We have the pleasure of delving into the professional journey of Coline Morise, an alumna of the International Master in Sustainable Business & Innovation. Coline is from France, after high school, she first studied at HEC Montreal where she developed a strong foundation in Business Administration with a focus on Sustainable Development and International Business. Coline’s trajectory is marked by her commitment to sustainability, bringing a wealth of experience in carbon accounting, Net-Zero initiatives, and Programme Management.
Coline continued her academic pursuit at EADA Business School, earning a Master’s degree in Sustainable Business & Innovation. Her academic journey also included an exchange program at Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands. She is currently working as an Innovation Programme Associate at Fashion for Good in Amsterdam, in this article Coline shares her experience at EADA and her career journey after graduation.
Tell us a bit about your career journey since you completed the master’s at EADA.
I have always been passionate about the fashion industry and its impact on both the environment and society. Post EADA, and my exchange, I was thrilled to join Fashion for Good as an Innovation Programme Associate. Fashion for Good is a global initiative dedicated to transforming the fashion industry into a force for good. In my role, I lead our Innovation Programme, where each year we support 10-12 innovators across the fashion supply chain, spanning from Raw Materials to Processing and End of Use. Our goal is to help them grow and implement them with brands. I also oversee our Alumni Network, fostering ongoing relationships with all the Innovators who have been part of the Programme and offering support wherever needed.
How do you think your education at EADA has uniquely positioned you in the sustainable business landscape?
EADA has equipped me with the tools and skills needed to not only identify opportunities for implementing sustainable strategies but also to drive meaningful change. The master’s helped me develop a holistic approach to understanding how to connect the dots in the sustainable business landscape.
The final project at EADA provided a practical application of the knowledge gained throughout the master’s. It offered a concrete example of how sustainable practices can impact a company. This hands-on experience not only enhanced my understanding but also showcased how we can effectively work within an organization to integrate sustainable initiatives.
How do you leverage your background in Sustainable Business & Innovation to promote positive change within the fashion industry at Fashion for Good?
Thinking outside the box and connecting the dots to maximize our impact. Building on what I learned during my time at EADA, I constantly seek new and innovative ways to refine and improve our Innovation Programme. This allows for better support of growth and scalability for the Innovators that we work with. I’m also always on the lookout for any connections between innovators, where we can set up a big knowledge-sharing session. It’s a great way for them to chat, help each other out, and share ideas!
What is the most challenging part of your current position? And the most rewarding?
I would say the most challenging part is being exposed to the reality of the change that still needs to happen before we can say we achieved our goals and the “planet is safe”.
However, the most rewarding is the interaction with the Innovators and the feeling that I am helping them on their journey to scale and make a positive change in the fashion industry. Whether it’s connecting them with a mentor, sharing the knowledge we’ve gathered, or fostering collaboration with their peers, each step feels like a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future.
Can you share some highlights of your experience at EADA Business School? Were there specific courses or experiences that you found particularly valuable in your current role?
There are many highlights but as we have limited space, here are the ones I valued the most:
- Connecting with peers who share the same values and are on the same mission to drive change.
- Leadership Program in Collbato: I think this is a unique experience where we not only learn more about ourselves, and how we interact with others but we also learn a lot about our classmates. This is a time when you truly connect with your peers on another level and create bonds that will last a lifetime.
- The final Project: as mentioned before, it gives us a practical example of how we can leverage what we learned throughout the master’s while also gaining valuable experience.
Are there any specific skills or mindsets that you believe are crucial for success in this field?
I recently came across an article discussing the role of Chief Sustainability Officers and the key qualities they need. The first point highlighted was the need to be ‘okay with not fitting in,’ and I completely agree. The sustainability field is very challenging, and often, you may feel like you don’t quite fit in, despite the shared understanding of the necessity of sustainability. Political complexities can hinder necessary actions. Nonetheless, it’s important to remain persistent, think holistically, and use the ‘think outside the box’ approach to consistently drive positive change.
What advice would you give to prospective students interested in pursuing a career in sustainable business and innovation?
Being in the sustainable business and innovation field allows you to work with like-minded people who are also looking to make a positive impact around them. Furthermore, as this is a hot topic at the moment it’s a field that opens up a lot of doors for you, providing opportunities within companies, organizations, policy-making, and more.
My advice is simple: go for it. We need more passionate people like you, driven by the desire for positive change. The field is dynamic, and filled with opportunities. Embrace the journey, connect with the community, and let your passion drive your path in shaping a more sustainable future.
