80 A and B Laboratorios in Spain

Team 32 Poster

Team Reflection

This project has broadened our knowledge in terms of the responsibilities that companies should take to make a positive impact in society and in the planet. We have seen in depth what the SDGs are and how companies at different levels can provide means to collaborate with them. Furthermore, it has also enriched us in a cultural and personal sense by having the opportunity to work closely with people from such different countries. This has provided different points of view on the same topic, learning to collaborate with very different ways of working and creating relationships with people on the other side of the world. Our specific story in the project was about a small Spanish company called A&B Laboratotios, which by using eco-design and biotechnology has created sustainable and beneficial alternatives for health and the environment, to traditional industrial cleaning chemicals that were harmful. This innovative initiative, as reflected in previous deliveries, has received awards and has been recognized for contributing to the United Nations SDGs. Overall, it is known for collaborating with 12 of the 17, but in our work we have focused on the 4 most notable: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by reducing workers’ exposure to harmful chemicals; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by advancing sustainable practices in the chemical sector; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by promoting eco-design and reducing waste; SDG 13: Climate Action, by cutting the carbon footprint of cleaning solvents by 57%. Moreover, the company we have analyzed has also provided us with information on ISO standards, which it also follows when manufacturing its products. Those that are most related to the company’s activity are ISO 14006, because it is connected to eco-design, which is applied by the enterprise; and ISO 14001, because it focuses on environmental management. Due to the high involvement of the company in achieving the objectives and following the rules that we have just mentioned, we had the opportunity to learn more in depth and have actual practical examples of these concepts that had already been talked about in class. It has been a practical way of obtaining the knowledge.

In a more personal sense, it has also been very impressive to see how a small family business can have so much initiative and is able to carve out a niche in the market, distinguishing itself from the rest in such a positive way. Now talking about the steps that we have followed to get the work done, we must start by explaining how we chose the company that we were going to make the project about. Each one of us talked about our proposals and we finally voted the one that was more suitable. Then we prepared the questions for the interview and Paula made it via Zoom. A transcription of the responses was made, since they were in Spanish, so that everyone had access to them. Finally, the remaining work, both the story and the poster, was divided among the members of the group. And we finish the work with this joint reflection.

Analyzing the method followed, we conclude that we have managed to get the job done in the best possible way, although we have found impediments regarding the time difference and setting the zooms schedules. However, this has been a minor inconvenience. As for what this project brings us regarding our professional future, it is clear that it has made us take into account the importance of respecting these values ​​and contributing what we can to these common objectives as businesspeople of the future. If any of us decides to be an entrepreneur and set up our own business, we will remember this example and consider not only the economic success of the company, but also the positive social impact it can have. This project has clearly managed to take a first step in bringing 6 young people who will potentially make their way in the business world closer to being aware of the infinite possibilities that exist to combine economic achievements in the market, together with environmental achievements related to social responsibility.

Finally, two other important lessons that we take away from this experience on a personal level are, on the one hand, tools to work with people from very different cultures, knowing how to organize ourselves and join efforts for a common goal. As well as taking advantage of all the different points of view that each one can contribute. And, on the other hand, related to the company with which we have had the opportunity to collaborate, that even when it seems that being small and having few resources it will not be possible to obtain great results, if the required effort is put in, it is possible to have more impact than any larger entity. It’s simply a matter of going for it. The results obtained by very hard-working people with extremely good ideas are a clear example to follow.

INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIONS

Shaden Alqarni

Being part of a virtual team comprised of individuals from many countries and diverse cultures was an incredible and enriching experience. It was my first time collaborating and engaging in various activities with such a dynamic group. Each member brought unique perspectives and stories, making our interactions even more meaningful. They are a wonderfully supportive and sweet team, always ready to lend a helping hand. During one of our team meetings, we organized a cultural sharing session where everyone had the opportunity to present something about their heritage, such as a holiday or a cherished tradition. This not only deepened our understanding of one another but also fostered a sense of connection and camaraderie. The stories shared were both fascinating and inspiring, showcasing the richness of our collective backgrounds. We utilized a WhatsApp group for communication, which made it easy to coordinate despite the different time zones. Overall, this experience has broadened my horizons and strengthened my appreciation for cultural diversity in teamwork. I look forward to more opportunities to connect and collaborate with this amazing group in the future. Each interaction leaves me more curious about the world and eager to learn from others.

Raghad Alshahrani

As a member of this virtual team, taking part in this activity was both challenging and beneficial. At first, I felt a bit confused about how to handle the different cultures within the team. It was amazing to see how each member brought a unique view shaped by their cultural background, which made our discussions richer but also caused some misunderstandings. One of the main challenges we faced was dealing with different time zones, as scheduling meetings required a lot of flexibility from everyone. Despite these challenges, I was happy to see our communication improve over time. We set up a plan to use asynchronous communication tools, which helped us stay connected and respect each other’s schedules. Through patience, good listening, and being open to different ideas, I learned to appreciate others’ views and adjust my approach to be more inclusive. This experience taught me a lot about flexibility, cultural awareness, and the importance of clear communication in overcoming virtual team challenges.

Marta Irigoyen Ruiz

Participating in this virtual project was a unique and enriching experience, blending perspectives from different countries and cultures. Working alongside my partner Paula, two Canadian boys, and two girls from Saudi Arabia, we focused on exploring the sustainable practices of A&B LABORATORIOS DE BIOTECNOLOGÍA S.A.U. Communicating exclusively through the platform Zoom added an interesting layer to our collaboration. At times, I found myself adjusting to not only cultural differences but also time zones, which required us to be flexible with our availability. Initially, it was a bit challenging to navigate everyone’s working styles and expectations. As a Spanish student, I felt accustomed to a more relaxed conversational style, which contrasted with what other team members are used to. However, all these differences and our working ways, made us all brought unique insights that enriched our ideas, helping us to consider various perspectives we might not have thought of on our own. To overcome time zone challenges and ensure everyone could participate comfortably, we made surveys to choose the perfect time for everyone to connect. This way, everyone could contribute. Over time, I noticed our communication improved significantly. We became more intentional about listening to each other and developed a stronger sense of trust and cooperation. This project was an invaluable learning experience in flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of open-mindedness when working in a diverse virtual team. It taught me not only to appreciate the value of varied viewpoints but also to adapt my communication style to support effective collaboration.

Paula Blanco Maguregui

This project has been more of an experience than a class assignment. What I have valued the most at a personal level is, above all, the unique opportunity we have had to collaborate with people of such different nationalities and cultures. This has given us a wide variety of insights, which has led us to achieve a much more elaborate and complex project. It has also allowed me to learn how to manage different ways of working and how to adapt to very different time zones, which at first was a clear obstacle, but as the weeks went by, due to experience and the WhatsApp group, we learned how to overcome without any problem. We came up with an effective solution, which was to set a comfortable time for everyone in which we could all work via Zoom every week. In this way, we managed to forge a good work rhythm, a positive atmosphere in the group and create relationships that we will surely remember for a lifetime. To sum up, the AIM2Flourish project has not only given me very valuable knowledge for my professional future in a very practical way, but it has also taught me to work flexibly, adapting my way of working to very different ones and to know how to collaborate with people from very different origins. All of this is something that I will surely value for the rest of my career.