Shaked Hoffman

Why study Global Business and Sustainability in New York?

Throughout an already extensive career, Shaked Hoffman learned one big lesson: sustainability is often treated as a separate initiative rather than as an integral part of business strategy. 

He was determined to flip the trend. “I wanted to understand how sustainability could be embedded directly into operations, finance, investment decisions, supply chains, customer value propositions and long-term competitive advantage,” he explains. That desire primarily motivated him to join the MS in Global Business & Sustainability at IENYC.

Shaked was attracted to New York because he wanted to gain a global, richly diverse education. By taking the opportunity to study here, he knew he would be at the heart of one of the world’s most influential centers for finance, entrepreneurship, real estate, international institutions and more. 

“By the end, I hoped to have deeper insights into how companies can combine profitability, innovation, responsible leadership and measurable impact.”

Stepping into a hands-on academic experience

The program quickly exceeded Shaked’s expectations. It was practical, intensive, interdisciplinary and highly relevant to the challenges that businesses face today. 

More importantly, it encouraged him to think beyond traditional financial metrics and take a holistic view of business. That’s when he learned to consider how strategic decisions affect customers, employees, suppliers, investors, communities and the environment as a whole.

“The sustainable finance component was particularly valuable,” he notes. “It helped me understand how environmental and social risks can affect valuation, access to capital, investor expectations and long-term financial performance.”

But the real highlights were his courses in social entrepreneurship and responsible marketing. They reinforced the importance of avoiding superficial sustainability messaging and building credibility through evidence, transparency and accountability.

From capstone project to real startup

The capstone project is an integral part of learning at IENYC. For Shaked, it was an opportunity to create and co-found York & Fifth: a modest fashion brand for women seeking elegant, modern designs that celebrate high fashion without sacrificing religious or cultural requirements.

“The concept was developed in response to a clear market gap,” he explains. So he set out to develop the company’s business model, market positioning, customer research, financial projections, go-to-market strategy, impact framework and supply-chain strategy.

Designing the startup’s sustainability approach became a major part of the process. Through trial and error, Shaked learned that a strong sustainability strategy must be operational, measurable and financially realistic. It can’t just rely on storytelling, but must be reflected in every aspect of business operations, from supplier selection to cost structures, product quality, emissions management, customer education and long-term accountability frameworks.

He encourages future MS in Global Business & Sustainability students to expect a period of significant personal and professional growth. “Come with curiosity, humility and a willingness to challenge your existing assumptions,” he says. “The program offers significant value, but you should take an active role by engaging with faculty, building relationships, participating in events and using New York City as an extension of the classroom.”

Why learning from practitioner faculty is key

For Shaked, the faculty of scholars and practitioners was one of the most valuable aspects of the program. 

“They brought real-world experience into the classroom and consistently challenged us to move beyond theoretical answers.” This meant learning to navigate implementation, stakeholder resistance, financial constraints, regulation, market behavior and the trade-offs involved in responsible decision-making.

They also demonstrated that global challenges like climate change, technological disruption, geopolitical instability and supply chain risk aren’t separate from business strategy. They are central business issues that leaders must understand and manage.

Ultimately, the integrated approach has changed how he thinks about responsible leadership. “It isn’t just about having strong values, but translating them into systems, measurable goals and governance structures.”

The New York factor

But studying in New York City was the real game-changer. By constantly exposing you to different industries and perspectives, you learn to adapt quickly, communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and operate with a high level of energy and resilience. “This strengthens your ability to think internationally while remaining attentive to the needs of specific communities and local markets.”

Being so close to major global institutions and world-leading sustainability initiatives also transforms how you approach international business opportunities. According to Shaked, it reinforces the need to evaluate potential investments through multiple lenses. Rather than relying on traditional metrics like market size or short-term profitability, you should also assess regulatory developments, environmental exposure, supply chain resilience, cultural fit, access to capital and stakeholder trust.

“New York also demonstrated how closely interconnected global markets have become,” he says. “As a result, I now approach international opportunities with a more integrated perspective.”

Taking the next steps

For Shaked, IENYC has transformed his professional trajectory. By connecting his past experience with a deeper understanding of sustainability, finance, impact and responsible leadership, the IENYC Experience has helped him build a stronger strategic foundation for the next stage of his career.

Looking ahead, he plans to pursue opportunities in business development, strategy, venture capital and entrepreneurship. He’s particularly interested in working with organizations entering new markets or integrating sustainability into their core business models. “I also intend to continue developing entrepreneurial ventures that demonstrate that sustainability can strengthen commercial success and create long-term value.”