MBA Launch 24
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Contents
Schedule by day:
Monday 30 September
06 Doughnut Economics: exploring the future of growth and of business
09. Climate Entrepreneurship
09 Climate Policy
10. Financing climate action
13 Leading with Time: Corporate Decision-Making in a Carbon-Constrained World
13. Climate Bootcamp Keynote
14 College Dinners
Tuesday 1 October
17 Healthy Conversations
17. Entrepreneurship Project
19 Future of Financial Jobs and Institutions in the Age of AI and Big Tech
Wednesday 2 October
20. GOTO - Systems Thinking for Leadership in a Complex and Changing World
23 Global Rules of the Game
23. Lightning sessions
24 Academic Skills
Thursday 3 October
26 Growth Mindset: Greg Searle MBE
27. Personal Impact and Influence: UK Body Talk- Richard Newman
27 UK Body Talk Workshop
Friday 4 October
28 Introduction to Michaelmas Block 1
28. Intro to Library
28 Intro to Examiners
28. Launch Wrap-up
31 Intrinsic Labs
31 Closing Keynote: Kate Bingham
31. Entrepreneurship careers pathways panel discussion
32 Drinks with Dinosaurs
Climate Bootcamp Day two
Monday 30 September
Doughnut
Economics: exploring the future of growth and of business (Kate Raworth)
09.00-10.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Doughnut Economics starts with the goal of meeting the needs of all people within the means of the living planet, and asks what kind of economic mindset and institutional transformations will it take it get there In this session Kate Raworth will introduce the core concepts and invite us to use them in exploring some of the most critical economic and business questions of our times. Can high-income nations tackle climate and ecological breakdown through pursuing green growth or does it call for degrowth? What are the implications for business if it is to be part of bringing about a regenerative and distributive future?
Climate Entrepreneurship (Aoife Brophy)
11.00-12.30 | ESLT
Entrepreneurs across the world are driving the development of novel approaches to tackle different aspects of the climate crisis From technological solutions that improve methods for capturing and storing carbon dioxide to business model solutions that accelerate the transition to renewable energy, these entrepreneurs face challenges such as finding the right investors, navigating policy uncertainty, and balancing multiple goals and interests. In this session, we’ll look at the trends in climate entrepreneurship, explore the key challenges facing entrepreneurs, and outline ways of overcoming these challenges to position climate entrepreneurship as a force for good.
Climate Policy (Kaya Axelsson)
11.00-12.30 | RTLT
Monday 30 September
Financing climate action (Abrar Choudhury)
11.00-12.30 | LT5
Financing climate action is essential for achieving the 2°C global temperature goal. However, the cost of addressing climate change is increasing exponentially, with the need to scale current financing levels by 10X to meet this challenge. Innovative financing mechanisms are needed to bridge this critical funding gap.
In this session, we will explore various forms of public and private climate finance, including grants, loans, equity, and blended capital, and examine the merits and challenges of each. Using the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as a case study established under the Paris Agreement to support low-carbon and climate-resilient development in emerging economies we will examine what gets funded and why
Leading with Time: Corporate DecisionMaking in a Carbon-Constrained World (Juliane Reinecke & Jimmy Jia)
11.00-12.30 | LT4
Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a fundamentally temporal challenge that demands long-term thinking and strategic foresight. In this session, we’ll explore why understanding the temporal dynamics of climate change is essential for strategic decision-making in a carbon-constrained world. We’ll begin by examining the inherent time horizons associated with climate change and how these relate to, or differ from, the timeframes typically driving corporate strategies. What does it mean to consider the temporality of carbon emissions, and how should this influence the way businesses measure and account for their carbon footprint? And how should this influence corporate decision-making? Through a series of scenarios and mini-cases based on ongoing research, we’ll tackle real-world examples of the inter-temporal dilemmas that businesses face today.
Climate Bootcamp Keynote (Paul Polman)
14.00-15.00
Monday 30 September
College Dinners
18:30 – 22:00 | Dress code: Business smart
Keble College | New College | View your college allocation
The first dinner party of the academic calendar invites MBA students to one of two colleges to enjoy an exceptional dining experience
Once registered, guests with dietaries will be issued with an official dietary card. Please ensure these are clearly displayed at your place setting ahead of the dinner service.
