Moneer Moukaddem recently completed the Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship at LSE’s Marshall Institute. In this article, he reflects on the programme and his experience of finding the ‘sweet spot’ between business and social impact. 

As my time in LSE’s Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship program comes to an end, I’m reminded of a string of different but connected sweet spots.

April 22, 2022. Somewhere off the coast of my then home – Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This photo, taken with a GoPro stuffed in my mouth, captures the quintessential sweet spot for any surfer: riding inside the curling barrel of a wave. But this – like most other entrepreneurial endeavours – doesn’t happen by chance. You develop a deep understanding of weather patterns, coastal topography, and wave dynamics. You hone techniques through iterations of trial and error. You learn to align complex elements and position yourself in the right place at the right time to harness the explosive power of waves.

Just as surfers use science to find sweet spots, LSE equipped me to create sweet spots for social impact. Core courses in social business foundations and the hybrid economy provided strategic frameworks to blend business and social good. Behavioural economics added profound insights on human behaviour to inform program design and delivery. A focus on impact measurement ensured my ability to not only rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of impact initiatives but integrate data for iterative improvement. A dive into leadership culminated in a versatile, research-based toolbox for building character alongside competence. Finally, a capstone group project enabled practical application of course learnings across the entrepreneurship arc, from idea generation to initial design to formal proposal development. In fact, a couple classmates are now taking their ideas to market as I type!

June 30, 2023. Our lecture hall where the magic happens – the Marshall Building, LSE.

This photo, taken during the final hour on the last day of the program, marked the end of an incredible year with my classmates. Their camaraderie is a sweet spot I will fondly revisit for many years ahead. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we gelled into a tight-knit community invested in each other’s development as socially-conscious leaders. During interactive lectures, much needed coffee breaks, and (many) socials, we shared our motivations, doubts, and aspirations. I learned as much from my classmates as I did from the brilliant professors and guest lecturers. My peers constantly challenged me to think bigger and more boldly about how to do good, better.

September 15, 2023. Our beloved rooftop terrace – the Marshall Building, LSE.

This photo was snapped during a recent welcome event where the new cohort gathered at the same spot our cohort had for a similar shot only one year ago. Watching from the sidelines, I gained perspective on the special community that makes this program thrive. Seeing familiar professors welcome the new cohort and enthusiastically engage with us alumni underscored the care invested in nurturing each class. Witnessing the energy and optimism of the incoming participants, I felt hopeful about the growing momentum of this force for good. Although my formal studies concluded, I know I’m now part of an expanding global network driving meaningful impact.

At LSE, I found my sweet spot at the intersection of business and social change. I’ve just transitioned from a career in educational leadership to social impact consultancy where I support organizations identify, design for, and evaluate for their ‘sweet spot’. Wherever the tide may carry me next, I’ll steer my course with purpose. The ride continues.

Find out more about the Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship here.