Juan de Dios Lechuga
I was born in Jaen, Spain, and I’m an industrial engineer. I decided to join IE Business School’s Executive MBA because I was interested in gaining new insights on running a business from the perspective of senior management. My classmates were a fundamental part of the EMBA experience, and this aspect allowed me to grow. As they all come from diverse sectors and have varying backgrounds, they have given me a practical vision of how different companies face challenges daily.
I am currently a partner at KPMG (Spain), working in financial risk. In my current position, I help improve risk management models to better predict the risk companies are exposed to, ensuring the management systems are both effective and efficient. As someone who is passionate about data and math, I make sure the people I work with every day are aware that numbers are a decision-making mechanism that improve the way we work.
"Thanks to my classmates, the EMBA has become one of the best experiences of my life."
IF YOU HAD TO DEFINE YOUR EXECUTIVE MBA EXPERIENCE IN JUST ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
It would definitely be sharing. During the program, there are many times when you need the support of your classmates, and you help each other out. This makes the classes, the projects and the time spent much more pleasant and satisfying. Thanks to them, the EMBA has become one of the best experiences of my life.
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE EXECUTIVE MBA EXPERIENCE?
Working and learning with people from such diverse professional contexts stands out as a particularly valuable aspect of the Executive MBA. Sharing experiences and real knowledge with professionals from distinct backgrounds, careers and sectors has enriched the learning experience and contributed to the EMBA’s overarching practical vision.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF STUDYING IN SUCH AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT?
I think that diversity allows you to grow both personally and professionally. Learning about different cultures and perspectives helps you expand your world view and explore new ideas. This allows you to become more flexible professionally, preparing you for work in an increasingly globalized world.
WHAT IMPACT HAS THE EXECUTIVE MBA HAD ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE? HOW HAS IT ENRICHED YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?
In a professional sense, the Executive MBA has allowed me to enhance my profile as an engineer. I have acquired skills and knowledge that I didn’t previously have the opportunity to develop, while also gaining a global perspective on how to manage a company. This comprehensive understanding of how organizations work has proven invaluable for those of us whose professional background is limited to a specific field or industry. It’s allowed us to take problems to a managerial level much more efficiently. With regard to the personal aspect, I’ve gained a group of life-long friends.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST ENDURING MEMORY?
Class discussions. By sharing opinions and being exposed to different perspectives, you realize that there are many ways to deal with the same problem. Combining these ideas while working with others is the only way we can hope to move forward and evolve.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A PROFESSIONAL ABOUT TO START THE EXECUTIVE MBA SHOULD KNOW?
There are two key issues to consider. The first is that the Executive MBA requires effort and dedication. With all the readings, studying, individual work, weekly group meetings and weekend classes, you need to be well organized to make the most of the program. The second is that, regardless of each person’s own personal sacrifice, their social, familial and professional environment is vital in order to find the time and energy necessary to give the EMBA their all.
WHAT KINDS OF PROFESSIONALS HAVE YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET?
The diversity of the participants’ profiles is one of the things that surprised me the most about the Executive MBA. I’ve had the opportunity to work with professionals of different ages, with varying levels of skills and knowledge, and from distinct sectors. This has allowed me to truly maximize my learning experience and learn firsthand about industries that I wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
WHAT IMPACT HAS STUDYING WITH SUCH TALENTED INDIVIDUALS HAD ON YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK?
Studying with such an outstanding and talented group of professionals makes you demand more of yourself. You end up striving to be more innovative and are more critical of your own work. What’s more, learning in a competitive environment helps you prepare for the realities of the professional world. If you want to stand out and make an impact, you need to be constantly evolving.
ARE YOU THE SAME AS YOU WERE BEFORE YOU BEGAN THE EXECUTIVE MBA?
I think I’m more well-rounded in a lot of different ways. Taking part in an experience of this magnitude has a strong impact on both your professional development and your personal life. I have acquired more marketable skills and have become more efficient in my professional life, which benefits both my company and my colleagues. Also, I’ve expanded my circle of friends and talented professionals, and I’m sure I will remain close to them for many years to come.