The IMD MBA is often described as intense, transformative, and deeply rewarding. As I stood on the brink of graduation, I realized that this year was not only about learning theories and frameworks but about peeling back my inner layers to discover who I am as a leader– and who I can become.
The first few months were an intense immersion into a world of assignments, simulations, and relentless schedules. While it felt overwhelming at times, this crucible of learning forced us to confront our habits, understand our strengths and weaknesses, and lean on each other for support. It wasn’t just academic growth; it was a deeper exploration of resilience and adaptability.
Relief came in the form of the MBA Tournament (MBAT). Stepping away from our spreadsheets and case studies, we became athletes, strategists, and cheerleaders. Winning 20 medals was exhilarating, but more importantly, we became a team in the truest sense. We saw each other’s grit, humor, and unwavering support. It was a defining moment of unity and camaraderie that solidified the bonds we leaned on for the rest of the year.
The summer break, with its journey to Silicon Valley, brought new perspectives and a chance to recalibrate. Seeing innovation in action and engaging with entrepreneurs expanded my understanding of creativity and ambition. This time of reflection prepared us for what lay ahead: the real test of our leadership skills in the second half of the year.
This is when transformation truly took hold. The demands of job searches, electives, digital analytics labs, and assignments collided with the pressure of the International Consulting Project (ICP). The ICP was more than a project; it was a crucible for leadership and stakeholder management. I found myself balancing faculty expectations, client needs, and team dynamics.
Below: 1) Me with Juancho Morales, Mizuka Murata, Elena Verdi, and Rohit Gupta after our ICP delivery and 2) with Tejas Jalan, Ruiyi Hu, and Rohit during a workshop
There were moments of doubt, but the experience taught me to listen to feedback with humility, manage expectations with clarity, and zoom in on details while keeping the bigger picture in focus. I learned the importance of staying patient and rational, maintaining emotional balance, and ensuring that quality was never compromised. The ICP showed me that leadership is about staying grounded and adaptable under pressure, guiding others with a steady hand even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Another layer of transformation came through my role on the yearbook committee. The task was daunting – managing an overwhelming amount of data, coordinating contributions, and curating memories. It required bold decisions, moments of assertiveness, and a delicate balance of creativity and structure.
The experience demanded what IMD instills in its leaders: the perfect blend of “caring and daring.” I had to care deeply about representing our class authentically while daring to stand firm when needed. This role taught me to embrace ownership, balance expectations, and cultivate the confidence to make tough calls while maintaining empathy and creativity.
Now, just after graduation, the feeling is bittersweet. Saying goodbye to the people who have become family and the year that reshaped us is difficult. But this ending also marks a beginning – a chance to carry these lessons and transformations into the future. I leave IMD with more than just a degree. I leave with a deeper understanding of myself, a clearer vision of the leader I want to be, and a renewed sense of purpose.
This year has been a journey of peeling back layers, of discovering patience, resilience, and clarity. I am grateful for the experiences, the challenges, and the person I have become. Here’s to the transformations that lie ahead, and to the layers yet to be explored.