We can confirm that we are unable to change any dietaries at this stage, as our colleges aren’t able to accommodate for any lastminute amendments.
Please note that no external guests are permitted to attend College Dinners in any capacity.
Agenda:
18:30 | Welcome reception.
19:15 | Dinner commences with welcome words from senior leadership
22:00 | Carriages
Tuesday 1 October
Healthy Conversations
09.00-11.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
“You will be meeting iOpener who are delivering a fun and interactive workshop to help everyone be more self-aware, and aware of others, to develop healthier working relationships at Saïd”
Entrepreneurship Project
12.30-15.00 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset and skillset is key to thriving in today’s modern innovation economy. This session led by Professor Pinar Ozcan and Professor Thomas Hellmann will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, welcome you to Oxford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and explore how entrepreneurship will allow you to innovate, adapt, and lead in any chosen career path We will introduce you to the Entrepreneurship Project delivered in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Centre, where you will the opportunity to apply theory practically to develop your own business ideas with the mentoring support of industry experts.
Future of Financial Jobs and Institutions in
the Age of AI and Big Tech
15.30-16.45 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Join Rupert Younger and Professor Pinar Ozcan in conversation with Mauro Micillo of Intesa Sanpaolo, Rick Haythornthwaite of NatWest Group, Caroline Stokell of Meridiem Investment Management, Peter Thal Larsen of Reuters BreakingViews, and Stephen Cohen of BlackRock, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and the rise of Big Tech are transforming financial institutions and reshaping the job market in finance.
As technology disrupts traditional banking and investment practices, financial professionals and organisations must adapt to stay relevant and competitive Will they be able to? Hear from the experts discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the evolving role of humans in financial services, and the regulatory implications for an industry increasingly driven by algorithms and data.
GOTO - Systems Thinking for Leadership in a Complex and Changing World
Various times and locations as per Launch Schedule
GOTO (Global Opportunities and Threats: Oxford) - Systems
Thinking for Leadership in a Complex and Changing World” is an action-oriented MBA course designed to equip you with the skills to navigate and lead in the face of some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This course focuses on how global organizations can effectively address complex issues through systems thinking and leadership This introduction session starts with an interactive exercise that will offer an experiential approach to viewing systems and building a collaborative and creative approach to mapping systems. Following the exercise, we will provide a concise overview of the key concepts of systems leadership and systems change, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the course. This session is designed to be both thought-provoking and practical, encouraging you to think critically about the interconnectedness of global challenges Please bring lots of energy and creativity, as we will be focusing on effective communication within systems and the importance of a collaborative mindset in addressing complex issues.
Global Rules of the Game
Various times and locations as per Launch Schedule
In this session students will get first-hand experience for the importance of the ‘rules of the game’ by participating in a roleplaying game centred on the global pharmaceutical industry The rising importance of rules and regulations coming about by way of the interaction between business, government, and society is a force that can make or break the success of organisations. This session will underscore the importance of thinking and acting beyond markets in generating competitive advantage.
Lightening
Sessions
Various times and locations as per Launch Schedule
Have you got a pressing question about Canvas? Maybe you are curious about OBNs/Clubs and events? Or want clarification on the Oxford Union if you missed them at the Information Fair? Whatever your query, we have just the solution; our quick-fire Lightening Sessions Only 15 – 20 minutes in length, these sessions are designed to provide you with answers to any questions you have ahead of Michaelmas term. You can drop into sessions at lightning speed about Canvas, Sainsbury Library, Clubs & OBNs, Alumni Relations, Skoll Centre, Entrepreneurship Centre and the Oxford Union to name a few
Academic Skills
Various times and locations as per Launch Schedule
Dyedra is a scientist, academic and consultant who has been teaching undergraduates and graduates at the University of Oxford for the past four years She has taught research design and data analysis in the Experimental Psychology Department and has been lecturing on research methods, time management and the psychology of forecasting as part of the MSc Major Project Management at the Saïd Business School.
This session will see Dyedra share her expertise in study skills and learning techniques Centered around her research in the area, Dyedra will illustrate how you can improve vital skills in the realm of study, including your revision style and time management to name a few.
