Curious about upskilling in sustainable business?
We spoke with former learner Tyson Tala Nya to hear about his experience on the Future of Sustainable Business course. Tyson shared his motivations for studying, the challenges he overcame, and how he plans to use his newfound knowledge to make a difference.
Hi Tyson. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
My name is Tyson Tala Nya. I was born in France and raised primarily in London. I’ve always had a deep passion for languages, sports, and charity work. I enjoy setting personal goals and see each one as a stepping stone towards growth. Resilience and faith have been guiding principles in my life — I genuinely believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
Over time, I’ve also developed a growing curiosity about how the world works — especially the systems, policies, and choices that have shaped our environment. Studying sustainability brought all these interests together. It’s a field that not only analyses the past to inform the future but also uses foresight to give feedback on current decisions.
What (or who) inspired you to earn a credential? What was the tipping point in your life?
I was inspired by a desire to better understand the world around me. Sustainability is influential across so many sectors — politics, sports, business, healthcare — and it’s something we encounter every day. Governments and organisations have done a great job raising awareness, but I wanted to dig deeper.
Curiosity was the real driver. As sustainability became a defining concept of our time, I saw earning a credential as both a personal learning opportunity and a way to align myself with future career paths.
What does having a good education mean to you?
To me, a good education is a combination of academic knowledge, real-world skills, and personal development. It doesn’t only come from formal institutions — it can be gained at home, through vocational training, or by learning from experience.
A well-designed course offers more than just information — it builds your ability to interpret, reflect, and communicate effectively. For me, a good education helps you not just understand a topic but apply that knowledge meaningfully in the real world.
How did you feel before starting your short course, and how do you feel now?
Initially, I felt a bit anxious. I didn’t have a background in climate change or sustainability, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But once I began the course, everything started to make sense. Sustainability is all around us — through our food choices, what we buy, how we travel, and how we live as citizens. I now feel much more confident and informed.
What challenges did you overcome during the short course?
Balancing the course with my daily commitments was the biggest challenge at first. The first couple of weeks were tough, but once I established a routine, it became much easier.
Another challenge was using the discussion forum, especially with students in different time zones. I made a conscious effort to be active during the day and downloaded the app to receive instant notifications. That allowed me to engage more consistently, even when I wasn’t at my computer.
What has the process of earning a credential taught you about yourself?
I’ve learned that I can stay focused and committed when I set a clear goal. Completing discussions, assignments, and asking for feedback from facilitators helped me build academic confidence. I used to hesitate asking questions, but now I understand the value of seeking clarity and continuous improvement.
Why did you choose this short course over others?
I chose this course because it’s offered by the Smith School at the University of Oxford, a globally respected institution. The Smith School’s strong focus on sustainability means the course is grounded in current research and real-world applications — not just theory. The case studies in the programme brought complex concepts to life and made them immediately relatable.
How do you stay motivated while achieving your goals?
It may sound cliché, but I stay motivated by reminding myself why I started. What’s the cost of not completing this course? I didn’t want to delay my goals or miss out on the opportunity to learn and grow.
The potential to boost my CV and LinkedIn profile also kept me going, along with the pride of completing something meaningful and future focused.
How has the Smith School supported you?
My course facilitator was incredibly supportive and present throughout the programme. I was impressed by how responsive and approachable she was. Having that level of support made a big difference in my learning experience.
How will you use your credential, and what impact do you want to have on the world?
I want to support green initiatives and emerging organisations that are creating positive environmental change. Whether through volunteering, donating, or promoting causes like clean energy, sustainable transport, or healthy eating, I want to be involved.
There are also many programmes focused on educating children and students about sustainability — this is an area I’d love to contribute to. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have for long-term impact.
Have you been able to apply what you’ve learned in your course in your career or life? When did you notice it for the first time?
Absolutely. One clear example is how I shop for clothes. I now consider the sustainability practices of brands and the environmental impact of the product lifecycle. Even if a sustainable item is slightly more expensive, I understand its value.
The course gave me a new lens for everyday decisions — from food to transport to professional conversations.
Is earning a credential worth it?
Definitely. The academic content alone is valuable, but beyond that, the course gave me the tools to speak confidently about sustainability and get involved in making a difference.
It’s empowering to realise that no matter your background, you can contribute, educate others, and influence better decisions. That’s what makes the credential truly worthwhile.
What advice do you have for future students?
Make the most of this journey and challenge yourself to become an expert in your own way. Use the platform, the facilitators, and the forums to your advantage.
Don’t be afraid to explore sustainability through your own interests — whether that’s music, sports, fashion, or cars. Be creative with your assignments and push yourself to think outside the box. Sustainability touches every part of society, and your unique perspective can make a real impact.
Ready to shape a sustainable future?
Tyson’s learning journey shows how the Future of Sustainable Business course can empower anyone to make an impact.
If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of sustainability and take your career to the next level, this course is your chance to learn from leading experts at the University of Oxford.
Visit the Future of Sustainable Business course page today to find out more and apply.