MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI – TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL COMPETENCE

Activity MOOC II: “The Circular Economy”

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIMOOC Courses 26 November 202526 November 2025One Comment

The “Circular Economy” course as part of the Transformative Leadership in the Circular Economy Specialization on Coursera by The University of Colorado Boulder, gave me a deeper and more practical understanding of how sustainable systems work and how they can be applied across industries. One of the first things I learned was how fundamentally different a circular model is from the traditional linear “take–make–waste” economy. The course helped me see how circularity aims to design out waste from the beginning, keep materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerate natural systems. This shifted my view of sustainability from simply reducing harm to actively redesigning products, processes, and business models in smarter, more regenerative ways.

As the course progressed, I explored real-world circular business models and how companies are already transitioning toward shared platforms, closed-loop systems, and circular material flows. Seeing examples from packaging, textiles, electronics, and the built environment made the concept tangible. I began to understand that circularity is not a single action but a complete rethinking of how industries operate from how products are designed to how they are repaired, reused, or recycled.

Another important insight came from studying the barriers to circularity. While the benefits are clear, organizations face real challenges such as high initial investment, lack of infrastructure, and resistance to change. Hearing from industry experts showed me that successful circular transitions require leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to experiment. This part of the course strengthened my belief that meaningful change depends on both technical innovation and human commitment.

Finally, the course introduced me to the tools and metrics used to measure circular performance. I learned how life-cycle assessments, circular indicators, digital twins, and data-sharing platforms help organizations evaluate their impact and improve their strategies. Understanding these tools made me realize that circular economy is not just an idea, it is measurable, trackable, and actionable when supported by the right technologies.

Overall, this course helped me see the circular economy as both a mindset and a practical framework for creating sustainable solutions. It equipped me with knowledge I can apply as a future materials engineer, especially in designing systems that are efficient, regenerative, and aligned with global sustainability goals.

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

Hello everyone! My name is Mavis O. Olorunyomi, and I am passionate about sustainability, circular economy, materials innovation, and green technologies. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Innovative Recycling (AMIR) through the Erasmus Mundus program, where I study at Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. Over time, I have developed a strong interest in creating sustainable materials and exploring how scientific research can drive environmental resilience and circular design. Beyond academics, I enjoy taking on new challenges, learning continuously, and contributing to projects that make a positive environmental impact. I am deeply motivated by the idea of building a greener and more sustainable future through innovation and practical action.

Activity MOOC I: “Achieving Personal and Professional Success” Specialization

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIMOOC Courses 22 November 202522 November 2025One Comment

After a successful completion of my MOOC I on the Achieving Personal and Professional Success specialization from the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera, a four-course journey that deepened my understanding of success, influence, communication, and negotiation. Basically, developing the skills needed to navigate both personal and professional environments with confidence. Here are my biggest takeaways I would like to share;

One of the most valuable lessons came from redefining what success truly means. I learned that success is deeply personal and often shaped unconsciously by our upbringing, culture, and social expectations. Through different exercises and reflections, I began to separate achievement from fulfillment, realizing that real success must align with my values, strengths, and long-term aspirations. This helped me develop a clearer sense of internal motivation rather than relying on external approval.

The course on communication reshaped the way I approach conversations and relationships. I became more aware of when to compete, when to cooperate, and how trust is built through openness, warmth, and shared goals. I also learned the importance of choosing the right medium for each message and how to navigate challenging interactions, whether that involves detecting deception, apologizing effectively, or simply listening with more intention.

The module on influence taught me that influencing others is less about authority and more about understanding people, networks, and organizational dynamics. It emphasized the ethical responsibility that comes with influence and the need to balance soft and hard power with self-awareness and integrity. I now see influence as a relational skill rooted in generosity, authenticity, and strategic thinking.

Finally, the negotiation course gave me practical tools that apply far beyond formal negotiations. I learned how to prepare systematically, understand bargaining zones, ask questions that reveal meaningful information, and manage the emotional side of negotiation. The lessons on handling anxiety, diffusing anger, and building trust were especially powerful, reminding me that successful negotiation depends as much on emotional intelligence as on tactics.

