WINNER | John Zepos
Before pursuing an MBA at Columbia Business School, John gained valuable experience in the downstream oil & gas sector while working at World Kinect Corporation. His journey began in the UK division, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the organisation’s market share among existing fuel customers by setting about the ‘organic growth’ transformation of that business. Recognising the evolving landscape of the energy industry, John then took on the establishment of the "Energy Transition" offering. Through this initiative, he spearheaded the creation of a suite of services designed to support customers as they tackled the intricate challenges associated with decarbonisation.
When did you start thinking about doing an MBA?
I began considering pursuing an MBA during my early professional career. As I gained experience and exposure to various aspects of business, I recognised the importance of developing a deeper understanding of management principles and acquiring the skill set necessary to advance my career. The desire to broaden my knowledge, enhance my leadership abilities, and gain a broader perspective on the business world led me to seriously contemplate pursuing an MBA. After careful reflection and research, I made the decision to embark on this transformative educational journey to further accelerate my professional growth and open doors to new opportunities.
What do you hope to achieve through your MBA experience?
I have set three primary goals that I aim to achieve through my MBA experience. Firstly, I aspire to acquire comprehensive general management skills and cultivate a strategic mindset. This will enable me to become a more adept and influential leader, capable of navigating complex business challenges with confidence and foresight.
Secondly, I value the opportunity to forge deep friendships and form meaningful connections with my peers. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures will not only enhance my global perspective but also expand my professional network. By fostering these relationships, I aim to become a more well-rounded global citizen, leveraging the collective knowledge and experiences of my classmates to broaden my horizons.
Lastly, I am eager to utilise the time and resources available during my MBA programme to explore areas of academic curiosity. The supportive environment of the programme will provide me with the necessary guidance and encouragement to delve into new subjects and industries, allowing me to broaden my skill set and discover new passions. By immersing myself in these areas, I hope to uncover fresh perspectives and potential career paths that align with my interests and values.
Overall, my MBA experience is a vital stepping-stone towards achieving these three goals: developing as a capable leader, fostering connections with inspiring individuals, and exploring new opportunities that will shape my future endeavours.
Where do you see yourself career-wise in 5 years’ time?
In the next five years, I envision myself actively contributing to the field of water sustainability, driven by the knowledge and skills acquired through my MBA. My educational experience will equip me with the necessary tools to effectively analyse the industry landscape and identify strategic opportunities where I can make a significant impact.
Leveraging my MBA, I aim to position myself strategically within the water sector, utilising my understanding of market dynamics, emerging trends, and innovative technologies. This will enable me to identify and implement solutions that promote sustainability and enhance water resource management practices.
Furthermore, the extensive network and skill sets I develop during my MBA programme will be invaluable in creating the necessary buy-in and collaboration to maximise my impact. By forging connections with industry leaders, professionals, and like-minded individuals, I will be able to leverage collective knowledge and resources to drive meaningful change in the field.
Ultimately, my MBA will serve as a catalyst for my career growth and enable me to become an agent for positive change in the water sustainability space. By leveraging the knowledge, network, and skills gained through my MBA, I am confident in my ability to contribute significantly to this important field and make a tangible difference in sustainable water resource management practices.
What are your hopes for being part of the SMF network after business school?
I hope the SMF network will provide a community of supportive individuals, who are available to contribute knowledge and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and open to collaborating on projects which further the goals of the SMF.
How do you hope to support SMF after you graduate from business school?
After I graduate, I hope to contribute to the SMF in three ways. Firstly, I will actively engage with the network, making myself available to provide insights and advice to aspiring fellows who have similar backgrounds. Secondly, I will play a proactive role in promoting suitable employment opportunities within the SMF network. Whenever I come across relevant positions or openings, I will ensure they are advertised within the community, maximising the exposure and accessibility of these opportunities to fellow members. Lastly, I am eager to participate as a mentor or judge in initiatives and competitions that align with the Sainsbury Management Fellows’ objectives. By lending my expertise and perspective, I can offer guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and university competitions, helping them refine their ideas, develop their business acumen, and ultimately succeed in their ventures.
How did you go about finding financial support for your MBA?
My business school has an excellent portal which shows all available scholarships, fellowships and sponsorships. My research began on that page and once I saw I might be eligible for the SMF, I investigated in more depth on the SMF webpage.