Naoki Ono
I'm Naoki Ono, a tech consultant from Chile. I studied Business and Economics back home, and later did the Master in Digital Business and Innovation at IE, where I graduated top of my class. I started my career at PwC Chile as a tech associate, working mainly with banking clients in PMO roles.
After finishing the master’s, I landed a job as a Senior Business Analyst at Globant, a global tech consultancy, where I work with British Airways as a client. I’m part of a team that’s helping them improve their app, and I work closely with developers, designers, and product managers.
I’ve been curious about how technology can solve big scale problems and improve people’s lives worldwide. That’s what led me to shift from a more traditional business background into the tech space.
Right now, I’m focused on learning as much as I can—whether it’s about product development, or technologies—because my long-term goal is to start my own digital venture. I want to take everything I’ve learned and use it to build something that creates a huge impact.
"I wanted something that mixed business with real tech, and ideally, something that allowed me to actually do things, not just study theory---IE offered exactly that."
Define your experience in the program in one word.
Eye-opening.
In what ways do you think the program has changed your life professionally and personally?
During the program, I had the chance to attend talks by founders and digital leaders who had built businesses from scratch. That really changed the way I see the world. I realized that you don’t need to be a millionaire to start something. You just need determination, discipline, and an internet connection.
Another thing that stood out was the diversity. I was surrounded by people from completely different cultures and backgrounds. But despite all those differences, we shared the same values. That really stuck with me.
Professionally, it helped me make a big jump. I went from working mostly with banking clients at PwC Chile to working in a tech consultancy like Globant, where I’m surrounded by developers every day. It’s a whole new world for me, and I keep learning something new constantly. That wouldn’t have been possible without this master’s program.
What has been your favorite memory of your experience?
Definitely, the Venture Lab. It was such a great experience. It’s IE’s startup competition, where you build and pitch your own startup idea to potential investors and mentors. I made a group with my classmates, and I focused on building the MVP. Our idea was like Tinder, but for finding co-founders.
What I really enjoyed was the process—from brainstorming and prototyping to presenting. We had regular meetings with our mentor, and every week felt like building something real, not just for a class. We didn’t make it past the semi-finals, but honestly, the process was way more valuable than the result. It felt like a real startup journey, and I learned a lot from it.
Why did you choose to study this program at IE?
I spent weeks looking for the right master’s program. I checked rankings, websites, etc. I wanted something that mixed business with real tech, and ideally, something that allowed me to actually do things, not just study theory.
The Master in Digital Business & Innovation at IE stood out right away because it offered that. Once I joined, I realized it was even more complete than I expected. We covered topics like machine learning, blockchain, computer vision—it was the first time I got to explore those areas in a real, practical way.
What were some of the main challenges that you encountered on your way? How did your master's program and IE help you through these challenges?
One of the biggest challenges for me was learning to work closely in teams. I’m someone who likes to have everything under control, and I usually prefer to work solo because I know exactly how I want things done. But in this program, that wasn’t an option. You’re constantly working in teams, and you need to find ways to collaborate, and lead when needed—especially during finals.
Another big fear of mine was public speaking. I used to get really nervous about presenting in front of people. But at IE, I had to present almost every two weeks, in front of classmates, professors, and mentors. At first, it was super uncomfortable, but with time, I slowly became more confident.
What advice would you give to IE University students and alumni looking to pursue this program and a similar career path?
Give your 100% and don’t hold back. Before doing this master, I didn’t always give my 100% —because if I failed, I could tell myself "well, I didn’t really try." That way, failure didn’t hurt as much. But during this program, I decided to go all in. I told myself: if I’m doing this, I’m going to do it right.
I signed up for every opportunity, worked hard on every project, and gave my best, even when I was tired. That mindset helped me finish at the top of my class, while also working hard with my team on the Venture Lab.
This master is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. But it’s up to you: if you don’t go all in, it’ll just be another year abroad. If you do, it’ll be unforgettable.