When I began searching for MBA programs, I heard an advisor say, “You’ll just know when it’s the right fit.” At the time, I didn’t understand how that could be true. As a Canadian civil engineer looking to bridge the gap between structural design and the financing of sustainable infrastructure, the options felt overwhelming. There were countless programs around the world, and after five years at Entuitive, the decision seemed daunting.
So, instead of searching outward, I turned inward. I asked myself: What do I value, and what do I truly want to gain from this experience? Yes, I wanted to build business acumen – but just as important to me was growing as a leader, connecting with a global community, integrating sustainability into business thinking, and joining a tight-knit cohort in a place at the heart of innovation. That’s exactly what I’ve found at IMD.
As an engineer, my work centered on technical design – but the real challenges came from coordinating complex teams of architects and contractors. I saw firsthand how leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence made a difference. IMD’s leadership focus, especially its deep dive into self-awareness and coaching, has been transformative. Through exercises like storytelling our failures or navigating difficult conversations, I’ve learned that the better you understand yourself, the better you can lead others.
My passion for sustainability also found a strong home at IMD. Buildings contribute 30–40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Having worked in that industry, I felt a responsibility – and a desire – to be part of the solution. IMD’s integration of sustainability into the curriculum, starting with the Planetary Boundaries Challenge in the Alps, was incredibly motivating. As co-lead of the Sustainability and Social Impact Club, I’ve loved engaging with peers and alumni to explore how we can create meaningful change. Studying these topics while running along Lake Geneva or skiing in the Alps with friends has been a constant reminder of why this work matters.
Our class is made up of just 78 people from 37 nationalities. This diversity has been one of the most enriching parts of the program. The perspectives, work styles, and lived experiences my classmates bring have opened my eyes to the importance of global collaboration – something especially critical when tackling challenges like climate change.
One highlight has been being selected as a Hilti Scholar. This not only gave me the opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders from the Hilti Foundation but also demonstrated IMD’s commitment to personal development and student sponsorship. I’ll never forget traveling to Liechtenstein with Omar Toulan, José Parra Moyano and other scholars to meet Hilti’s leadership team. It was an inspiring and deeply meaningful experience that reinforced why I chose IMD.
None of this would be possible without the amazing work of the MBA program team. The level of care, intention, and effort they put in behind the scenes is something I’ve felt every day, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.
Four months in, IMD has already exceeded every expectation. But more than anything, it’s the people who make this place special. I’m currently writing this with no voice on the train back from Paris, where our class just spent four unforgettable days competing in the MBAT (MBA Tournament) and cheering each other on in every event. There’s something powerful about having your class cheer and run alongside you as you push through the final strides of a 10K run, pull together a last-minute ultimate frisbee and cross-fit team, or dance the night away at the gala together – it reminded me that with the right people in your corner, anything feels possible.
As a former college runner, I used to think speed was everything. But now, one quote rings truer than ever: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Choosing IMD felt like a leap at the time – but it quickly became clear it was the right one. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
