Create Value With Your Ideas

Awarded a Chevening Scholarship for his aim to develop the social enterprise sector in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, Jean-Claude has worked hard to apply his ideas in his career.

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

"I'm a bit surprised but very grateful. It's a huge honour."

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

"After working on building my social enterprise for years in Trinidad and Tobago, I was at a point where I wanted to enhance my ability to lead and also to gain a global perspective. I compared the Entrepreneurship and Innovation MSc programmes at different UK universities and the University of Edinburgh Business School stood out for having a rare blend of traditional business courses as well as social impact focused components. Additionally, Scotland is a global leader in policy for social enterprise."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"Edinburgh was a beautiful place to be stressed out when completing assignments. Taking a walk up Arthur's Seat while pondering a research question. Thinking about your future while gazing at a castle and being assured by the legacy of a rich past. Having over 17 nationalities in my classroom and being able to work in teams that span different continents. Having approachable lecturers that were willing to engage after class."

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

"There are two distinct things that really shaped how I re-engaged my work as managing director of a social enterprise. The first is deeply understanding and involving the user/beneficiary in the process of developing new and better services. The second is thinking about all our work from a systems-change perspective which essentially means collaborating with stakeholders to tackle root issues, versus focusing on the individual impact of my organisation."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge for social enterprises and all businesses locally (especially in developing economies such as the one I work in). Much of my organisation's traditional income-earning work is and will continue to be on pause. Currently, we are in the unique position of being able to guarantee jobs well into 2021, with or without external support. Using this runway we are in the process of pivoting towards delivering services digitally. Overall, moving from a student club in 2012 to what is now a financially resilient social enterprise is something I am thankful for."

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

"Learn to create value with your ideas now. Education is not about preparation for a distant horizon where you will one day do something impactful with your concepts or theories. Tangible ideas that can shape your career, lead to change, and influence organisations and industry are happening today in the classroom and while you write your assignments."