Luis Baladia Balduque

IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ONE ASPECT OF THE BLENDED EXECUTIVE MBA THAT DEFINED YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I wouldn’t choose one aspect in particular, rather the experience overall, and the personal and professional growth that’s come from it. I’d also like to mention my excellent classmates who were very generous and, without a doubt, made the experience a positive one.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE BLENDED EXECUTIVE MBA EXPERIENCE?

I was surprised at how well the Blended format allows you to connect with other participants despite the distance. Then, during the extremely intense on-campus periods, you get the chance to further strengthen these relationships. If I have to choose one particular experience it would be working in teams thousands of miles apart. I was impressed by the motivation and effort everyone put in to organize themselves across time zones of up to 12 hours in order to get the projects and presentations done.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF STUDYING IN SUCH AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT?

This program is internationality in its highest form. Of the 25 executives in my class, there were 12 different nationalities represented, with participants working in 18 different countries. I think that this diversity is unique and extremely valuable. In addition to the MBA program material, it allows you to get a global vision that you can apply to different social and economic environments.

WHAT IMPACT HAS THE BLENDED EXECUTIVE MBA HAD ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? HOW HAS IT ENRICHED YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?

Professionally, it has fully met my expectations. I wanted to achieve a 360º vision of company management, while immersing myself in all areas of business. After finishing the EMBA, I have developed valuable skills that have helped to enhance my profile, increasing my value in the eyes of my current company and the market in general.

On a personal level, I’m still the same, although the incredible immersion that’s part of doing an MBA (especially the Blended format where there are no set times) has made me appreciate the time I spend with my family much more. I have learned to disconnect from my professional life and to set aside quality time with my wife and children, who supported me throughout the program.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST ENDURING MEMORY?

Everything! I started the EMBA in October and it was extremely intense right up until I finished in August. There were countless readings and case studies to prepare each week, as well as the forums where we would have very interesting debates. For example, in a post about marketing you could end up talking about anything from quantum physics to mathematical algorithms, with some classical philosophy thrown for good measure. Everyone was very motivated and there was no time to rest. There were always deadlines hanging over you, just like in real world of business!

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A PROFESSIONAL ABOUT TO START THE BLENDED EXECUTIVE MBA SHOULD KNOW?

It’s going to be tough. I’d recommend letting your friends and everyone at home know you’re going to disappear for 13 months. But I promise you it’ll be worth it. Personally, I had to balance the program with my job as a manager at a multinational corporation (my role also changed three months prior to the end of the EMBA). I must say that the classes on strategy, cultural change and reorganization really helped with adapting to my evolving role. Overall, it was an interesting exercise in self-awareness, and I discovered limits I didn’t know I had. In this program, organization is key and the tools IE Business School provides are essential to stay connected, whether you’re on a train, at an airport or café, so that you are able to continue working while also studying. In the end, every minute counts and the Blended format allows you to maximize your time.

WHAT KINDS OF PROFESSIONALS HAVE YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET?

Professionals of all kinds, from a broad variety of industries and specialties. This includes everything from finance professionals, to entrepreneurs, to those who worked in HR, the digital sector or marketing. As a class, we had plenty of professional experience, which allowed us to learn almost as much from each other as we did from the program itself.

WHAT IMPACT HAS STUDYING WITH SUCH TALENTED INDIVIDUALS HAD ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK?

Today, my network is more diverse than ever. I have contacts with diverse profiles and from a variety of professional sectors. It’s even continued to grow even after the EMBA. The end result is that I have a more dynamic, active and valuable network.

ARE YOU THE SAME AS YOU WERE BEFORE TAKING PART IN THE BLENDED EXECUTIVE MBA?

As I’ve already mentioned, I think I’m essentially the same. That being said, I feel I’m a more well-rounded person, both personally and professionally. In short, I have grown in many ways thanks to the EMBA.