Working towards a sustainable society
Originally from Australia, Samantha Seljak moved to Sweden to study the master’s programme in Leadership for Sustainability. Today, she manages her own brand and wants to help other businesses become truly sustainable.
“I was looking to do a master’s overseas, and found that this programme was at the forefront when it comes to how sustainability interlinks with businesses and initiatives today, and I was very attracted to it for that reason,“ she explains.
Closing the loop
Today Samantha is managing the company Seljak Brand, together with her sister. They are dedicated to sustainability and the philosophy of the ‘circular economy’. The first product they have developed is a blanket made out of recycled merino wool.
“The product uses offcuts from production, so we are basically using waste as a resource and have a collecting scheme so that the blankets never end up in a landfill; we have managed to close the loop entirely.”
“My master’s studies have been really good for Seljak Brand, it has really enabled me to understand the value of consulting as a leadership professional, and how my brand can offer more than just products. And as the programme includes a major in leadership and organisation, the skills and understanding you gain are applicable in any workplace you go to.”
Combining sustainability and business
The master’s programme offers insight into leadership and management of projects, companies and initiatives, all with a sustainability focus. It has a holistic approach, where business is always considered from perspectives other than financial. This ensures environmental considerations are taken into account. In this way, the programme covers the basis of changing business environments, and uses business as a tool to benefit society.
“The 90s and 00s corporate social responsibility model is being phased out in exchange for true sustainability measures. This programme was great at delving into what those are and the tools you need to be able to move forward, no matter if you are working for a company, starting your own business or working in a non-profit environment,” Samantha adds.