Mary Lancelot, a current MBA student at Business School Netherlands (BSN), recently visited the headquarters in Buren, the Netherlands, for conferences. Based in Ghana, Mary is a dynamic entrepreneur who runs two enterprises: Mculverts and MLC Fashion. Her work focuses on sustainable business practices, including recycling plastic and fabric waste into products like tote bags, fans, and pouches. Additionally, she uplifts her community by providing employment opportunities to young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. In this article, we explore her journey, experiences at BSN, and the impact of the International Action Learning MBA on her work and community.
Q: Hi Mary, thank you for joining us. Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
Mary Lancelot: Thank you for having me. My name is Mary Lancelot, and I come from Ghana. I run two enterprises: Mculverts Enterprise and MLC Fashion. With MLC Fashion, we recycle plastic waste and fabric waste into beautiful tote bags and other products. We also empower girls from disadvantaged homes, such as those from single-parent households or orphans, by providing them with skills, employment, and the ability to support themselves and others.
Q: How long have you been doing this, and what inspired you to start these businesses?
Mary: I started these businesses after noticing two major issues in my community. Firstly, many young girls lacked direction and guidance for their future. Secondly, there was a significant problem with littering and plastic waste in Ghana. I asked myself how I could contribute to a better community, and that’s how I came up with the idea to start my recycling businesses.
Q: What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and why did you choose Business School Netherlands (BSN)?
Mary: I realised that to be effective and efficient in my business, I needed to develop myself first. To help others, I needed to start with myself. I chose BSN because of their supportive environment and the Action Learning methodology, which makes learning practical and engaging. This approach allows me to break down complex business scenarios and apply what I learn directly to my work.
Q: How has the Action Learning methodology impacted your approach to sustainable business practices and your professional growth?
Mary: The Action Learning methodology at BSN has been transformative for our sustainable business practices. Initially, I felt that every decision had to come from me. But through Action Learning, I learned to delegate and form teams. This collaborative approach has led to brilliant ideas and faster decision-making, which enhances our production processes and commitment to sustainability. It’s been rewarding to see the valuable input from my team when everyone works together towards a common goal.
Q: Can you share an example of how this methodology has changed your team’s dynamic?
Mary: Yes, initially, I felt like I had to give instructions for everything. But when I started involving my team in decision-making, they felt more invested in the work. They began to take initiative, even in my absence, because they were part of the decision-making process. This change has made them more motivated and committed to our goals.
Q: How has meeting your classmates in the Netherlands enhanced your study experience?
Mary: Meeting my classmates in person has been incredibly inspiring. It has sparked new ideas and motivated me to practice what we’ve discussed. For instance, during a workshop, I discovered new leadership qualities within myself. This face-to-face interaction has provided valuable insights and personal growth that I hadn’t anticipated.
Q: What key insights have you gained that you plan to implement in your work?
Mary: The experience has shown me the importance of delegation and team collaboration. I’ve learned that involving my team in decisions not only improves productivity but also empowers them. I plan to continue fostering this collaborative environment in my businesses to enhance our sustainability efforts and community impact.
Q: What do you see as the broader impact of your MBA on your organisation and community?
Mary: The broader impact of my MBA on our organisation and community is immense. By integrating Action Learning into our practices, we foster a culture of continuous learning and problem-solving. This approach helps us address many challenges and contributes to the advancement of environmental sustainability and social empowerment in our region.
Thank you so much, Mary, for sharing your insights. We wish you all the best in your journey and future endeavors.
Mary: Thank you very much. I’m looking forward to graduating and making significant contributions to sustainability and community empowerment.
Mary Lancelot’s time at BSN has deepened her focus on sustainable business practices. Through Action Learning, she has acquired practical skills that are enhancing her enterprises and benefiting her community. As Mary applies these practices, she continues to make a positive impact on sustainability and empowerment.