Growth Mindset: Greg Searle MBE
09.00-10.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Rower, Olympic gold medallist, and motivational speaker, Greg Searle MBE, will share his own experience of winning and losing at the highest level in sport. He will highlight the importance of reacting to feedback and what happens when we become closed minded and fail to learn effectively
This session will help you prepare your mind to make the most of every learning opportunity that lies ahead. You will recognise and understand how you have achieved success and dealt with setbacks in the past, so you can learn from your experiences to ensure they are as helpful as they can be
Personal Impact and Influence UK Body Talk - Richard Newman
11.00-12.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Personal Impact and Influence | Watch the video
The team at Body Talk have researched, developed, and refined a practical method of coaching that is backed by science, so you can build trust and rapport as you network. Richard Newman will speak about how to use the power of storytelling to create persuasive and engaging communications You will learn how to best deliver a 30 second elevator pitch and gain confidence through utilising advanced body language and non-verbal techniques.
UK Body Talk Workshop
13.30-15.00 & 15.30-17.00 | Founders & SRA
Dive into Body Talk Workshops to develop more confident communications skills. Understand why gestures matter and why every move tells a story, so you can maximise your potential and unleash your natural voice, free from tension and inhibitions.
Introduction to Michaelmas Block 1
09.00-10.00 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Intro to Library
10.00-10.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
The Intro to the Library session will provide a concise overview of the support and resources provided by the Sainsbury Library and the Bodleian Libraries. Specific information will be presented on the £800,000+ worth of corporate, country, and market research data available to students in support of course assignments, job hunting, and competitive intelligence skill development.
Intro to Examiners
11.00-12.00 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Launch wrap up
13.00-14.00 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Hear Amy Major, MBA Programme Director, and Lisa Chow, Associate Director, MBA Programme Delivery, reflect on the past two weeks of Launch and what you can take away from the experience ahead of Michaelmas term
Amy Major MBA Programme Director
Lisa Chow Associate Director MBA Programme Delivery
Intrinsic Labs
14.00-14.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Intrinsic Labs, led by globally recognised authority on leadership at inflection moments, Sharath Jeevan, is designed for all types of students (from explorers to accelerators) to discover their Intrinsic (inner) motivations The goal of the mini-programme which has been scaled up significantly from its pilot two years ago, is to get students to look within and connect with their genuine desires.
Closing Keynote - Kate Bingham
15.00-15.45 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Entrepreneurship careers pathways panel discussion
15.45-16.30 | NMLT & ESLT overflow
Join us for an insightful MBA alumni panel discussion exploring different entrepreneurial careers pathways Moderated by the Associate Fellow for Oxford Seed Fund, Mike Hutson, our panellists include innovation expert, Sandra Steving Villegas, award-winning technology entrepreneur, Eric Abrahamssor, and the co-founder of Innovation Forum Oxford, Danuta Jeziorska. Unmissable.
Drinks with Dinosaurs
18:00 - 21:00 | Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PW
The final event of Launch will gather the entire class for a evening drinks reception within the Museum of Natiral History. Paired with canapes and entertainment throughout the evening, our two-week induction will end with closing words from Amy Major at the School.
Guest policy
Partners of students are welcome to attend this event. If you would like to bring your partner, please complete the following form here.
Dress code: smart / casual
Climate Bootcamp Biographies
Abrar Chaudhury
Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Saïd
Abrar conducts research on topics of global environmental change, climate finance and corporate purpose He is affiliated with Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute (ECI) and is a Fellow of Green Templeton College
Abrar is currently on a prestigious three-year British Academy Fellowship at Oxford, investigating the ways in which dedicated climate funding, such as the Green Climate Fund, and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and distributed ledgers, shape implementation and diffusion of climate action in Pakistan and emerging economies.
Read more
Aoife Brophy
Departmental Research Lecturer in Innovation and Enterprise, Oxford Saïd
Aoife’s research focuses on understanding what systemic environmental challenges such as the climate crisis, and associated system transitions, mean for business She holds a joint appointment between the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and Saïd Business School, and is CoInvestigator of Oxford Net Zero, where she works closely with the engagement team developing a range of action research projects to drive ambitious climate action Aoife also leads the business model workstream of CO2RE - an Oxford-led interdisciplinary consortium.
