additional steps we can take beyond charity. Another unexpected delight was learning about the Porter Five Forces Framework on Day 5, which I had previously applied in a case study for my MBA project without fully understanding its context and significance. These unexpected insights and learnings greatly enriched my experience at the Summer School.

Embarking on this Summer School journey has been nothing short of transformative. From initially questioning the role of social entrepreneurship to embracing it as a cornerstone of my impact-driven endeavors, every moment has been a revelation. Guided by luminaries like Regina, Bierwisch, Monreal, and Wieser, I delved into the depths of strategic dissemination, conscious leadership, and the often overlooked nuances of ‘Being, Thinking, and Relating.’ Through engaging breakout sessions and collaborative group work, I forged authentic connections and gleaned invaluable insights. Benjamin’s illuminating lessons on entrepreneurship have equipped me with the tools to navigate the terrain of business planning, product development, and effective pitching to investors. As I reflect on this enriching experience, I’m invigorated to apply these newfound skills and perspectives to catalyze positive change in the world.

The session with Desiree Wieser on business models and CSR was really insightful. We dove into different sustainable business models and the SIN framework, which I found incredibly helpful. To put these concepts into practice, we were given a project, working on a Nuru Energy canvas. This was a great way to see how everything comes together. What I also enjoyed was the group collaboration. Working with others allowed us to share ideas and perspectives effectively. It was interesting to hear different approaches from other groups as well.

Through the academic training provided at MCI Summer School, I learned a lot about concepts of entrepreneurship for sustainable development, idea validation, business plans and product development. However, I especially took lessons away in relationship building, caring for others and the planet, appreciation, connectedness, humility, empathy and compassion, as well as overcoming separation from oneself, others and the world. The MCI Summer School also helped me to improve my collaboration skills, including my social and communication skills, develop a more inclusive mindset, and strengthen my mobilization skills. Furthermore, I gained a better understanding about conscious leadership. These skills and values will help me with my own SDG Micro Project, allowing me to build strong partnerships, communicate effectively, and lead with empathy as well as inclusivity to achieve sustainable and impactful results.

The MCI Summer School experience was excellent in both, enhancing learning and fostering connections among scholars. The lecturers were notably open, friendly and helpful. Their approachable nature created a safe space for us to exchange ideas and engage in constructive discussions. This supportive environment was crucial for meaningful interactions and learning. Group work was a significant part of the program, allowing us to collaborate closely and get to know each other better. These collaborative activities encouraged teamwork and mutual support, helping us understand each other’s perspectives and backgrounds. Overall, the MCI Summer School was a positive and enriching experience. The combination of supportive lecturers, a safe learning environment, and collaborative group work made it both educationally and personally rewarding.