This week, the Michigan State University (Broad College of Business) has been Madrid, Spain, for the 2025 Study Abroad trip. To me, it has been a masterclass in global business strategy — from tech giants to global sports leagues — and it’s been fascinating to see how seemingly different industries are connected by common threads: innovation, audience engagement, and data-driven decision-making.
My journey with supply chain management started unintentionally. While I recently pivoted from beinf a Supply Chain to a Business Development concentration at Michigan State University (MSU), a university globally recognized for its excellence in the field, my time here has sparked a fascination with how supply chains shape economies and industries. This curiosity was born from both my MBA coursework and personal observations of the gaps that exist, particularly in Africa, and how they hinder the continent’s ability to compete on a global scale.
When I started my MBA, I made a conscious decision to remain open—to let the universe guide me, as opposed to committing to a specific industry. I didn’t have a clear goal or a pre-determined path; I just wanted to immerse myself in learning and let opportunities unfold organically. As I near my summer internship with Xbox, I’ve been asking myself: Why gaming? Why has the universe nudged me into this industry? During my visit to the Microsoft campus in Redmond, my MSFT mentor, Miguel mentioned that gaming generates more revenue than all other entertainment industries combined. This was VERY eye-opening.
This winter break, I find myself immersed in a blend of storytelling and strategic preparation. Currently, I’m in Washington to attend the African Achievement Awards, where I’ve been honored with a nomination for the Best International Youth Empowerment Award. While here, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit the Microsoft campus in Redmond.
Nthanda Manduwi is a Malawian storyteller, entrepreneur, digital transformation advocate, and community builder driven by the mission to empower Africa’s economic landscape through innovation and technology.
