Head of Sustainability - Global Engagement and Markets, Zespri International
Studying the MBA gave Monica Mireles Serrano the business insights and confidence to make a stronger impact in her role as Head of Sustainability.
Key facts
Career: Head of Sustainability - Global Engagement and Markets at Zespri International
Programme: MBA
The MBA really makes you grow as a person because you learn so much, both from the formal teaching and the learning that happens outside the classes. It’s a really rewarding experience.
Tell us about your role as Head of Sustainability at Zespri International
“In this role, I’m really in my element. I’m working for a good cause and in a role that has a lot of diversity. I get to work in different areas, from bringing high level expertise to the boardroom to supporting the launch of an innovation fund.
"I get to have a positive impact, working towards our sustainability goals and changing behaviours for the next generation. That makes me really happy and proud to come to work every day.”
What sparked your passion for sustainability?
“I’ve always been interested in sustainability. Early on in my career, I realised businesses have the power to change society and that this is the area I want to be in: working with businesses to promote positive change.
“After working with different companies, I realised it would be a good idea to learn more of the business side and how to speak that language – because I didn’t want to be the sustainability person in the business. I wanted to be the business person that knows sustainability.”
Why did you choose to study at the University of Auckland Business School?
“I was already thinking about studying for an MBA and when we moved to New Zealand, I felt it was the ideal opportunity to go for it. I chose the University of Auckland because of its global recognition and the fact that Auckland is the business hub of New Zealand. It was important for me to build that network with people at the heart of industry here.”
How have you taken your learnings from the MBA into your work?
“The MBA helped me understand the importance of collaboration. It’s just like in real life – if you put together a team with the best brains, you’re going to have a better outcome than if you try to do everything yourself.
“It also helped me learn how to better articulate the business value of sustainability and doing the right thing. It gave me the confidence to look at financial information and data and interpret what that means for the subjects I’m working on – whether that’s sustainability or something else.”
What were the biggest highlights of the MBA?
“Studying for the MBA was intense, but really enlightening. You learn in the classroom with these amazing professors, but you also learn from the people that are part of your cohort. It’s made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds and that diversity really helps open your mind.
“It’s an amazing learning experience.”