A lifelong learner at Hyper Island’s Digital Management Program: Justin's Journey

Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland—a city known for its castles, kilts, and unpredictable weather—Justin has spent the past 13 years calling Denmark home. Today, he works at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Copenhagen, balancing two demanding roles. As a Design and Digital Visibility Architect, Justin shapes UX strategies while also leading a software development team that supports international missions.

Despite his extensive experience, Justin felt his career progression was based on a “learn as you go” approach. “I wanted something more structured,” he explains, “but an MBA felt too corporate for my taste.” Hyper Island, however, offered something edgier, more forward-thinking, and filled with like-minded misfits. This combination seemed like the perfect fit for Justin, and he was all in.

While Justin had years of leadership experience, he saw room to refine his approach. “I realized my leadership style was a bit too improvised, think jazz rather than classical,” he admits. The Digital Management Master’s program at Hyper Island could provide the perfect solution.

Justin appreciated Hyper Island’s rebellious approach to education. 

Even better, the program attracted like-minded individuals. “The crew I studied with was brilliant—diverse, thoughtful, and just the right amount of weird,” he says.

It was with a bit of nerves that Justin first stepped foot on Hyper Island’s campus. After reading the bios of his soon-to-be fellow students, he felt that everyone seemed uncomfortably brilliant and worried he had stumbled into a convention of overachievers.

As the first days went by, his nerves intensified as he confirmed that his new crew was indeed a group of brilliant minds. However, by the end of the first week, they had all bonded and felt as if they had known each other for years.

“I suspect Hyper puts something in the water. By Monday, I was convinced I’d accidentally joined a cult (but one with great merch and better vibes).” 

It is clear that Hyper Island isn’t a solo sport—it’s a team effort. Over time, Justin grew to appreciate the school’s unique learning approach. “It was less ‘Here’s a checklist’ and more ‘Here’s a compass — figure it out.’” he says. Although this approach was both liberating and frustrating in equal measure, it was exactly what Justin needed. "It taught me how to learn, not just what to learn,” he continues.

One project that stood out to Justin was a creative and theatrical pitch for recycling wearable tech. His team staged a live presentation combined with a pre-recorded prototype, featuring a drone picking up an Apple Watch for recycling. “It was the perfect blend of slick execution and over-the-top theatre,” he laughs.

This project, like many others, pushed Justin outside his comfort zone. “Hyper isn’t just about what you learn—it’s about how you grow, personally and professionally,” he reflects.

Hyper Island and the Digital Management Master’s program have equipped Justin with a toolkit of methodologies, strategies, and psychological insights, enabling him to lead teams with greater intentionality and confidence. Adopting a Design Thinking mindset and applying Susan Wheelan’s frameworks have become part of his daily work.

The biggest shift, however, has been on a more personal level. 

Hyper Island taught Justin that learning is never finished. “I’ve fully committed to being a lifelong learner—constantly learning, unlearning, relearning, and pushing myself to stay sharp.” he shares. 

As a mentor, he enjoys sometimes learning as much from others as they learn from him.

When asked what advice he’d give to prospective Hyper Island students, Justin keeps it simple: 

He adds, “You’ll be surrounded by people as talented, ambitious, and delightfully odd as you are—and that’s where the magic happens.”