Ryan D'Souza

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I decided to do an MBA to gain an understanding of the business side of things, which I hope to combine with my environmental experience, to work somewhere in the sustainability sector - where exactly I have not completely figured out just yet!

What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?

While I have learned a lot since I have started at Ivey: from communication skills, to finance, to the case prep method - the one thing I have learned a lot about is excel and the overall data world.

As someone who attempted to avoid math/quant and technology, it was interesting to have to use all three to guide management decisions.

What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?

The strength/help of the Ivey Network, and the help offered from fellow classmates, has been the most surprising part of the journey for me to date. Although I was expecting this, the level is far higher than I actually thought possible.

I have had chats with many people regarding various topics, and who sit at various jobs and roles, and they all make the time to sit down and chat with me, just to aid in my experience and journey. While classmates put their work on hold, just to sit down with me to help me catch up in understanding class material.

Describe the role you play professionally:

I was an Environmental Consultant for about 6 years and would work as field staff member. I would be on various sites, with either contractors, construction workers, or site representatives, and would collect soil and water based on my knowledge and equipment readings. These samples were sent for laboratory analysis, creating the data points for the property, that would overall determine the wellbeing of the property.

In addition, I would do some other tasks as required, such as: train some junior members, handle equipment repairs/trouble shooting, budgets, reports, tend to groundwater treatment systems, author standard operating procedures, etc.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?

Getting one of my employers to slowly start changing their minds about purchasing equipment for their field staff, as they would instead rent the equipment from a third party supplier. However, with some analyzing of rental spend and some grit, I slowly got senior management to invest in equipment, which amounted to near $10 000 over the period.

What books are on your bedside table AND/OR what podcast are you listing to right now?

Books:

• Find Your Why
• The Power of Habit
• The Exponential Age

How do you manage stress (i.e. sports, exercise, meditation etc)?

I am not sure about how I handle stress just yet, tried various things along the way: exercise, sports, cooking, building various things for the house.. but I haven't the right combination just yet.

Any additional info you might want to share (interesting facts, special hobbies etc.)

Hobbies:

• Cooking
• Wood Working
• Sports/Exercise

Interesting activities I have tried:

• Scuba Diving Introduction
• Surfing
• ATVing