Mr. Piyush Dhawan, an alumnus of the MBA batch of 2011, currently working as Principal Advisor for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, recently delivered a guest lecture at Pforzheim University that touched upon a range of important topics related to sustainability. With his extensive experience in this field, Mr. Dhawan provided valuable insights into the challenges of single-use plastic, the importance of circular economy, and his personal career progression and experiences.
Beginning with an introduction to sustainability and the challenges of single-use plastic, Mr. Dhawan stressed the importance of taking action to protect our planet's finite resources. His discussion on planetary boundaries and the impact of plastics on our environment provided a sobering reminder of the critical need for change.
As the lecture progressed, Mr. Dhawan dived deeper into the concept of circular economy, pointing out the benefits of recycling and reuse over a linear model of consumption. He also explored the role of plastic waste management in reducing the environmental impact of plastic, underlining its importance in the larger context of sustainability.
ESG reporting and initiatives like EPR and PRO were also discussed, with Mr. Dhawan underscoring the vital role of corporate responsibility in addressing sustainability challenges. His personal experiences and career progression provided an intimate window into the potential for positive change in the field of sustainability. Furthermore, he utilized the opportunity to share his personal experience and highlight his initiatives in the sustainability field, including his ongoing 3RproMar project aimed at preserving the marine environment and coral reefs.
Perhaps most significantly, Mr. Dhawan also spoke directly to MBA students about their own career opportunities in the field of sustainability. He helped students understand about careers in sustainability, encouraging exploration of opportunities in areas such as circular economy, waste management, and ESG reporting.
Ultimately, the lecture served as a potent reminder of the critical need for collective action and commitment to sustainability in all areas of business. By sharing his personal experiences and expertise, Mr. Dhawan provided valuable insights and inspiration to the next generation of business leaders.

Text and photos: Sourabh Jagtap, MBA Class of 2024