Overall, this specialization offered a cohesive set of insights that go beyond theory. It helped me define my own vision of success, communicate with greater clarity, influence ethically, and negotiate with confidence. These lessons have already begun shaping how I show up in conversations, collaborations, and decisions; and I know they will continue to guide me on my personal and professional journey.

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

My Digital Identity Plan

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIDI by students 22 November 202524 November 2025No Comments

My Digital Identity Plan aims to strengthen my academic and professional presence by increasing my visibility, building trust, and creating opportunities for research, collaboration, and career development focused in the Academia. The main objectives include enhancing digital recognition on LinkedIn, supporting my academic progression by advancing into PhD, and connecting with experts and institutions in sustainability, recycling, renewable energy, and related fields.

This plan targets a wide range of groups, such as researchers, companies(R&D), Universities, recycling institutions, waste management sectors and renewable energy sectors. Engaging with these audiences allows me to build a diverse network that supports both academic and professional growth. To support this, I will collaborate with professors, supervisors, colleagues, policy makers, NGOs and sustainability-focused organizations. My value proposition is grounded in strong research skills, problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and a determined work ethic qualities that I highlight through my digital presence.

The content I share will focus on sustainability, circular economy, research activities, innovation projects, and international collaboration. These themes reflect my interests and promote my expertise across professional platforms. I will use channels such as LinkedIn, academic forums, emails, online meetings, blogs, media, and university profiles to communicate effectively. Key activities include staying updated on trends, attending conferences, connecting with collaborators, and participating in events that reinforce my visibility.

This plan relies on resources such as CV, LinkedIn, Scientific journals-digital tools precisely. The main costs are, money, time, personal and mental energy, and Internet access as they involve the effort required to maintain an active presence and engage consistently with my network. Overall, this Digital Identity Plan provides a focused and strategic framework for developing a credible, professional, and meaningful online identity.

Here is a link to access the infographic of my DIP. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PfR54f5b9PWvHvanmRgOeWi6F_O4joBX/view?usp=drive_link

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

Activity on the WEEK

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMISin categoría 17 November 202517 November 2025No Comments

Watching The Week video was incredibly insightful. It clearly showed the risks of climate change, its causes, and the serious consequences we are already seeing around the world. As a student of circular economy and sustainability, this experience reminded me why my field matters. It strengthened my motivation to practice what I learn and to advocate for actions that can genuinely help put the world on a better, more sustainable path. Imaging myself in the years to come, a moment that made me feel both hopeful and curious. Hopeful, because I believe in human innovation and our ability to correct our mistakes; curious, because the future will be shaped by the choices we make today.

We must be mindful of natural resources, avoiding the waste and overuse that harm our land and water. To preserve the environment, we need to care for our soil, animals, and farms. Food choices are also key: local selection, seasonal, or plant-based options supports farmers and lessens environmental impact. Personally, I try to live simply and sustainably by rarely wasting food, reusing materials, and sorting for recycling connects directly to my career path in sustainability and the circular economy.

Reflecting on day 3’s discussions, several practical climate actions were mentioned: shifting from fossil fuels to renewables, supporting sustainable food systems, reusing items and buying second-hand, sharing resources within communities, and promoting climate awareness at work. Activism also matters, educating others, raising awareness, and encouraging governments to listen to local communities. When people feel included, climate action becomes stronger and more effective.

We also confronted the common limiting beliefs, “I’m too small to make a difference,” “I’m too busy,” “I don’t want to stand out,” or “I’m not ready to give things up.” The Inner Development Goals (IDGs) helped me reflect on these and it helped me understand better who I am, knowing now that I am good at as Self-awareness, Visioning, Integrity, resource consciousness, I as well equip moderate growth in critical thinking and creativity and I am also developing openness, empathy, communication skills, resilience, and courage. These inner qualities are essential for me in creating outer change.

Conclusively, my reflection and way of life align strongly with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, it mirrors many of my daily choices and values, and the targets of the SDG’s that resonate with me include: Reducing waste (12.3, 12.5), Using natural resources sustainably (12.2), and Promoting awareness of sustainable lifestyles (12.8).

These practices guide my personal life, my studies, and the kind of professional I aspire to become. Looking ahead, I hope to be proud of staying true to my passion for sustainability and using my skills to create greener solutions. I imagine myself having established my purpose in academia, living a peaceful, meaningful life, and seeing real impact from the things I worked for, practiced, and advocated. I hope the projects I contribute to will help communities live better and inspire others to adopt sustainable habits. Because of this, my life would feel richer in purpose, connection, and contribution, knowing that my work is part of something bigger than myself, something that helps protect the planet for future generations.

