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July 2020
TRIUM Class of 2010 discuss 10 years since their graduation
It’s been 10 years since our Class of 2010 completed their TRIUM studies and transitioned into being life-long TRIUMers.
We caught up with two members of our 2010 cohort to discover their achievements since graduation and how their TRIUM experience has impacted their outlook and careers.
Sonja van Vliet
Executive Virtual Financial Advice, Absa Bank Limited
What would you say have been your key achievements since you graduated?
The TRIUM experience has completely changed my perspective on life, both personal and professionally. Professionally it has excelled my corporate career to levels of senior executive responsibilities aligned with my personal appetite and afforded me a voice to influence Company thought leadership, strategy as well as community upliftment and young female empowerment. Personally it has stretched me beyond the boundaries of my formal career and sparked energies towards the entrepreneurial realm. Since my TRIUM experience I have made a deliberate decision to also get involved in Capstone type businesses e.g. developing and management of Leadership and Lifestyle Retreat and a manufacturing plant for indigenous, organic African essential oils for the international beauty and wellness market.
What have been your key takeaway learnings from TRIUM and how have you used these since graduation?
As the world is getting smaller (due to improved communication and interconnectedness) and I find myself in a remote country like South Africa, the ability to dream bigger than the confines of geographical boundaries became a reality. The value and acquired asset of an extended international network is valuable in both business and personal engagement. The influence of multiple cultural perspectives have broaden my professional reach and personal value system. I have made friends for life which afforded me regular international engagements and subsequent business collaborations.
What advice would you give to anyone considering the TRIUM program?
Anybody considering TRIUM has to realize that it is far more than an exceptional academic qualification. Be prepared for a life changing experience. Since completion I am perceiving myself as a true global citizen with passion and influence to change my own environment and compassion to evaluate world challenges from a more intimate and informed perspective.
How would you describe your TRIUM experience in three words?
Transformed, Empowered, Interconnected
Katarina Wangler Björk
Senior Advisor Sustainable Business and Innovation
What have been your key takeaway learnings from TRIUM and how have you used these since graduation?
The overall learning and insights were very much about the global economy and how geopolitics affect and change business operations, leadership and strategies. To apply the learnings and get more experience of global business after graduation I briefly joined a global firm, EY Advisory, where I stayed for seven years, the last years as Head of Innovation in the Nordics. And I still feel that I watch the world through those lenses, and apply the insights professionally in my work today.
What advice would you give to anyone considering the TRIUM program?
Do it, enjoy classes and build personal and professional network and life long friendship with your cohort colleagues! Most of all, learn how to learn – and keep on that journey after you graduated! So happy that TRIUM has picked up on the life long learning path and started to offer the possibility for previous graduates to join some of the modules to upgrade our knowledge.
How would you describe your TRIUM experience in three words?
Eye opening, rewarding, challenging