I come from a big Christian family where I’m the youngest of five, with four sisters. In 2013, I co-founded a successful startup in the textile business in Colombia called KUPA and I am married to Laura and father to 10-month-old Joaquin.
You might wonder how I managed to apply for an MBA with a 10-month-old son. Well, since 2017, I’ve been contemplating pursuing an MBA. What I knew for sure was that I wanted to do it outside of Colombia to gain a fresh perspective in a new environment.
However, as time went on, I found myself caught up in the demands of our startup, making it difficult to find the right moment. My dream of pursuing an MBA abroad persisted despite the added responsibilities. I discussed my aspirations with my wife, who understood and wholeheartedly supported my ambitions. None of this would have been possible without her unconditional encouragement and the support of my family, especially my father, Jorge, and my mother, Elsa.
After researching different MBAs around the world, I decided on an MBA at IMD because I was eager to refine my soft skills, particularly in leadership. As one of the world’s leading institutions, IMD is recognized as an institution with a program focused on leadership skills, making it the ideal place to achieve these goals and provide a perfect fit for my aspirations.
Up to now, my time at IMD has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. It’s not just about learning new theories or gaining insights into various subjects, it’s also about connecting with people from all corners of the globe, each with their own unique backgrounds and experiences that enrich the MBA journey. Since the beginning, I’ve been part of a diverse group with members from the USA, Spain, India, Malaysia, and Denmark. We’ve opened ourselves and shared our knowledge and experiences, which has made this MBA experience truly special.
Looking ahead, I anticipate that the coming year will present a lot of challenges. However, I hope that by the end of it, I’ll emerge as a better individual, a more effective leader, and a well-rounded professional dedicated to creating value for society.
