Exeter Business School’s faculty encompasses academics leading global research in climate economics, circular economy and sustainable leadership
IN FOCUS: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER BUSINESS SCHOOL
The University of Exeter Business School is a pioneer in integrating sustainability into business education through its One Planet MBA. Here, school leaders elaborate on the aims of its approach
Prasanth Muralidharan, recalling how his work used to be almost entirely guided by performance and financial KPIs. Meanwhile, MBA student and IBM consultant Tara Suran describes the advantages of an environment where you can explore ideas with both classmates and faculty members. “A new skill I’ve learned is around being less reactive. Working in consulting, you’re always expected to come up with an idea or solution quickly. But it’s been fantastic to be able to take a step back and really think before designing and to listen more than speaking.” From the learning perspective, there is a deliberate emphasis on driving students’ development both as individuals and as a cohort. “It’s more than just a qualification,” says academic practitioner Joanne Abraham. “It’s an immersive experience – they are going to feel like experts on some days and completely out of their comfort zone on
global research in areas such as climate economics, circular economy and sustainable leadership”. The goal, Lancaster shares, is to give MBA students a “holistic view of business and the importance of responsible leadership”. Having spent four years as director of the One Planet MBA, Lancaster expresses his hope that graduates “will espouse those values of sustainability” in their future careers, regardless of whether they become chief sustainability officers, start their own businesses or take on roles in consultancy. REFLECTION & IMMERSION In terms of programme experience, candidates attest to the value of cohort interactions and the chance to reflect on their careers and sense of purpose. “The way I see success now is more people-driven; it’s about the impact we have on society,” says MBA student
This episode of the documentary series Leading the Future delves into the outlook, aims and impact of the University of Exeter Business School’s One Planet MBA. As the name suggests, the programme has an established focus on sustainability throughout its modules, as former MBA director Donald Lancaster explains: “It’s not just a bolt on – it’s in everything that we do and it’s the lens through which we look at business and make business relevant to a sustainable planet.” Associate dean Bill Peng outlines how the MBA forms a vital part of the school’s identity. “It is the programme that brings together our triple accreditation, climate expertise and focus on responsible leadership. It signals to students and employers that Exeter isn’t just teaching business as usual.” Peng adds that the school’s faculty encompasses “academics who are leading
44 Ambition • ISSUE 5 • 2026
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