Gerardo Xavier Calderón Herrera
As a dynamic innovator and business design specialist, I have a passion for delivering innovative solutions and driving business growth in the Food FMCG and Technology sectors. Over 7+ years, I have successfully built and launched several new products and businesses, including mobile apps, industry 4.0 solutions and multiple food brands and products. As an entrepreneur, I founded and scaled 3 start-ups from ideation to ongoing operations, leveraging research and understanding of customer needs, market trends, and emerging technologies. I am currently in the process of launching a new venture.
“To me, the creative process is all about the journey, not the destination. Imagine creativity as your daily playlist, one that you revisit and refine regularly. Embrace the daily practice of creativity and keep adding new tracks to make it even better.”
DEFINE YOUR EXPERIENCE IN Master in Customer Experience and Innovation IN ONE WORD.
Meaningful.
IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU THINK PROGRAM HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY?
In terms of professional impact, the program equipped me with a range of problem-solving tools and mental models tailored for dealing with complexity. I learned to dissect intricate challenges, and adapt to changing scenarios to come up with creative solutions to all sorts of problems. I believe that I gained a deeper understanding of human behaviour, enabling me to make address issues with a more human-centered and holistic approach.
You cannot talk about the MCXI without mentioning resilience. The program is very demanding and you need to become better at handling setbacks and uncertainties, both in your professional and personal life, but the program offers the tools necessary to step up to the challenge.
Personally, the program helped boost my confidence. I now feel more equipped to tackle any kind of challenges. The program's emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving has been a game-changer in my personal development.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOUR EXPERIENCE?
Without a doubt, my most memorable experience from the program was our final project in the Storytelling class during the first term. Our team, Team C, decided to create a lengthy video that showcased the strong friendship we'd formed while working together throughout the term. True to form, we ended up putting the finishing touches on it at the very last minute, racing to meet the due date.
What's even more remarkable is that our Team C WhatsApp group is still buzzing with life to this day. We continue to stay connected, sharing stories, and keeping the camaraderie alive. That project truly bonded us, and it's a testament to the enduring friendships formed during our time in the program.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM AT IE?
As I began working and developing my professional career, I realized that innovation was my true calling. I wanted a place that not only fostered creativity but also provided the practical skills to thrive in a complex world. The fact that IE University is in the heart of Madrid also helped a lot, so it became the natural choice. It was the only place that offered what was seeking: an environment where I could foster my passion for innovation, and the city backdrop added the allure of diverse cultures and people. In IE, I found a home where I could cultivate my creativity, learn to tackle new challenges, and grow both personally and professionally.
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?
Working with a team of diverse backgrounds can be challenging due to varying perspectives and communication styles. However, I learned the "yes, and" approach to communication at IE, which has been invaluable. This approach promotes open dialogue, respect for different viewpoints, and collaboration, helping us leverage our team's diversity to create innovative solutions. It fosters an environment where every idea is valued and expanded upon, ultimately leading to more well-rounded outcomes.
WHAT IS NETWORKING LIKE IN the program?
The MCXI has a growing network from everyone that has taken the program, that has proven to be one of it´s strenghts. The alumni mentor program, in particular, stands out as a testament to this network's strength. It provides current students with access to alumni who offer guidance and support.
