Focus on sustainability and leadership

Aditya Maha is a Chemical Engineer with 10+ years of international leadership experience in the chemicals, energy, and pharma industry. He chose the Copenhagen MBA for its unique proposition of sustainability, the Leadership Discovery Process, and the local clean energy cluster.

Full Time MBA

Why did you choose the Copenhagen MBA?

I chose the Copenhagen MBA because it offers a unique proposition of sustainability, which aligns with my interests. Additionally, being based in the Nordics was appealing to me because of the work culture, sustainability mindset, and leadership style that supports innovation.

The Leadership Discovery Process also stood out to me because I wanted to reflect on my past experiences and understand those aspects of my leadership that I needed to improve. The programme has exceeded my expectations by providing ample time for self-reflection throughout the Leadership Discovery Process.

Additionally, the strong focus on sustainable energy and decarbonisation in Denmark, which is my field of interest, was another reason that made the Copenhagen MBA a fitting choice. While the Copenhagen MBA is ranked as one of the best global MBA programmes, I believe it's important to look beyond just the rankings and consider how the programme aligns with your unique purpose, aspirations, and career goals.

What have you enjoyed about the programme so far?

The programme utilises multiple ways of teaching including case studies, home assignments, and team-based assignments, which enhances the learning experience. Being part of a small class where everyone knows each other has been amazing. We come from diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives, which makes the case discussions engaging and fruitful. In a small class setting, there is more time and opportunity to express oneself, and the learnings from these discussions are invaluable because you tend to remember them.

Before joining the programme, I had concerns about the age diversity and whether I would fit in with the class. However, being here has proven that age diversity is a bonus. The class comprises individuals representing a range of ages. This age diversity adds richness to the learning process, as we benefit from perspectives not only from different backgrounds but also from being at different stages in our careers. It blends well with what we can learn from one another and what we each contribute to the class.

What are you looking to enhance in the MBA?

I was keen on enhancing my business skills through the CBS MBA programme. Although I had worked in Business Development before joining, I was keen on having a comprehensive overview of the different aspects of business. It has broadened my perspective within several business areas such as strategy, sustainability, supply chain, and digitalization.

“The MBA has given me the chance to explore different aspects of leadership and management that I was previously unaware of. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I have learned how to lead teams using various approaches. The programme creates a psychologically safe environment where mistakes are okay, and everyone can learn without worrying about judgment. ”

Aditya Maha

Full Time MBA Class of 2023

Are the leadership scenarios challenging?

Yes, the leadership scenarios are challenging. We are presented with scenarios that may push us to test different leadership styles, even those we may not be comfortable with. For example, an affiliative approach to leadership comes naturally to me, but I have learned that during a crisis, a more authoritative style could be more effective. While we may not become experts in each leadership style, it is important to be aware of the different leadership styles and try to practice them during the MBA programme as students will have enough opportunities to lead teams throughout the MBA programme. The programme encourages us to embrace a growth mindset and view these scenarios as opportunities to expand our leadership capabilities. The Leadership simulator, which is a key highlight of the programme, allows you to experiment with your leadership style, make slight adjustments when needed, and allows you to work on your learning objectives in a psychologically safe environment. It truly has been one of the best experiences of the MBA programme.

What is an exciting project that you have worked on while in the program?

I worked on creating a decarbonisation roadmap and evaluated various technological pathways for a waste-to-energy plant in the southern part of Denmark at Special Waste Systems A/S. This unique facility manages the most difficult wastes such as medical waste and provides district heating to the citizens of Norre Alslev. The project is an example of decarbonisation in a hard-to-abate industry and has provided me with valuable insights by exploring innovative technological pathways such as CCUS.

One of the landmark sites in Copenhagen is Amager Bakke or Copenhill which offers a unique experience by providing green recreational areas, skiing, and climbing. At the core of this landmark site is a waste-to-energy cogeneration plant that manages waste for five municipalities of Copenhagen and provides electricity and district heating to the city of Copenhagen. It is remarkable to see how Amager Resource Centre (ARC) has integrated a waste-to-energy facility with the social fabric of the city. ARC and several other waste-to-energy producers are working on carbon capture projects to decarbonize their operations. I would urge the students to visit this landmark facility in Copenhagen.

What advice would you give to MBA considerers?

My advice to MBA considerers is to carefully evaluate what aligns with their goals and aspirations. Look beyond just the rankings and consider how the programme will add value to your personal and professional growth. Once you have chosen a programme, be fully invested in it. The more effort and dedication you put into the programme, the more you will gain from it. It's crucial to be prepared and to be willing to invest in your MBA journey. Copenhagen Business School is a non-profit organisation, and the MBA programme as part of such an organisation is a unique value proposition.

What have you enjoyed about living in Copenhagen?

I have enjoyed the cosmopolitan culture of Copenhagen. The city is vibrant and colorful, with people from all over the world. The summers are generally warm but can get a bit rainy as has been the month of July. Since I come from a warm country, I have enjoyed the cold winters of Copenhagen. Additionally, I love the biking culture in Copenhagen. It's enjoyable to ride a bike anywhere, thanks to the city's flat terrain and well-developed cycling infrastructure. I have explored various places, such as Helsingør, and Louisiana Museum, and ventured north for fishing. Overall, it has been a lovely place to live.

What are your plans post-MBA?

After completing my MBA, I intend to work in the renewable energy industry. I am motivated to support the green energy transition and the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries especially since technologies such as green hydrogen, PowertoX, and carbon capture have now reached a critical mass to enable the implementation of industrial decarbonisation. Working in the Nordic region is a super exciting prospect for me, as I am curious to understand the Nordic leadership style and incorporate some of the learnings into my toolbox.

Any final thoughts?

I would like to emphasize the importance of being mindful of the time spent in the MBA programme. It passes by quickly, so it's essential to make the most of it, live in the present, and most importantly, have fun.

Through the Copenhagen MBA, participants gain an internationally recognised qualification that is respected across the globe. But more than that, they gain critical insight into the admired Scandinavian business model – a model that prides itself on its ethical decision making, social responsibility and green agenda. If you would like learn more about the Full-Time MBA (a.k.a The Copenhagen MBA):

Download the brochure

"The MBA gave me an opportunity to reflect on my values"

How to elevate your career in sustainability with the Copenhagen MBA (Webinar Playback)

Portrait of Vasundhara Vigh, Full-Time MBA Class of 2022

"Corporate social responsibility and sustainability mindset is the need of the hour"

Focus on sustainability and leadership

The Copenhagen MBA

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