Overall, The Week reminded me that climate action is not just global, it is personal. Changing the world begins with changing ourselves, and every mindful decision moves us closer to the future we hope to see.

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

Activity 9: Presentation of the PLE (Initial & Improved).

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIContributions to PLE by students. 15 November 202524 November 2025No Comments

My Initial/current PLE reflects the digital tools I already use in my daily learning process. It focuses mainly on searching for information, storing documents, and basic collaboration. Tools like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Chatgpt, Dropbox, Email, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn play a central role in helping me manage coursework, communicate, and access reliable academic content. Although useful, my original PLE was limited and did not fully support deeper learning, creativity, or language development. Below is the visual identity of my current PLE.

In my improved/target PLE, it entails previous and new tools that would make my learning environment much richer and more versatile. New tools such as edX, Busuu, Alison, InVideo, Overleaf, and DeepL now support areas like language learning, academic writing, creative content generation, and advanced research. This expanded structure also organizes my tools more clearly across stages: searching, evaluating, storing, collaborating, and disseminating information. This improved PLE will make my learning more active, efficient, and balanced. It gives more ways to access knowledge, verify information, collaborate with others, and produce high-quality academic content. It also supports my personal and professional growth by helping me communicate better, stay organized, and develop new digital skills that are essential in both academic and real-world contexts. Here’s the visual identity of my target/improved PLE.

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

Video Presentation

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIStudents presentations 14 November 20252 Comments

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Es26rRPNflPd4PZ9CyxxZNnbfkpj3gS7/view?usp=drive_link

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

Activity 5:Personal Reflections on the Professional Future-Mavis O. Olorunyomi

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIStudents presentations 9 November 202510 November 2025One Comment

(Inspired by Yuval Noah Harari on Impact Theory)

After watching Yuval Noah Harari’s interview on Impact Theory, I was both amazed and challenged by how relevant his message is to my future as a materials engineer working in the field of circular economy. Harari spoke about how human beings today are “hackable animals”, how technology and data can read and even predict our choices better than we can ourselves. At first, this sounded alarming, but it made me realize something deeper: in a world driven by artificial intelligence and constant change, understanding myself and staying adaptable are more important than ever.

Harari highlighted two key skills that will define success in the 21st century: self-understanding and mental flexibility. These ideas connect directly to my field. In materials engineering, innovation never stops; new materials, green technologies, and sustainable processes emerge all the time. What I learn today might be replaced tomorrow by a more efficient, eco-friendly alternative. This means I need to constantly update my knowledge, stay curious, and be willing to question old methods. Flexibility isn’t just a personal trait anymore; it’s a professional necessity.

In the context of the circular economy, Harari’s point about “reinvention” also hit home. Circular systems aim to rethink how we use resources, designing materials, products, and processes that can be reused, repaired, or recycled rather than wasted. That mindset itself requires constant reinvention and critical thinking. Just like individuals must learn to adapt, industries must also redesign themselves to work in cycles rather than in linear ways. I see a strong parallel between personal and environmental sustainability; both depend on awareness, reflection, and resilience.

Another thing that stayed with me is Harari’s warning about outsourcing our self-awareness to technology. As engineers, it’s easy to rely too heavily on data and algorithms to make decisions. But Harari reminded me that true progress depends on human judgment, empathy, ethics, and creativity; qualities that machines can’t replicate. In the circular economy, this balance is especially important: designing sustainable solutions requires both technical expertise and a deep understanding of social and environmental impact.

In conclusion, Harari’s message helped me see that my professional future will be shaped not only by what I know, but by how I adapt and reflect. As a future materials engineer advocating and practicing circular economy, I want to build systems that are flexible, regenerative, and deeply human, where innovation serves both people and the planet. The most valuable skill I can carry forward is not just technical knowledge, but the ability to keep learning, keep questioning, and stay conscious of the impact of what I create.

About MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMI

Mavis O. Olorunyomi

by MAVIS OLAYEMI OLORUNYOMIStudents presentations 6 November 20259 November 2025One Comment