Read more
Benjamin Franta
Associate Professor of Climate Litigation, Oxford Sustainable Law Programme
Dr Benjamin Franta is a Senior Research Fellow in Climate Litigation at the Oxford Sustainable Law Programme and the founding head of the Climate Litigation Lab
His research focuses on applying rigorous methods to practical challenges presented by climate litigation worldwide and has been published in Nature Climate Change, Global Environmental Change, The Guardian, and more, translated into 10 languages, and cited in the US Congressional Record
Read more
Juliane Reinecke
Professor of Management Studies, Oxford Saïd
Juliane's research draws on insights from organisation theory, political philosophy and process studies to explore, broadly speaking, how transnational governance institutions emerge and evolve as a result of the interactions of multiple stakeholders to promote more just and sustainable forms of globalisation in global supply chains, but also organisations in general
Her work has been acclaimed by many professional bodies including the Journal of Management Studies' Best Paper Award, the Best International paper award and Best Environmental and Social Practices paper award, Academy of Management (OMT Division)
Read more
Kate Raworth
Senior Associate, Oxford University
KateRaworth is an ecological economist focused on making economics fit for 21st century realities She is the creator of the Doughnut of social and planetary boundaries Her international best-selling book, Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think like a 21st Century Economist, has been translated into more than 20 languages
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Kaya Axelsson
Net Zero Policy Engagement Fellow, Oxford Net Zero
Kaya Axelsson is a research fellow and Head of Policy and Partnerships at Oxford Net Zero where she leads a team to translate research into resources, policy, and standards for defining and achieving net zero Her current research and engagement focus is on the emerging net zero governance and regulatory landscape Kaya has served as a strategic advisor to the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign and as lead technical author on the International Standard Organisation’s Net Zero Guidelines With 15 years of experience in social and environmental sustainability, she convenes and works regularly with organisations and policy leaders on their net zero strategies
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Mary Johnstone-Louis
Senior
Fellow in Management Practice, Oxford Saïd
Mary is Senior Fellow in Management Practice at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford where she designs research-based education for board members and senior leaders in many of the largest companies across the globe She is interested in how strategy, leadership and governance enable companies to deliver on long-term commitments, and in the emerging field of corporates moving from sustainability to ‘regenerative’ business practices.
Mary is Co-Director of the online Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations and on-campus Oxford Sustainable Business programmes
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Myles Allen
Professor of Geosystem Science, University of Oxford
Myles’s research focuses on how human and natural influences on climate contribute to climate change and risks of extreme weather In 2005, Allen introduced the notion of a finite carbon budget, implying net zero emissions of carbon dioxide are necessary to halt global warming He has been working on the implications ever since, most recently on the case for Geological Net Zero, or a balance between ongoing production of carbon dioxide from geological sources with carbon dioxide capture and geological storage
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Dr Nicola Ranger
Leader, Resilience and International Development Programme, Environmental Change Institute; Executive Director, Oxford Martin Systemic Resilience Programme
Dr Nicola Ranger helps financial institutions, public and private, factor climate and environmental risks into their decision making, and aims to speed up investment in green finance
She works at the intersection of science, risk analytics, finance, economics and policy She works extensively in emerging and developing economies, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa
Dr Ranger joined Oxford from the World Bank, where she worked with Ministries of Finance, Central Banks and regional institutions to strengthen financial resilience to climate and other crises
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Paul Polman
Chair of the SBS Board and former CEO of Unilever, Oxford Saïd
Paul is the Chair of the SBS Board and former CEO of Unilever, recognised globally for his leadership in corporate sustainability and his efforts to drive business practices that contribute to a better world He works across a range of organisations to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which he helped develop This includes his work to drive systems change with Systemiq and bold new industry coalitions, including in fashion and food He leads the UN Global Compact, is an Ambassador for the Race to Zero, and works to develop our next generation of leaders, through the Oxford University Saïd Business School, INSEAD, One Young World and others
Read more Paul Shearing
Statutory Professor in Sustainable Energy Engineering, Director of The ZERO Institute, Oxford University
Paul Shearing is Professor of Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Department of Engineering Science and Director of the ZERO Institute at Oxford University He holds the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Battery Technologies As Director of The ZERO Institute, he will help to shape ZERO’s ethos, strategy, networks, research and teaching programmes
He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2024
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