On Friday, October 11, 2024, the Sustainable Leadership Forum, led by Professor Timo Eccarius from the GHRM MBA and IBMBA programs at NSYSU, welcomed Dr. Aleksandra Drizo, Professor in Sustainability Science and Management, to deliver a lecture on her pioneering work in phosphorus management and sustainable water quality practices.

Although 70% of the Earth is covered by water, only 1% is accessible for human use. Despite improvements in water access, over 2.2 billion people still lack clean drinking water. Dr. Drizo highlighted how phosphorus pollution, primarily from agriculture and waste, leads to eutrophication, damaging ecosystems by promoting harmful algae blooms. Dr. Drizo introduced her innovative solution, PhosphoReduc, which uses steel slag to effectively filter phosphorus from wastewater, offering a sustainable approach to water management.

While the lecture focused in part on the technical aspects of phosphorus removal, it also provided valuable lessons on the intersection of sustainability and business. Students were inspired by Dr. Drizo’s entrepreneurial journey and her determination to overcome obstacles in bringing her technology to market. The lecture encouraged students to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices in their future careers, highlighting the impact that business leaders can have on environmental issues.

Toward the end of the lecture, students were encouraged to consider the practical steps involved in launching businesses focused on environmental issues. In groups, they had a dynamic discussion on how to bring environmental solutions from concept to market, reflecting on potential challenges and barriers. Their insights were shared with Dr. Drizo, who provided valuable feedback and guidance. This interactive session left a lasting impression, expanding students' understanding of sustainable water management while inspiring them to think critically about the real-world challenges of launching environmentally focused businesses and addressing global environmental issues through innovative solutions.