SWIPE

Giselle Saati

They don’t tell you how to solve problems, you just have to be creative and figure it out on your own. This is something I face, both as a business woman, and as a gemologist. I need to examine each piece carefully to find the perfect way to put it all together, without the appearance of them ever having been apart. In both of these roles, I see myself as a problem-solver, and I enjoy the challenges on a personal and professional level.

For me, Crossfit is vital

The sky's the limit in terms of what you can achieve. Training doesn't just help me stay strong and healthy, it’s about staying positive, and building a powerful character that prepares me mentally for the challenges I face in life.

Set goals that are specific, realistic and congruent with your values. Then you will feel joy and gratitude when living your dreams.<
Gisselle Saati - International MBA

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Kirti Srivastava

To prove yourself you need to have very clear goals. Unfortunately, being a woman means that you often have to work twice as hard as men to make a name for yourself. We need to acknowledge this and refuse to let it slow us down. I have 10 years of banking experience in both investment and private banking in Singapore and Dubai. I have also lived in India and Spain, and I think living in multicultural environment has shaped me into who I am. It’s broadened my mind, allowing me to see things from different perspectives.

Salsa is a very important part of my life

it has helped me get to know myself and have fun. It has allowed me to travel and meet people with shared interests, aside from dancing. Salsa has also taught me about trust; you need to trust your partner, to rely on him while dancing. In a way, you learn to communicate without words.

as a woman I have no country, as a woman my country is the whole world - Virginia Woolf<
Kirti Srivastava - International MBA

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Oleksandr Bondarenko

I see myself as a natural entrepreneur and innovator—a visionary changing the world we live in. I run a start-up called Discoperi to identify risky drivers and share that information with other people on the road. The idea came to me when I was in a taxi with my family, and the driver ignored a red light. Although nothing happened, I was scared something could have. I decided I wanted to do something about it.

I learned to play chess when I was four

It gave me the ability to think ahead, something I do in every area of my life. I believe that is better to be proactive and take matters into your own hands, instead of waiting around to see what happens.

The difference between a winner and a loser in business is just perseverance. Once you’ve found that one thing—never give up... One day your dream will be real.<
Oleksandr Bondarenko - International MBA

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Karim Parra

As an economist, you need to be conscious of the fact that you’re in charge of someone’s hard-earned cash. To do it well, you need to be aware of every step you take.

My doctor recommended starting yoga when I was 16 years old to help with a knee injury

It’s helped me achieve more than I ever thought possible. It allows you to focus your body, and be aware of your breathing and the thoughts in your head. One day, you realize you are able to connect with all three simultaneously. This helps you gain a deeper understanding of who you are.

I have no expectations for the future. The present is the most important part of your life. It’s all you have.<
Karim Parra - International MBA

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Enrique Solís

My name is Enrique Solís and I’m an entrepreneur. I have two companies: The Seëlk, and One Shot Hotels. The first came out of my love of fashion, and a unique business opportunity that presented itself. One Shot Hotels is a small chain of boutique hotels that offer unique lodgings, an art gallery and a modern design. We started out with one 45-bedroom hotel and we now own 9 hotels all around Spain, with several international development projects in progress.

I consider myself to be restless, hardworking and adventurous, but also somewhat of an introvert.

However, I’ve never been one to say no to a new experience. I believe that curiosity leads to creativity. Ideas come from seeing the world, reading and studying. After that, it’s about connecting the dots. For me, elegance is about being true to yourself, both in your thoughts and in your actions. If you do this, everything will work out for you. It’s all about knowing your direction in life, and believing in yourself, even if no one else does. If you don’t take the leap of faith, someone else will.

Be ambitious, seek perfection. Live by curiosity and intuition rather than obsolete standards and nonsense conventions.<
Enrique Solís - International MBA

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Dream-Doers