Thriving Through Mentorship

Our Mentoring4U Program brings together current high potential WU Executive Academy students with Alumni from our WU Executive Club community. For the duration of 4 months our mentoring couples are supported to meet 4 milestones to discuss career development. As part of the program mentee Erkayim Michna want to share this story:

My name is Erkaiym Michna, co-founder of Plastikalternative, a platform dedicated to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyles. Our mission is to raise awareness of ecological alternatives and encourage responsible resource usage in everyday life.

My background and journey

I was born and raised in the wonderful country of Kyrgyzstan. Back home, I studied Linguistics and Intercultural Communication at the International University of Kyrgyzstan. My passion for studying abroad led me to Germany, where I pursued a degree in Business Economics at the University of Cologne. After over a decade in the corporate world, spanning various industries such as Automotive, Management Consulting, Health Care Management, and Trade, and specializing in Corporate Finance and Management, I felt a calling for a more purpose-driven career. This inspiration led me to co-found Plastikalternative, with the aim of making a meaningful contribution to society and the environment.

About Plastikalternative

Plastikalternative is more than just a platform; it's a movement committed to fostering sustainable living. Our vision is to offer plastic-free alternatives in every aspect of everyday life, from fashion to household goods and technology solutions. We support established eco-brands, small labels, local businesses, and innovative startups with sustainable products and services. Authenticity is our core promise, and we measure success by social and environmental impact. We are dedicated to mobilizing our community to advance the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and encouraging the private sector to align their business practices with these goals, highlighting the critical role they play in achieving the SDGs.

My journey with WU Executive Academy's Mentoring4U Program

I am delighted to share the transformative insights and guidance received from my mentor, Ms. LI Xiaoping, through the Mentoring4U program at WU Executive Academy (EA). With her extensive experience in the nuclear power and energy sectors and a deep understanding of project management and technology implementation across organizations like UNIDO, IAEA, CLP Holdings in Hong Kong, and China National Nuclear Corporation, Ms. Li has profoundly impacted my approach to our mission.

Our sessions, brilliantly structured by WU EA, involved thought-provoking discussions and strategic planning, facilitated through meetings. Ms. Li’s integration of technical expertise with strategic business development has equipped me with invaluable perspectives, enhancing our initiatives at Plastikalternative to promote ecological alternatives.

I am immensely grateful for this opportunity, which has catalyzed both my personal and professional growth. It has equipped me with strategic tools to advance our goals and underscored the pivotal role of mentorship in driving sustainable development.

Thank you to the WU Executive Academy and Ms. Li for embarking on this remarkable journey with me.
 

Learn more about our Mentoring4U Program and check out other Mentoring Experiences on our website. Mentoring4U is offered regularly to our community! If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee in a future round get in touch with us via ea-mentoring4u(at)wu.ac.at.

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