A Right to a Voice

Prior to academia, Sarah worked for a decade in the private sector in Singapore, Indonesia and Australia. She has lectured and presented widely across the world, and her work in teaching was recognised in 2019 when her undergraduate course, Global Challenges for Business, won an 'Ideas Worth Teaching' award from the Aspen Institute.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"Honoured. But also gratified that I am associated with a Business School that doesn't just look at the impact of its alumni based on fame and fortune. As a global society, we are in great need of citizens working for a better world. I'm proud to be one of them, but also to be inspiring others to the same aim."

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"I did both an MSc (by Research) and my PhD at the Business School. The Business School offered an environment that embraced and celebrated the importance of climate change and sustainability to the business world. Back then, that was rare for Business Schools. The culture of the School is also so supportive of women, and people with caring responsibilities. I had just had my son when I started my PhD and no-one batted an eyelid when he occasionally had to come to meetings!"

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"I remember encouragement, support, smiling faces, as well as intellectual challenge, being pushed, and being held to account for my effort and my outcomes."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"Find your own voice, and find confidence in your voice. But make it a reasoned and compassionate voice. See your education as a way of contributing to a stable, just, prosperous, and sustainable society."

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

"I learnt that no-one should be judged based on anything other than effort, merit, and outcomes. Irrespective of gender, race, or seniority, we all have a right to a voice, recognition, and opportunity."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"I was awarded an Aspen Institute 'Ideas Worth Teaching' award in 2019 for my course Global Challenges for Business. The course is taught to the Business School's first-year undergraduate students. I designed it to inspire our students and also to ground them in the challenges businesses are facing and to appreciate their role in solving these challenges. To be recognised by the Aspen Institute was an incredible honour, and inspired me to continue my efforts to help the next generation of business graduates."