When it comes to sustainability, how can you make a real difference? As president of the Sustainability Society at Hult, Emilia Simpson has worked to embed sustainability initiatives into the student experience—organizing workshops, building industry partnerships to tackle pressing environmental challenges, and empowering students to view business as a tool to not only create profit but a brighter planet. It’s no surprise then that she was asked to co-host the undergraduate live-client AI sustainability challenge with Amazon Web Services, filmed by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions as part of AACSB’s new Leader Generation series. Read on to find out how students got on with the challenge, her favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the filming, and what exactly is drawing students to the Sustainability Society.  

From passion to action  

With a wide variety of social, sports, and business-related clubs at Hult, there’s something for everyone. We caught up with Emilia to learn more about the club she’s actively involved in. 

Hult: Tell us a bit about the mission of the Sustainability Society?  

Emilia: The Sustainability Society provides a space for climate advocacy. We aim to also help individuals stay ahead by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to make a real impact in solving the environmental and social problems our planet faces. Founded when sustainability was gaining momentum, our club is committed to keeping pace. We hope to inspire everyone to take action for a sustainable world. 

H: What’s your role in the club?  

E: I began as the head of marketing, overseeing both online and in-person communication. Over the past two years as president, I’ve helped expand the club and forged industry connections. I’ve also worked to make sustainability a central part of the Hult student experience rather than just a niche interest.

H: What types of events has the club hosted?   

E: We explored various events to shape our club’s identity, from hands-on workshops—like painting reused milk cartons for microgreens—to expert panels on sustainable fashion and impact investing. As engagement grew, we introduced community-building activities, such as trivia nights and ESG coffee chats. Some of our most impactful events involved external partners. ‘Good Jobs for Bad People’ with Really Good Culture drew our largest audience, while a month-long fundraiser with The Warehouse Cafe raised over 1,000 USD for Seven Clean Seas, removing 522kg of plastic from the ocean. 

 

“We hope to inspire everyone to take action for a sustainable world.”

Going behind the scenes

Hult was recently among the business schools honored to be part of Leader Generation, an inspiring online series produced for AACSB by BBC Storyworks. Emilia had the incredible opportunity to be part of the episode, and she gave us an insider’s scoop. 

H: What was it like representing Hult in Leader Generation? 

E: Honestly, I struggled with imposter syndrome throughout the process. Hult has incredibly talented students, each pursuing their own projects and ventures, so representing our community felt both surreal and humbling. This experience has made me appreciate how much I’ve grown and left me even more excited for what’s ahead. 

H: Why was this opportunity important to you, and what message did you want to convey? 

 E: This opportunity mattered to me because I believe in experiential learning. The Leader Generation series showcases ambitious young professionals who are eager to tackle real-world challenges. More than ever, students and young professionals want to go beyond theory and actively engage with pressing issues, using their skills to drive meaningful change. It’s crucial to give the business leaders of tomorrow opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and build an inclusive, sustainable future. 

H: How do you think this video will inspire others in the Hult community and beyond?  

E: I hope this video shows that the next generation of leaders isn’t waiting for permission to make a difference. I want to encourage students to view uncertainty not as a barrier but as motivation. Many of us worry about our careers, the state of the world, and the future ahead. This video highlights how, despite feeling overwhelmed by global challenges, we can take action, challenge outdated systems, and pursue what we believe is right. I hope it demonstrates how much we care—driving us to create real change. 

“I want to encourage students to view uncertainty not as a barrier but as motivation.”

H: What was your favorite part of filming or a behind-the-scenes moment that stood out?  

 E: One of my favorite moments was filming the scene at The Warehouse Cafe, where we were asked to act like a group of friends having a fun conversation. But the best part? We didn’t have to act at all! Hult has such a close-knit community that we all knew at least one other person in the group. Even with the cameras rolling and some initial nerves, it felt like a natural catch-up between friends. The BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions team was pleasantly surprised by how effortlessly real our dynamic was—a true reflection of the strong community at Hult. 

Connecting with the real world 

Challenge-based learning is at the heart of Hult’s undergraduate program, with real clients coming to campus, giving our students the chance to consult on real-world business issues. Emilia shared her experience of working on the challenge. 

H: What challenge did Amazon Web Services (AWS) set?  

E:  Using cloud-based technology, students were tasked with addressing a current issue facing AWS. They were challenged to develop the best strategy, solution, and pitch to solve sustainability challenges. The goal was to inspire creative ideas that connect business, sustainability, and technology.  Since AWS operates across various industries, we focused on making the aviation sector more sustainable through circular solutions. 

H: How did your role as president of the Sustainability Society influence your approach to the AWS challenge?  

E: I’m able to bring together diverse perspectives, align stakeholders toward a common goal, and communicate sustainability in a way that resonates with different audiences. It was also no surprise that each team delivered an impressive pitch that truly stood out to the judges. 

Watch how our London undergrads rise to the AWS challenge—strategizing, problem-solving, and pitching their ideas in the Leader Generation series produced for AACSB by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions.