On a bright, clear afternoon, some of the best minds from business schools across Canada and the USA came together to celebrate the winners of the 2024 SFU Net Impact Sustainability Challenge (NISC) on the rooftop of the 25-storey QuadReal Building in Downtown Vancouver. Seeing the wide grins on the faces of North America’s future changemakers was the reward after the numerous hours we put into making the event successful.
The MBA program offered numerous opportunities to develop and hone one’s skills and at the same time meet some of the most amazing people. Organizing the NISC as a part of the Net Impact Club is one such opportunity that I will cherish forever. Each year, the club organizes a sustainability-themed case competition for MBA students across Canada and the USA. The winning team not only receives cash prizes but also the coveted Net Impact Sustainability Cup, and of course bragging rights.
This year, the title sponsor for the event was Canadian clothing giant, Artizia The case challenge posed the question of how Aritzia could promote “Responsible Consumption”. The competition consisted of two rounds, with registrations opening in December. What followed was a display of well-thought-out and researched ideas, fostering intense competition between 22 teams from 15 universities across North America. Only five teams advanced to the Finals in Vancouver on March 2nd, where they presented their recommendations directly to Aritzia’s leadership. Team STYLE Advisors from Schulich School of Business emerged as the champions.
Though I wished to participate in this event, being on the organizing side provided significant learning opportunities. As an organizer, I had the chance to observe the diverse ideas and presentations of different teams. I also gained insights into the various approaches teams took and how they were received by the judges. Unlike participating in case competitions elsewhere, where I rarely saw other schools’ presentations or received judges’ feedback, this experience was eye-opening. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet and work with the judges, our faculty advisor, Dr. Stephanie Bertels, and the SFU Student Engagement team.
What advice can I offer to students organizing such events? Well, there’s plenty, so here it goes:
- Focus on the internal team: The dynamics within the team and the quality of work are crucial for the success of club events, especially when working on tight budgets, and even tighter deadlines. Building healthy camaraderie among the team members and maintaining a positive attitude are essential. Team lunches or hikes serve as great icebreakers and foster instant trust. When push comes to shove during the day of the event, a strong team will always weather the storm.
- Delegate and Lead: It’s essential for different team members to take ownership of tasks. Organizing an event of the scale of the NISC while pursuing a graduate-level course is impossible for a single person. Therefore, we must rely on each other’s strengths and trust each other’s decisions.
- Communication is Key: Always, always communicate. If you are having trouble, communicate. If things are going well, communicate. If you are worried about a certain task, communicate. If you cannot make it to the meeting, communicate. It’s essential that you meet and talk to each other as much as possible, to ensure that blind spots and biases do not show their ugly faces during crucial stages.
- Adapt and Act: Even the most seemingly perfect plan may have blind spots and last-minute challenges. It is necessary to respond swiftly and adapt accordingly. An open mind to change, coupled with the aforementioned points above, will help overcome any last-minute disruptions.
- Celebrate your wins: It’s equally important to celebrate your wins as it is to work towards them. Acknowledge your achievements and reinforce positive experiences by patting yourself on the back for a job well done.
In closing, best of luck to the team that follows us next year. I am always available to help; just a call away!
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About the Author
Bharathan Raghupathy advocates for constructive transformations in various life aspects. Currently pursuing a FT MBA at the Beedie School of Business, he holds over six years of experience in the automotive industry. Bharathan serves as the Director of Communications & Marketing for the Beedie Net Impact chapter and is a key member of the BC Games Case Competition team, highlighting his commitment to fostering impactful change. With a diverse global perspective from work and study experiences in America, Europe, and Asia, Bharathan aims to make a positive impact in any way possible.