Mauricio Gentile
My name is Mauricio Gentile, and I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil. I began my career over 20 years ago at DuPont, then worked at AkzoNobel, and later joined a smaller Brazilian company that gave me the opportunity to relocate to Vienna. I spent eight years there before joining INEOS, one of the largest chemical companies in the world. Today, I live in Switzerland and serve as Global Business Manager at INEOS Solvents.
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve worked in multinational environments across the chemical industry. But as I moved further in my career, I knew I needed something more to enhance my global perspective and strategic leadership. That’s what led me to pursue the Global Executive MBA at IE Business School, a program that not only fit my demanding schedule but also opened doors in ways I hadn’t imagined.
"If I would have to do everything again, I would do it. It's an amazing journey."
Q&A WITH MAURICIO
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO PURSUE THE GLOBAL EXECUTIVE MBA AT IE?
I’ve always wanted to pursue an MBA, but it was difficult to pause my career. The blended format of IE’s Global Executive MBA made it possible to study while continuing to work, earning money, staying engaged with my company, and applying real-world experience directly to the classroom.
I also consider myself an international person, and the global nature of the program was a perfect fit. You’re surrounded by people from all over the world, which adds immense value both culturally and professionally. It was the right program at the right time, and it fit me perfectly.
WHAT MADE THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE SO IMMERSIVE FOR YOU?
The immersion came not just from the coursework but from the diversity and depth of the cohort. I’ve spent my whole career in the chemical industry, so being in a learning environment with people from entirely different industries, cultures, and ways of thinking was eye-opening.
We had classmates from Russia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and even New Zealand. Adapting to that diversity was a powerful learning experience; you engage, listen, and collaborate across very different perspectives. That made the program deeply immersive for me.
HOW DID THE PROGRAM’S FLEXIBILITY AND PERSONALIZATION SUPPORT YOUR GROWTH?
Flexibility was key. The blended format allowed me to keep working while studying, and I could bring real company experiences into the classroom. This dual exposure made my learning even more valuable.
Personalization also came through the cultural diversity and the structure of the learning experience. Every module, every residency, and every group project brought different challenges that pushed me to grow beyond my industry lens.
WHAT MAKES THE GLOBAL EXECUTIVE MBA SO SPECIAL TO YOU?
Two things: the network and the travel.
The people in my cohort were outstanding. To this day, we support each other professionally and personally. We share job opportunities, help each other prepare for interviews, and even troubleshoot work challenges together. I once posted a tough situation in our group chat and received multiple offers to help, like having a personal consultancy on call.
And the travel component was unforgettable. We had sessions in London, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Madrid. Imagine traveling to those cities with 30 or 40 friends, not just classmates, and studying together. Of course, we also enjoyed the weekends before and after. It was a very good combination of learning and life experience.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE DURING THE PROGRAM?
Honestly, the cohort connection stands out the most. Being able to rely on a global group of high-caliber professionals who genuinely want to help each other is rare. Whether it was solving a work challenge, helping someone polish a CV, or just sharing ideas, that group spirit made the experience unforgettable.
HOW HAS THE PROGRAM EQUIPPED YOU FOR YOUR ROLE AT INEOS SOLVENTS?
The MBA helped me reposition myself in the global market. Coming from Brazil, where many universities are not well-known internationally, the IE brand gave me credibility and helped me better present myself to the organization.
It also elevated my confidence and equipped me with the language and frameworks to sell myself effectively, explain my capabilities, and stand out in a highly competitive environment. It truly leveled up my profile.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS CONSIDERING THE GXMBA?
If you’re unsure, just go for it. It’s a remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have no regrets, and if I had to do it all again, I absolutely would.
That said, you need to be organized and aligned with your family and employer. It’s a serious commitment. You won’t just “attend” the program; you live it. You’ll miss weekends, family events, and special occasions. But with the right preparation and mindset, it’s an incredibly rewarding journey.