Enrique de Solís Tello
Enrique de Solís Tello is 31 years old from Seville. He holds a degree in International Business Administration and an MBA from IE. He is a partner of a boutique lifestyle hotel chain, One Shot Hotels, and founded The Seëlk, a sophisticated and timeless clothing brand for the contemporary man. Lastly, he is an expert hotel advisor for Corporate Finance at PwC Spain.
“Take advantage of every learning that life gives you, surround yourself with the best people, educate yourself and do what you are passionate about. You can never go wrong with Attitude and Aptitude.”
Q&A WITH ENRIQUE
Define your experience in the IMBA in one word.
Disruptive
What were some of the main challenges that you encountered on your way? How did your master program and IE help you through these challenges?
An entrepreneur often lacks a general overview and a vision of the whole. Moreover, in many cases they are used to working alone and without a specific order. The MBA manages to "close the circle" and make sense of everything.
How did your experience at IE prepare you for your professional career? In what ways do you think the program changed your life professionally and personally?
IE achieves that well-known phrase "connecting the dots" by working with very powerful people around you who push themselves to the max.
What was networking like in the program?
Fantastic, meeting top people from dozens of countries and nationalities from all sectors.
I'll probably have a place to sleep from someone from IE anywhere in the world.
What was your favorite memory from your time at IE?
They were very good moments and experiences, but I remember one night at 3 o'clock in the morning riding my bike (I always rode my fixie) down Serrano Street shouting with satisfaction for having done the last exam/work of my MBA.
If someone was considering going to IE, what would you tell them?
“Squeeze” every teacher, every case, every colleague, every event... every day, to be better.
Why did you choose to study this program at IE?
It was very important to me that my MBA lasted one year and that it was at a Top 10 business school and in a unique city, and Madrid gives you everything.
What is one thing you wished you knew, when you were a student? What advice would you give to students who are about to begin the program?
Be aware that the MBA year flies by, and although you are told over and over again, you don't believe it and there are things you don't do or always leave for "tomorrow."
Tell us about the IE alumni community and the impact they have had in your life and/or career. Why do you think it’s important to engage with the IE alumni community?
IE and its community accompany you for the rest of your life, and allow you to be surrounded by great professionals and never stop learning. It opens doors wherever you go and the more involved you are, the more you get back.
As one of the first contributors towards the Illuminated Bricks campaign, how does it feel?
I am proud at this moment to be able to give back to IE a little of what it has given me, and this is a great example of that.
What made you decided to give your first gift?
It simply came at the right time. Just like an idea… arrives and then you decide to execute it.
In your opinion, why is it important to give back? Why does this cause matter to you?
It should be society’s duty to give back to life some of what is given to you, however small it may be. This “chain of favours” would make this world a nicer and easier world for everyone. Besides, philanthropy in Spain is not so deeply rooted.
What can we do within our IE Community to create an impact and support education?
Education is the only way for progress in the world. It is the best gift you can give to a country/people.
With education, we always leave a better world.
What would you tell someone who was thinking about contributing?
If you can, do it. Give eyes to a person who seeks excellence in life. The wealth it provides is exponential.
If you had a billboard you could display to the entire world, what you would put on it?
If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far go together. – African Proverb –